With summer travel in full swing, it is especially relevant right now to protect yourself from bed bugs. As a Myrtle Beach attorney, these cases are more common than you’d think. As someone who represents clients for bed bugs, I plan vacations a little differently.

Vacation Planning as a Bed Bug Attorney

Here are 5 things I do every time I travel — whether it’s a hotel or a rental.

1. I search the property + “bed bugs” before I book.
I Google “[Hotel Name] + bed bugs” and scan reviews. Here’s a sample. If there’s more than one recent report, it’s not worth the risk to me.

2. I inspect the room before unpacking.
Pull back the sheets, check the mattress seams, and peek behind the headboard if you can. Look for tiny black dots (droppings), shed skins, or live bugs (they’re about the size of an apple seed). Insider tip: turning off the lights and searching with a flashlight can help. Look closely.

3. I keep my luggage off the bed and floor.
Ideally, I leave my suitcase in the car or in the hallway until I complete my check. Otherwise, I use the luggage rack. I wait to unpack until I feel comfortable with the room.

4. I take pictures.
If anything goes wrong later, documentation makes a huge difference.

5. When I get home, I throw everything in the dryer.
High heat kills bed bugs. I dry my clothes on hot, even if I didn’t wear them. It’s a precaution, just in case.

Is this a little much? In my opinion, no.
Most hotels and rentals won’t tell you about past infestations. If you’re bitten and the property didn’t take proper precautions, you may have a legal case.

I’ve helped clients recover compensation for ruined vacations, physical pain, emotional distress, and medical bills. If you think you were exposed, take photos, keep records, and reach out. Contact me.