bed bug travel protection

How to prevent bedbugs when traveling

French officials are attempting to quell Paris ' bedbug problem ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics after footage claiming the appearance of bedbugs across France — in Airbnbs, on public transportation and at movie theaters — has gone viral on social media.

It's a timely reminder that bedbugs are an unfortunate yet common reality, whether you're at home or traveling. It has even led guests to sue hotels following outbreaks. There have also been instances of bedbugs found on board airplanes and at airports .

Approximately 20% of U.S. homes and hotels have bedbugs annually, and nearly 68% of the reported bedbug infestations stem from hotels.

"Bed bug populations have experienced a resurgence in many parts of the world over the past couple of decades, especially within the last couple of years due in part to increased travel postponed during the height of the pandemic," an entomologist from Orkin Pest Control said. "However, other factors have led to an increase in bed bug infestations in recent years, including resilience to treatment, lack of public awareness and changing pest control practices."

Travelers shouldn't worry about regularly encountering bedbugs in hotels, especially since reputable accommodations proactively control pests through treatments and routine inspections.

However, with all travel comes inherent risk, so it's important to be aware of the possibility and take preventive measures when traveling. This can help with early detection, especially in densely populated areas with lots of tourists.

"Cities and regions with major airports or transportation hubs often see higher rates of bedbug infestations because they can unknowingly hitchhike along with travelers from different locations," according to Orkin.

To help protect you and your belongings from bedbugs while on the road, here are five tips to follow, plus what steps you should take if you find bedbugs.

Tips to prevent bedbugs when traveling

Believe it or not, bedbug prevention starts before you begin your trip, though there are also several steps you'll want to take once you leave home to ensure your travels remain bedbug-free.

Check bedbug policies before making any hotel reservations

As you research properties for your trip, reach out to any hotel you're interested in to see what its bedbug policy is before you reserve a room.

Hotels should be able to speak to their bedbug prevention and control program, including regular inspections and access to a professional pest control company, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene .

Inspect hotel beds, cushions and drapes, and put luggage in the bathtub or shower

Do your due diligence the next time you're checking into a hotel room. A quick visual scan is your best defense (not all people who get bitten by bedbugs have a skin reaction, so you could be packing them up in your luggage and have no idea). Bedbugs are nocturnal, so if you arrive during the day, you likely won't be able to spot them in the flesh.

First, put your suitcase somewhere that is not on your bed. If there's no luggage rack, leave it in the entryway or even the bathroom. Anywhere is better than putting it on the bed — especially before determining whether your bed may be infested. Bedbugs hide in soft spots, so using a luggage rack is your best bet, as they can't climb up the metal legs.

When it comes to luggage, consider that bedbugs are less likely to attach to hard-shelled suitcases versus soft-shelled bags.

When you're ready to check for bedbugs, peel back the linens of your bed until you can see the mattress, particularly the corners and the lining. Instead of looking for actual bugs, you'll want to see if there's any bedbug excrement, which mimics tiny little ink blots that a pen might leave.

Search the sheets, inside pillowcases and, most importantly, alongside the seams of the mattress. Look under the mattress while you're at it, but be prepared to find a few crumbs here and there.

Be thorough with this process, and look beyond the mattress to include the headboard and any upholstered furniture.

Throughout your trip, regularly examine your clothing and luggage to catch a bedbug infestation in the early stages.

Bring a portable bedbug trap

If you want to take it a step further, you can purchase a portable bedbug trap to accompany you on trips.

One such option is the Ortho Home Defense Bed Bug Trap , which retails for $17 and promises to attract any particularly evasive bedbugs within one hour of setting it up.

Clean your luggage with a steamer and spray

Once you complete your bed sweep, if you want further peace of mind, you can consider using a travel steamer to clean your luggage. To effectively kill bedbugs, the surface temperature needs to be at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit, so you'll need a steamer strong enough to reach those temperatures, such as the Beautural travel steamer .

For $35, this steamer provides 15 minutes of continuous steaming via a detachable 8.79-ounce water tank. It claims to heat up in 30 seconds and is safe on all fabrics, including clothes, curtains and furniture. It has three additional attachments for versatile steaming options.

