What exactly am I looking for when I check the room for bedbugs?

[BC]

I know I can go do a search and pull up a textbook pic of a grown bedbug, but I was wondering if I check in to my room, what exactly am I looking for? I assume they would not be scattering around like roaches as most people report they don't know they are there until they get the bite marks. I read some pretty disturbing stuff about the nightmare of bringing them home and just want to try to avoid that! Can anyone give an exact description of what we need to do to check before we unpack?

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/vector/vector-faq1.pdf

That link takes you to a PDF Fact Sheet on bed bugs from NYC.

 

[BC]

Guess I'll be bringing along a flashlight and playing card for my inspection!!

 

[BC]

I know there is someone out there that has been thru some experience with this! You guys know about everything!!

 

[kristilew]

This article ran in a magazine we get called Bottom Line Personal:

B edbugs -- small nocturnal insects that feed on human and animal blood -- are a growing problem in hotels in the US and abroad, as well as in apartment houses, dormitories, sleep-away camps and other places. Unlike mosquitoes, bedbugs don't transmit disease -- but their bites can cause irritation and discomfort. They do not attach themselves to people. They move from place to place via luggage, clothing and other items. To protect yourself...

When staying in hotels, motels and other facilities: Pull back the bed sheets, and check the mattress seams and tufts. Look for live bugs that are about one-quarter to one-half-inch long and vary in color from reddish brown to nearly transparent. Also check for light brown, translucent molted skins and pin-sized black spots (excrement). If possible, pull back the fabric headboard and inspect it, too. If signs are present, ask for another room. Also: Keep your luggage in the bathroom until you have checked the bed.

When you return home: Leave luggage outside until you have inspected each item.

At home: If you find bedbugs on an article of clothing, comforters or other linens, wash them in 150° F water. You may also want to call an exterminator. Do not bring used furniture or mattresses into your home.


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HTH. and BTW, I'm in Wilmington too! Glad to know a fellow Diser could be next to me in line at the HT!

 

[BC]

I was just in the HT today!

 

[RangerPooh]

Whenever we check into a hotel we pull back the sheets and look at the mattress. We look for small bugs and rusty blood spots along the seams/edges. So far we've never seen any sign of them (keeping fingers crossed).