As the holiday season approaches, you may be setting off soon to see the rest of the family. If you’re staying at hotels at any point along the way, though, you’ll want to know how to avoid the most unwelcome of holiday stowaways: bedbugs. To prevent these pests from ruining the festivities, use the following tips wherever you travel.

3 Ways to Prevent Bedbugs This Holiday Season

1. Keep Your Eyes Peeled

As soon as you arrive in your hotel room, remind the family not to settle in just yet. Leave all your luggage near the entrance—or even out in the hall—and use a flashlight to comb the room.

Lift up bedding and mattress covers and inspect the seams for tiny, red-brown insects. Look behind headboards and in the seams of chairs, sofas, or chaise lounges as well. If you spot anything, ask to change rooms immediately.

2. Err on the Side of Caution

It’s best to take precautions even if you don’t see any bedbugs during your inspection. These pests may sneak into your luggage during your stay, hitching a ride back in the car or on the plane.

To prevent this, wrap suitcases and other luggage in plastic trash bags. Keep your suitcase in the bathtub if you don’t have access to a large enough bag on you—the insects are least likely to hang out there.

3. Use Heat

In some cases, you can kill bedbugs just by leaving your clothes and luggage in the car during a hot day. However, you’ll need to resort to other tactics during the winter holidays.

If you spot any of these pests on your belongings, put them in the washer on the hot cycle followed by the dryer on high heat. The pests can’t survive at temperatures over 122 degrees. If you can’t throw certain items in the washing machine, take them to a dry cleaner or get rid of them.

If you notice bedbugs after your holiday vacation, get in touch with Select Pest Control of Hebron, KY. They’ve been eliminating pests for over 30 years, catering to both residential and commercial clients. As members of the Northern Kentucky Homebuilders Association, you can count on their expertise and canine search techniques to rid your home of infestations. Call (513) 352-0080 to schedule an appointment or visit the website to learn more about their services.