Be sure to steam every inch of your luggage inside and out, remembering to unzip the lining and steam inside the pockets, around the handles and by the wheels.

If you are still concerned, consider removing and washing all clothing in hot water before drying your items on high heat.

If steaming your suitcase and washing your clothes is too much effort, pack a travel-size bedbug spray like this one from Hygea Natural for $10.99. At 3 ounces, it meets the Transportation Security Administration's 3-1-1 liquids rule guidance, so you can carry it on a plane. It's even child- and pet-safe and doesn't have an odor, so it won't leave a residue.

Simply spray it upon the affected surface to exterminate any concerns about bedbugs.

Check your airplane seat

"While people mostly think of bedbug infestations at hotels, other common bedbug hiding places are taxis, buses and airplanes," according to Orkin. "Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers, so they have plenty of opportunity to catch a ride with unsuspecting travelers. The insects creep into upholstery, carpeting, and gaps along seat frames."

To avoid bedbug issues while on a plane, Orkin suggests inspecting the upholstery, carpeting and gaps along seat frames after you board and before you sit down to look for eggs or even full-size bugs near the cracks and crevices of the seatback cushions.

Steps to take if you find bedbugs

In the event that you discover signs of a bedbug infestation at a hotel, immediately tell the front desk agent and ask to be moved to a room that is neither above, below nor next to the offending room.

Your next order of business is getting your money refunded and leaving the property immediately. If the hotel offers to move you to another room, ask to speak to a manager. Chances are, if the bugs are in one room, they'll be in others.

After you've booked other accommodations, make sure no bugs have been transported with you to the new location by washing and drying your clothes on high heat.

If you have a credit card that offers trip protection , call the issuer to find out if the company will cover the purchase of new luggage since there isn't an easy way to treat large baggage.

Once you get to the new hotel, place the clothes you've worn in a plastic trash bag and seal it up until the clothes can be washed. Lastly, consider packing clothing in resealable plastic bags for an extra layer of protection.

If you find bedbugs at home, start with containing the infestation by isolating the affected areas.

"Do not move items from infested rooms to non-infested ones to prevent the bugs from spreading," the Orkin entomologist said. "Keep in mind if you start sleeping in another area of the house, you may spread infestation there, too."

Once the mess is contained, declutter and clean, as this will make it easier to spot and find the other bugs. Immediately wash your bedding, curtains, clothing and any other affected fabric in hot water and dry on hot heat to kill any remaining bugs or eggs.

"Because bed bug infestations can be difficult to treat, if you wait too long to get help, the problem only gets worse," Orkin said. "Hiring a pest control company is the best way to get rid of bed bugs for good. They will inspect your home, identify the source of the problem, and create a treatment plan that will eliminate these pests."

Bottom line

On your next trip, Orkin reminds travelers to keep the acronym SLEEP in mind:

• Survey the hotel room for signs of an infestation.
• Lightly lift and look in bedbug-hiding spots (the mattress, behind baseboards, pictures and torn wallpaper).
• Elevate luggage away from the bed and wall, and place belongings in the bathroom or on counters instead of on the bed.
• Examine your luggage carefully while repacking and once you return home. Always store luggage away from the bed.
• Place all your clothing from your luggage in the dryer for at least 30 to 45 minutes at the highest setting once you return home.

Also, remember that bedbugs have nothing to do with cleanliness.

"You can pick them up in the finest hotels, and they can hitchhike into the cleanest homes at any time," the Orkin entomologist said. "You can help reduce your chances of a costly bed bug infestation by catching them early."

Even once the bugs themselves are gone, the trauma can stay with you for a while. Taking the time to do your homework ahead of time before riding an airplane or checking into a hotel is well worth the effort.

Related reading:

• Bedbug infiltrating Paris: What it's like dealing with an infestation
• Should you get travel insurance if you have credit card protection?
• The best travel insurance policies and providers

How to Prevent Bed Bugs While Traveling: 8 Effective Tips

Backpacking , Packing , Packing Tips

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It’s not the nicest of topics but the truth is that not all travel is glamorous and Instagram-worthy. Budget travelers, backpackers, and some unfortunate vacation-goers may find themselves in unpleasant accommodation conditions infested with certain pesky little creatures: bed bugs. Eww. Gross but true. Learn how to prevent bed bugs while traveling with these eight helpful tips!

