A hotel worker shared her tips for overcoming one of the biggest problems travelers face in hotels.
Halee, who has worked in the hospitality industry for 15 years, told us how to check mattresses for unwanted guests – we’re talking those dreaded bed bugs.
First, she warns guests not to unpack before thoroughly searching the room, in a TikTok video that has been viewed more than five million times.
In order to discover the bloodsuckers’ favorite hiding spots, you need to turn off the lights and close the blinds. Next, use your phone’s flashlight 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 all the blinds and use a flashlight on your phone,” she said.
“While everything is off, get under the covers here… and look under all the folds and around the corners of the mattress.
“They usually like to hang out in the corners and folds. You’ll also want to check under the mattress. Also make sure that there is a mattress topper.
“…If it has a traditional box spring, I always lift it up and look under the top and bottom as well.”
Halee said it’s best to check for bed bugs at night because they’re “nocturnal” and “more likely to be out looking for their prey.”
Even if you don’t see the bugs themselves, keep an eye out for blood stains, as this means they are nearby.
So what if you discover bed bugs? First, pack your items in bags as soon as possible.
One woman shared her tips on checking your hotel room for bed bugs. TikTok/haleewithflair
“So if you found out the hard way that 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 to do is pack up all your stuff,” she said.
“Pack it in plastic bags, even double them. You can go to reception and even get housekeeping’s garbage bags because you don’t want to bring any of that into your car or home.”
Then get evidence and talk to the receptionist.
Bed bugs are great at hiding, so this hotel worker helps people find their favorite haunts. TikTok/haleewithflair
“If you check in and search your room and find a bed bug infestation, a bug itself, or stains, take photos, make a note and take it to the front desk and ask for another room,” she suggested.
“Most hotel employees will most likely give you your money back.”
She said there are some rooms in the same hotel that could also be infested, but others could be fine.
“Just because they’re in one room doesn’t mean they’re in all rooms.
Bed bugs like to hide in mattress seams. TikTok/haleewithflair
“What you often find with a bed bug infestation is that they are usually in the spaces on the sides, above or below.
“So if you want a different room, ask for one on a completely different side of the building.”
When it comes to the dirtiest spots in hotel rooms, Halee said the pullout sofas, headboard tops, nightstands, mini-fridges, and microwave ovens are the grossest spots.
