8 Tips For Protecting Luggage From Bed Bugs

With Summer having arrived, most people in the UK are planning their holidays. And while you may be looking forward to days on the beach, please remember one thing. Bed bugs are a clear and present danger. You do not want your peace of mind interrupted because you brought these bugs back home. What this means is that you need to take measures against these pests. This mostly involves safeguarding your luggage. But how do you protect luggage from bed bugs?

1. Cover luggage once reaching your destination

When reaching your destination do not simply leave your suitcase lying on the floor or in a cupboard. Get a bin bag and place your luggage inside of this bag. Next, close the top of the bag tightly. Doing this will help to protect luggage from bed bugs and keep these pests out of your suitcase. Then you can check your hotel room.

2. Keep clothing in plastic bags

When packing, place all items of clothing into zip-lock bags. When unpacking, do not remove this clothing until you’re going to wear it. This should help to keep bed bugs away from your clothes.

3. Place dirty clothing back into bags

Repeat this process with dirty clothes. Do not leave them on the floor or place them in your luggage. This gives bed bugs the opportunity to climb into your clothing. Instead, put the clothing into the plastic bag from that it came.

4. Thoroughly inspect luggage before leaving

The best way to protect luggage from bed bugs, particularly in public places, is by inspecting every inch of your luggage. Bring a torch to help you do this. Pay special attention to folds, zippers, pockets and smaller compartments.

5. Inspect each item of clothing

Even clothing that was placed into bags must be inspected. Take this clothing out of the bag and go over it with your torch. Look carefully along folds and in pockets.

6. Leave luggage open

It’s a good idea to pack the night before and leave your open luggage in the bathroom. This gives bed bugs the opportunity to crawl out of your suitcase.

7. Leave luggage in your garage on return

Do the same thing when getting home. Avoid taking suitcases into your bedroom and immediately unpacking because bed bugs hide in very small spaces. It’s a far better idea to leave luggage in your garage for several days. Hopefully, if you have brought home bed bugs, they will crawl away.

8. Unpack in your laundry room

Finally, bring the suitcase home and unpack in your utility room or laundry area. Remove all clothing and wash it immediately. Also closely inspect all non-clothing items and look through your suitcase one last time. All of this may seem a bit overboard, but it’s the only way to protect luggage from bed bugs.