How to Prevent Bed Bugs

Written By: Jessica Lippe

Table Of Contents

On my first overnight trip abroad, I unknowingly shared a bed with hundreds of hungry bed bugs. I woke up with bite marks decorating my legs, and the weeks that followed included lots of itching.

Editor’s note: this happened to me on the first stop on my  RTW trip , too!

Fortunately, this one buggy experience didn’t stop me from discovering the joy of travel. Instead, I learned more about these tiny creatures and gained a few skills to detect and avoid them.

Since this outing, I’ve gone on many more travels and managed to avoid bed bugs each time, including a return trip two years later to the same hotel where I had my first and only bed bug encounter.

The secret to traveling light is to create a functional but minimalist capsule wardrobe. Learn more in my guide !

Travelers are always at risk for bed bugs. It doesn’t matter if you stay in the swankiest resort or the cheapest hostel.

I’ve been impressed over the past few years with the measures that the hospitality industry has taken to reduce infestations, but there are still a few things that we, as individuals, can do as well. All it takes is a few simple items that you can easily fit in your luggage.

Note that none of the following can guarantee you an adventure free from bed bugs, but they can help slow the spread of these unwanted hitchhikers.

Here are eight tips on how to prevent bed bugs while traveling:

Delsey Helium Carry-On

The Right Kind of Suitcase

I’ve noticed that suitcases on the market today are mostly black. Although black does go with everything, it’s very difficult to spot bed bugs on a suitcase of this color!

Light-colored bags can help you detect bed bugs earlier. Better yet, a hard-sided suitcase means fewer access points for bed bugs compared to a fabric bag.

Take a look at the best hardside luggage options available!

PETZL Outdoor Headlamp

LED Flashlight

When you first arrive at a new accommodation, it’s a good idea to do a bed bug inspection. Bed bugs thrive in darkness, so turn off the lights and close the curtains to make sure you’re as thorough as possible. Using your flashlight, take the sheets off the bed and inspect the corners of the mattress.

If you see little dots, it could be blood, waste, or carcasses of bed bugs. Also, shine your flashlight in outlets, furniture screws, and other tiny hiding places.

If you see anything scurrying away from the light, leave the room and notify staff immediately. This may not help you in your mission on how to prevent bed bugs initially but at least you might be able to switch rooms.

Find out why we always pack a travel headlamp when traveling to certain destinations!

Osprey Ultralight Raincover

Heavy-Duty Garbage Bag

How to prevent bed bugs has a lot to do with planning ahead. You should keep your luggage away from any item that has the potential for bed bugs. This includes beds and other people’s luggage. When flying, don’t check your luggage but keep your carry-on with you.

If you’re staying in a hotel, use the foldable luggage holder if it’s provided. If you’re in a hostel, keep your belongings in a metal locker.

Read our hostel checklist !

But there may be some instances where you have no choice but to keep your bag where it will touch furniture and other people’s suitcases.

Whether you’re using luggage storage or stowing your backpack in the underbelly of a long-distance bus, first put it in a large, heavy-duty garbage bag as a makeshift bed bug barrier.

You can use this garbage bag method any time you want to protect your luggage. The drawbacks are that it can be a hassle to put on and take off, and you don’t want your bag to be mistaken for trash!

If you do end up getting bed bugs, please keep your luggage bagged up so you prevent spreading it to other travelers.

You can also buy a reusable backpack cover  or suitcase cover like the one shown above.

Ziploc Storage Bag

Plastic Baggies

Ziploc bags provide the same kind of protection as a heavy-duty garbage bag, but are more ideal for clothing and other small objects. Using a garbage bag outside your suitcase and baggies inside your suitcase can work double-duty in isolating and avoiding the spread of bed bugs.

As a bonus, Ziploc baggies do a great job of organizing your belongings. You could also use packing cubes !

Take a look at the best luggage organizers !

