A hotel worker has shared her tips for overcoming one of the biggest problems travelers face in hotels.
Halee, who has worked in the hotel industry for 15 years, has shared how to inspect mattresses for any unwanted guests – we’re talking about those dreaded bed bugs.
First, she cautions guests not to unpack before thoroughly searching the room, in a TikTok video that’s been viewed more than five million times.
In order to spot the blood suckers’ favorite hiding places, you’ll need to turn off the lights and close the blinds. Next, use the flashlight on your phone to search every corner and crease of the mattress.
“The first thing you want to do in your room is turn off the lights, close any shades and use a flashlight on your phone,” she said.
“While everything is off, you’re going to come up here under the covers … and check under all the creases and around the corners of the mattress.
“They usually like to hang out in the corners and the creases. You’re going to want to check underneath the mattress too. Also, pay attention if there’s a mattress pad too.
“ … If it has a traditional box spring I always lift up and look underneath top and bottom too.”
Halee said it’s best to look for bed bugs at night as they’re “nocturnal” and “they’re more likely to be out and about looking for their prey”.
Even if you don’t see the bugs themselves, look out for any spots of blood as that means they are around.
So what if you do spot some bed bugs? Firstly, get your items into bags as quickly as possible.
“So if you found out the hard way, you have a bunch of bed bug bites, you didn’t get a chance to search the room and you end up finding it, the first thing you need to do is bag up all your stuff,” she said.
“Put it in plastic bags, even double them up. You can go to front desk and even get the housekeeping garbage bags because you do not want to bring any of that into your car or home.”
Then, get evidence and talk to the front desk.
“If you check in and search your room, and you find a bed bug infestation, a bug itself, or stains, take pictures, make a note and take it down to front desk, and ask for another room,” she suggested.
“Most hotel workers are going to give you your money back more than likely.”
She said there are some rooms in the same hotel that could also be infested, but others may be fine.
“Just because they’re in one room, doesn’t mean they’re in all the rooms.
“What you tend to find with a bed bug infestation is that they’ll typically be in the rooms on the sides, above or below.
“So if you’re going to get another room, ask for one from a completely different side of the building.”
When it comes to the dirtiest places in the hotel rooms, Halee said the pullout sofas, top of the headboards, nightstands, mini-fridges and microwaves were the grossest spots.
