Editorial review: October 17, 2026 · Educational guide · Travel
In brief: What to do at home if you stayed somewhere questionable. We focus on what you can verify and which steps are safe and realistic.
Use a staging area
Keep bags off beds and upholstered furniture while you unpack. A hard floor or other easily inspected surface is helpful.
Separate clothing
Place dryer-safe items directly into a bag or the dryer, and follow garment labels. The EPA recommends high heat for 30 minutes for items that tolerate it.
Inspect the suitcase
Examine seams, pockets and folds with a flashlight. Vacuuming luggage carefully can help remove accessible insects, but it does not guarantee that hidden bugs or eggs are gone.
Handle sensitive items thoughtfully
Electronics, shoes and delicate clothing may require different approaches. Do not indiscriminately spray them or place heat-sensitive items in high-temperature equipment.
Watch without obsessing
Over the following weeks, be alert for physical evidence around sleeping areas. A bite alone does not establish where exposure occurred.