Eddie Bauer Full-Zip Hoodie Sizes: XS-XXL Regular | S-L Petite | M-XXL Tall | 2X-3X Plus

Long Pants and Long-Sleeved Clothing

During my bed bug incident, I wore capri sweatpants to bed. The bugs feasted on my calves, but I didn’t have a single bite mark above my knee.

I’ve heard from some people that clothing doesn’t always deter bed bugs, but there’s no harm in at least trying to keep them away with a protective layer in your efforts on how to prevent bed bugs.

Sleep in long pants and a long-sleeved top whenever temperature permits while traveling. Since bed bugs can infest more than just mattresses, I try to wear long pants on travel days in case they are lurking in a bus or plane seat. I’ll often even wear a scarf over my head while napping because I don’t want my face to be bitten!

There’s a variety of bug repellant clothing available. Neutral colors might be your best bet if you plan to wear them for anything other than sleeping.  Take a look!

Zella Live In High Waist Leggings | Sizes 1X-3X Plus

Machine-Washable Clothing

Even if you insist on wearing shorts and tank tops when you travel, at least make sure that all your clothes can go through a washing machine and dryer. I mostly hand-wash and line-dry my clothes when I travel, but I still check the clothing tags before I pack.

If I’m afraid that I’ve had contact with bed bugs, the heat from the hot water and clothes dryer will kill them. Although machine-washable electronics and suitcases would be nice, isolating them and wiping them down has seemed to work so far.

These are the best leggings for women that travel according to our readers!

Ethique Refreshing Soap Bar

Bar of Soap

Let’s say, despite your precautions, that you do pick up bed bugs. The good news is, you don’t have many health issues to worry about. Unlike other bugs you may face while traveling, such as ticks and mosquitos, bed bugs don’t spread disease.

However, those nasty bite marks they leave behind are at risk of infection. Clean the bites regularly with soap, and you can continue your adventures without delay.

Here are other solid toiletries to help you minimize liquids!

Sawyer Products Insect Repellent

Bug Spray? Eh, Maybe Not

The bug spray you wear to avoid mosquito bites won’t help you at all with bed bugs.

You could purchase a small canister of bed bug spray, but it comes with downsides. Most sprays on the market don’t kill bed bugs; they only repel them. That means the bugs will just hide in harder-to-find places.

If you simply want to avoid bed bugs during a short-term stay, a spray might be worth considering. But for long-term stops, these sprays will only prolong the problem.

Especially don’t use these sprays if you accidentally bring bed bugs into your own home! There are other products and methods you’ll need to use for an infestation.

For mosquitos, these are the best insect repellants for travel!

EXAMPLES OF SOME (BUT NOT ALL) BUDGET TRAVEL ACCOMMODATION

What are your tips on how to prevent bed bugs? Please comment below!

For more travel essentials, please read:

• Best Anti-theft Travel Bags
• 8 Budget Travel Essentials
• The Best Insect Repellant
• How I Could’ve Kept My Purse from Getting Stolen 

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I hope you liked this post on how to prevent bed bugs. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Author Bio: Jessica Lippe craves uncommon adventure and has fond memories in Northern Italy as part of last summer’s Mediterranean Trek. Read about her travels and other adventures at JessicaLippe.com .

16 Comments

Spray alcohol in beds and linen is the best way to ride off the bed bugs. I wasted lots of money in sophisticated insecticides and nothing work.

Thanks for sharing your tips to prevent this with us Silvia.

so i’ve been told time and time again that the hotel foldable luggage racks are one of the worst places to actually set your luggage on, as well as the bed and a carpeted floor. if you have a countertop they say that’s the best place, or the bathtub (which isn’t always practical, i know)

Hi Lisa, thank you for sharing your tips on how to avoid bed bugs with us! 🙂

is there a lightweight sleeping bag that will keep them out???

