5 Easy tricks to Spot Bed Bug When Staying in Hotels or Airbnb with Kids.
Traveling with kids is always a beautiful adventureābut waking up to find your child covered in red, itchy bites is every parentās nightmare. Unfortunately, bed bugs are more common in hotels and Airbnb units than weād like to think. These tiny pests are expert hiders, and they don’t just live in cheap motelsāthey can show up even in clean, well-rated places.Ā
The good news? You donāt have to wait for the bites to appear to know if a room has bed bugs. In this blog, weāll share 5 simple tricks to detect bed bugs earlyābefore they make your familyās trip miserable. Plus, weāll introduce you to a must-have travel essential to prevent and eliminate bed bugs while keeping your child safe.
Why You Should Check for Bed BugsāEspecially When Traveling with KidsĀ
Bed bugs donāt spread disease, but their bites can cause:Ā
- Red, itchy weltsĀ
- Allergic reactionsĀ
- Sleep disruptionĀ
- Emotional stress, especially in childrenĀ
Young children are particularly vulnerable due to their sensitive skin and inability to communicate discomfort clearly. Many parents only discover bed bugs after they notice bites on their child the next morning. By then, itās too late.Ā
Prevention starts with awareness. Here’s how to check for signs of bed bugs the moment you enter your hotel or Airbnb room.Ā
5 Easy tricks to Spot Bed Bug When Staying in Hotels or Airbnb with Kids.
These simple checks take just a few minutes but can save you days of discomfort and worry.
1. Donāt Unpack Immediately ā Inspect First
Before settling in:Ā
- Leave your luggage on a hard surface (bathroom floor or desk), not the bed or fabric chair.Ā
- Avoid putting bags directly on the bed or carpet.Ā
Bed bugs can crawl into your luggage quickly. Protect your belongings while you do your inspection.Ā
2. Check the Mattress Seams and Headboard
Ā
The most common hiding place? The bed itself.Ā
Use your phone torch or a small flashlight and look closely at:Ā
- Mattress seams, especially at cornersĀ
- Edges of the mattress and box springĀ
- Under the mattress tagsĀ
- Behind the headboard (if removable or visible)Ā
Look for:Ā
- Tiny black dots (bed bug droppings)Ā
- Small reddish-brown stainsĀ
- Shedded skins (bed bugs molt)Ā
- Live bugs (flat, oval, reddish-brown about 4-5mm long)Ā
Tip: Use a credit card or room key to scrape along mattress seamsāthis may help uncover hidden bugs.Ā
3. Inspect Sofa Cushions, Curtains & Fabric Chairs
Bed bugs donāt only stay in bedsāthey can hide in any upholstered furniture.Ā
Pay attention to:Ā
- Seams and folds of fabric chairsĀ
- Behind and under sofa cushionsĀ
- Curtains, especially at the bottomĀ
- Edges of rugs and carpetsĀ
Again, look for similar signs: black dots, stains, shed skins, or live bugs.Ā
4. Examine the Bed Frame and Nightstand
Hard surfaces close to sleeping areas are also favorite hiding spots.Ā
Check:Ā
- Joints and screw holes in the bed frameĀ
- Behind and under the nightstandĀ
- Cracks or gaps in wooden furnitureĀ
You may spot bed bugs tucked away in small crevicesāespecially near the bed.Ā
5. Sniff the Air ā Yes, Really
Some people describe the scent of a bed bug-infested room as:Ā
- Sweet, musty, or ābuggyā smellĀ
- Similar to old locker room towels or overripe raspberriesĀ
While this method isnāt foolproof, a strong, unpleasant odor may be a subtle red flagāespecially if paired with visual signs.Ā
What to Do If You Spot Bed Bug Signs
- Donāt panic, but donāt ignore it either.Ā
- Take clear photos or videos of the evidence.Ā
- Notify hotel or Airbnb host immediately and request a room change or refund.Ā
- Avoid using the same roomās furniture, and donāt unpack until you relocate.Ā
- Wash all clothing with hot water as soon as possibleāeven those you didnāt wear.Ā
Preventive Protection: Donāt Travel Without BerryC Naturalle Bed Bug & Mite SprayĀ
Even when you donāt see obvious signs, bed bugs can still be hiding out of sight. Thatās why preventive protection is essentialāespecially when traveling with babies or young children.Ā
BerryC Naturalle Bed Bug & Mite Spray is a parent-approved solution to protect your loved ones during travel.Ā
Why Parents Trust BerryC Naturalle Bed Bug & Mite Spray:
- ā Dual Action ā Not just repels, but also kills bed bugs and dust mitesĀ
- ā Tested & Proven Formula ā Backed by third-party lab validationĀ
- ā Safe for Baby & Skin ā Gentle yet powerful; safe to spray on bedding and fabricsĀ
- ā Natural Ingredients ā With Neem Oil, Lavender, and Eucalyptus ExtractĀ
- ā Compact & Travel-Friendly ā 100ml bottle fits easily in your bag or carry-onĀ
- ā Easy to Use ā Just spray on:Ā
- Hotel bed and pillowsĀ
- Sofa and cushionsĀ
- Luggage and backpacksĀ
- Curtains and carpetsĀ
š” Pro Tip: Spray daily on high-contact areas during your stayādonāt wait until bites appear.Ā
Conclusion
A relaxing trip can turn stressful in an instant when bed bugs are involvedāespecially with children in tow. But with a few quick checks and the right preparation, you can avoid unwanted surprises and protect your familyās comfort.Ā
Before you settle into any hotel or Airbnb:Ā
- Do a simple room inspectionĀ
- Avoid placing bags on fabric surfacesĀ
- Stay alert for signs of bed bugsĀ
And for peace of mind, keep BerryC Naturalle Bed Bug & Mite Spray in your travel kit. Itās your invisible shield against hidden threatsāand a must-have for any parent who travels with kids.Ā
Your childās comfort and safety come firstāmake sure youāre always one step ahead.Ā