Hi Mark, thank you for reaching out! You may find this article helpful: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/sleeping-bag-liner/ A sleeping bag liner is great for keeping bugs out. Hope this answers your question! 🙂

Hello! I will be traveling cross country soon via train, spending 2 nights each way, sitting in royal blue cushioned coach seats. I have already bagged everything going into my (washable) duffel bags. I will change my clothes in the train station before entering my daughters car. (and bag the clothes I wore on the train.) I will outer bag the duffel bags before they go into my daughters trunk. When we arrive at her home, I will also spray them down with 97% alcohol (outside) when I remove the outer bags, then take the duffel bags to be dried in a laundromat to be safe. Do you think I should also put all my bagged clothes from within my duffel bags into a dryer when I empty the luggage? Also, I am stumped about my purse while on the trains. I will bag my purse with a large zip lock bag (ordered on line). Should I also bag everything within my purse? (wallet, cell phone, etc.) Any other ideas would be great! Thank you so much!!!!!

Hi Sharon, it sounds like you have everything covered! If your are particularly worried about your clothes put them in the dryer once you arrive at your destination as the heat should help to get rid of the bugs whilst protecting your clothes. Hope this helps! Have an amazing time on your trip! 🙂

Thank you for the tips. Its my biggest travel fear. What to do if, ever, you bring them home?

Try to wash your clothing as soon as you get home and never put your suitcase on your bed.

Washing does not kill bed bugs, so don’t put your bedbugs in your washer! Instead, dry your clothes FIRST (when still dirty) in a hot dryer, for 50-60 minutes. Then wash and dry your dirty washable items. This heat treatment will also protect many clothes that you cannot safely wash. After all, you cannot dry all clothes for an hour in a hot dryer after washing, it will damage many clothes. But when heated while dry, many items do fine. Also works for a lot of footwear, cheap small backpacks, etc. But don’t put your favorite sneakers or a fancy backpack in the dryer, it might not survive.

if you want to stop mosquito bites without those nasty sprays just take Vitamin B1 25mg everyday. The vitamin causes a reaction on your skin that the mosquitos dislike. I’ve used this trick for 50 years, never had it fail. Unfortunately it has not worked on those little biting gnats.

When I lived in Vancouver Canada we got bedbugs visiting. So we get to our apartment- we got naked ?? threw our clothes away and jumped in the shower.. I was in my twenties then and the thought of a bedbug and how hard to rid I was willing to streak

I love following your suggestions. Though we can’t travel at the moment, we soon will be again.

My biggest fear when travelling… not the bugs as much as the fear of bringing them home and trying to get rid of them then. Thanks for the info!

Happy to help 🙂

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What to Know About Bed Bugs—and How to Avoid Them While Traveling

A recent outbreak in paris served as a crucial reminder that it’s important to know how to spot and prevent these pests from invading your sleep, belongings, and personal health..

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Few places are safe from bed bugs. Here’s what travelers should know to avoid them.

Illustration by Shutterstock

Bed bugs, you could say, are having a moment—or, perhaps, un moment .

Paris was the latest scene of an outbreak that made global headlines as the city that’s hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics scrambled to arrest a resurgence of the insects that are on every traveler’s no-go list.

But Paris is hardly alone when it comes to the pests; bed bugs can be found almost anywhere in the world and at any time.

So, what can travelers do should they encounter the pesky problem on the road? Here’s what to know.

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are wingless parasitic insects found across the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.

The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences describes bed bugs as “blood-feeding parasites of humans, chickens, bats and occasionally domesticated animals,” and adds that they are sometimes referred to as chinches, red coats, or mahogany flats.

“Bed bugs have probably been associated with humans for more than 100,000 years,” says Rob Anderson , an associate professor in the biology department at the University of Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada, who teaches a class on blood-feeding pests, which include bed bugs as well as mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and other insects. “They are obligate blood feeders, which means they must have blood to survive and reproduce.”

Considered nest parasites—organisms that reside in the immediate area where the animal host (that would include you) spends most of its time—they live off the blood or skin tissue of the host animal. “Bed bugs are aptly named because they hang out in and around the bedroom where their blood hosts spend lots of time and reliably return. Bed bugs only come onto a host such as a human to blood feed then return to a nearby crevice or hiding place to digest the blood ,” says Anderson.

Adult bed bugs are flat and oval-shaped, grow to about 4 to 5 mm long, and are equipped with “piercing-sucking mouthparts, so they bite and suck blood like a mosquito” according to the University of Florida.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says two species of bed bugs are “usually implicated in human infestations”— Cimex lectularius and C. hemipterus , the former of which is considered cosmopolitan (meaning they are “found or present all over the world,” says Anderson) and the latter appear mostly in the tropics and subtropics.

Bed bugs most often feed on people at night while they sleep and tend to bite the exposed upper part of the body. And while they’re undoubtedly a nuisance, bed bugs are not considered to be “effective vectors of disease” according to the CDC, which notes that the primary medical risk is associated with inflammation from their bites.

Where are bed bugs commonly found?

Bed bugs are some of the world’s most ubiquitous travelers.

“They are to be found in street-side hostels, huts in small villages, and first-class hotels,” says Anderson.

“Many hotel chains regularly deal with them, but they seldom admit it because it’s not good for business,” he says, attributing the presence of bed bugs in hotels to the “the nature of their transitory, ever-changing clientele,” he wrote in an email to AFAR.

According to the CDC’s website, bed bug infestations tend to happen near areas where people sleep, which could mean anywhere from hotels and cruise ships to buses and trains.

The bugs tend to feed at night and hide during the day in the seams of mattresses, behind headboards, inside cracks and crevices in a room, in bed frames, furnishings, and box springs, among other locales, according to the CDC.

Once inside a dwelling, says Anderson, bed bugs’ numbers can build up long before humans even notice them—especially if there are pets in the house that they can feed on. That’s because pets might take the brunt of the early blood-feeding attention of the initial few bed bugs introduced, he says, before they’re present in enough numbers to attract the attention of humans.

He adds, “They move around the world every day with travelers (usually hitching rides in luggage) and sometimes to home where they may establish.”

For people who bring bed bugs home with them from their travels, Anderson warns you might not realize you have a stowaway until some time after returning home.

How do you know if you have bed bugs?

The most common sign of having bed bugs or having been exposed to them is the appearance of their bite marks on your upper body, namely on the face, arms, neck, or hands, after sleeping someplace where they live.

“Often the red spots are in groups of two or three because bed bugs often poke their needle-like mouthparts into the skin several times until they lacerate good blood vessels with enough blood to flow and feed on,” says Anderson.

According to the CDC website, most people won’t feel the bed bug bite itself when it happens since the insects inject an anesthetic and anticoagulant when they bite their victim (how thoughtful of the buggers).

“They tend to feed at night when people are sleeping because they’re less likely to be detected, and they only stay on the human skin for as long as it takes to feed,” says Anderson, adding, “after which they return to the nearest hiding place, some kind of crevice.”

You can look for signs of bed bugs—both their physical forms in the crevices of mattresses and folds of sheets as well as signs of rust-colored blood spots on your mattress (it comes from them being crushed and their fecal material, which is filled with blood, according to the CDC). “The adults are easily visible,” Anderson says. “In large infestations, they often leave a line of blackish, stinking blood feces deposited wherever they hide when off the blood host.”

Look for a dark line right where the mattress or box spring sits against the bedroom wall, he says, which is an indicator that bed bugs are present.

If you bring bed bugs into your home from your travels, you may want to contact a reliable pest control company to help quell an outbreak.

What should you do if you do get bed bugs?

If you get bed bug bites, try to avoid scratching them, as that’s likely to cause more problems by opening up your skin to secondary infections, Anderson says.

Thankfully, “They’re not transmitters of worrisome pathogens as far as an astounding amount of evidence goes,” he adds. “But the bites can be annoying, especially for people with allergic sensitivity to the saliva bed bugs inject when they are feeding (as all blood feeding pests do).”

To relieve the itchiness, he suggests applying topical antihistamines such as Benadryl spray. (As with the use of any drug, consult with a doctor beforehand to make sure you’re not allergic or to address any other concerns.)

If you suspect a bed bug invasion where you live, contact a trusted pest control company experienced in treating bed bugs to inquire about fumigation services and other available methods of dealing with them.

What are the best ways to avoid getting bed bugs?

You’re at risk of encountering bed bugs both at home and nearly any place you travel.

According to the CDC, “Anyone who travels frequently and shares living and sleeping quarters where other people have previously slept has a higher risk of being bitten and/or spreading a bed bug infestation.”

Lyndsey Matthews, senior commerce editor at AFAR, and a firm believer of never putting your suitcase on your bed (in part to help prevent the spread of bed begs), has herself experienced bed bugs three times and has some advice.

“They are bigger than you think—an adult is the size of an apple seed,” she says, so look for them in the seams of headboards and mattress and under sheets, where you may find their eggs, feces, or the bugs themselves.

When you get home from a trip, she suggests washing and drying everything on high heat. If your suitcase can’t be washed in a washing machine, it’s a good idea to steam clean it at a high temperature, she says.

There are some things you can do to avoid bringing bed bugs home with you, too.

Anderson says you can reduce the risk of bed bugs invading your bags and suitcases by keeping them inside well-sealed large garbage bags when staying in temporary housing, including hotels. He says he inspects any hotel room or apartment he rents to look for the obvious signs of bed bugs and checks his belongings for signs of them, too, before packing up and returning home.

In 37 years of traveling around the world and doing research on bed bugs, Anderson says he’s encountered them and been bitten by more than his fair share—but he has so far managed to avoid bringing any of the insects back home with him as a souvenir.

“Bed bugs have been an occupational hazard for me because of the travel to the tropics and often staying in remote, very rudimentary digs in field research sites where bed bugs just exist in significant numbers,” he says. “I’m pretty rigorous about inspecting my luggage, or spraying it or sealing it in containers if I suspect there are bed bugs wherever I’m staying at a given time.”

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How to prevent bed bugs when traveling

Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not a sanitation issue; they don’t discriminate and can be found in any hotel—luxury to inexpensive—and any home—big, small, clean or dirty as well as dormitories and cruise ships.

“Every traveler should take precautions to prevent bed bugs, even in the fall and winter,” said entomologist and Orkin technical Services Director Ron Harrison, Ph.D. “Bed bugs have been reported in hotels, cruise ships, homes and even public transit in some parts of the country. They are sneaky and can survive extreme temperatures .”

Find helpful tips on how to avoid bed bugs when traveling.

Do bed bugs travel on people?

Yes, bed bugs can travel on people but not necessarily on their skin. They will usually travel on a person’s belongings or clothes.

Can bed bugs travel on clothes?

Yes, bed bugs can travel on people’s clothing such as your shirt, jacket, pants, or shoes.

How do bed bugs travel?

Bed bugs can travel and will attach to luggage, purses, bags, shoes, clothing from other infested areas.

Can bed bugs survive on a plane?

Yes, bed bugs can survive on a plane and other forms of transportation like trains or cars. Bed bugs can hide in the plane seats, overhead bins, other passenger luggage and bags, or on clothes.

Can you bring bed bugs home from a hotel?

Yes, if the hotel has bed bugs, they can hitch a ride on your luggage, bags or clothing and follow you home.

How to Avoid Bed Bugs in Hotels

When traveling, think of the acronym S.L.E.E.P. to remember the following action steps to help avoid taking bed bugs home with you.

Survey your hotel room for signs of a bed bug infestation. Bed bugs are not limited to any sanitation or income level, which means they can be found in any hotel or motel—from a one-star to five-star location. Large infestations of bed bugs can create a musty, sweet odor, like soda pop syrup. They leave behind brown or red spots on sheets. While not known to spread disease like many other pests, bed bugs can leave itchy, bloody welts on the skin. (Welts more commonly appear when the victim is sensitive to bed bug bites.)

Lift and look for all bed bug hiding spots. During the day, these nocturnal insects disappear in crevices associated with mattresses, box springs, sheets, furniture, upholstery and hollow bedposts, as well as crevices behind baseboards, pictures and even torn wallpaper. Make sure to lift and look around all possible hiding spots for bed bugs in the hotel room, not just the mattress.

Elevate your luggage and other items. Carefully inspect the hotel’s luggage rack. If there are no signs of bed bugs on it, use it to keep your suitcase off the floor and away from the bed. Also pull the luggage rack away from the wall. This will reduce the likelihood of the insect crawling up the wall and getting into your things.

Examine your luggage while repacking and once you return home. Bed bugs are great hitchhikers, so be sure to check your luggage and clothing for bed bugs before bringing luggage back into the bedroom. (Orkin recommends unpacking in your garage or utility room.)

Place all your clothing from your luggage immediately in the dryer for at least 15 minutes at the highest setting upon returning home from travel.

What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs in Hotel

Notify your hotel if you find signs of a bed bug infestation immediately. You may want to consider leaving the hotel as the bed bugs can travel to other rooms.

“Once a bed bug finds its way indoors, it can move from room to room by traveling on clothing and luggage or through pipes and vacuum cleaners,” said Frank Meek, board-certified entomologist and technical director for Orkin, Inc. “This tendency to hitchhike—as well as a bed bug’s ability to survive more than a year without a blood meal—make proper prevention and control steps even more important.”

Bed Bug Tips for Travelers

How to prevent bed bugs during your travel.

Take these steps once you enter your room.

Inspect your hotel room storage area

Inspect your bags

Inspect your bed and surrounding areas like outlets and picture frames

Inspect your bathroom

Inspect the drapes

How to Prevent Bed Bugs After Travel

Take these steps before you go into the house if possible.

Inspect your clothing and shoes

Quarantine your luggage in the garage or other area outside of the home

Vacuum your luggage

Clean clothing in the washer with hot water and high heat for drying

“Bed bugs are great hitchhikers, so you have to pay close attention when traveling,” said Orkin Entomologist and Technical Services Director Ron Harrison, Ph.D. “Bed bugs can find their way into your luggage, whether it is in a hotel, on a plane, train or bus and eventually make their way back to your home. If you brought home just one bed bug, it could reproduce and get out of hand in just a few weeks.”

Research from the University of Minnesota has also suggested bed bugs are attracted to dirty clothes, so keep them in a sealed bag or container.

“It appears that body odor is one cue for bed bugs that there could be a food source nearby,” said Harrison. “It may be an evolutionary trait that leads them to your dirty laundry, which makes sense, so do everything you possibly can to ensure you do not attract bed bugs.”

How to Check Luggage for Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are tiny and can be difficult to see in a suitcase or luggage bag. To find bed bugs in a suitcase check the outside liners and threading especially if it is made of fabric. Use a wet cloth to wipe down the bags and check the cloth for any bed bugs. Open the bag and check any zippers, pockets and crevices. Get a vacuum and use it in the corners and throughout the bag.

I’m Worried I Brought Bed Bugs Home

Because bed bugs can be extremely difficult to eliminate, treating an infestation requires the use of a licensed, pest control professional with specific experience in treating for these pests.

Contact your local Orkin Pro , to set up a bed bug inspection

Click here for a printable  bed bug tips for travelers guide  with easy steps to help you avoid bringing bed bugs back home as a vacation souvenir.

Learn More About Bed Bugs

How to identify Bed Bugs?

Learn what Bed Bugs look like, and how to detect if you have a Bed Bug Infestation.

How do you get Bed Bugs?

Find out how Bed Bugs infiltrate your home and where they are attracted to.

How serious are Bed Bugs?

Learn about Bed Bug bites, their feces and how they can impact your health.

Bed Bug Pest Control

Learn how Orkin handles Bed Bugs, homeopathic cures and the cost of Bed Bug extermination services.

Summer Pest Control Travel Planning Tips For Vacation

Travel planning tips for a pest-free vacation.

Bed Bug Registry

Website dedicated to reporting bed bug activity across the United States and Canada for both hotels and other travel accommodations.

Protect Your Home from Bed Bugs

Are bed bugs nocturnal | do bed bugs only bite at night, do bed bugs hide in pillows | signs of bed bugs, do bed bugs feed every night | bed bug life cycle, pest control, bed bug pest control treatment | bed bug exterminator.

Do you use super heating to kill bed bugs?

What Do Bed Bugs and Eggs Look Like on Clothes?

What do I do with the clothes?

Spraying for bed bugs did not work

If the neighboring unit has bed bugs, am I looking at being sprayed every three months?

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What eats bed bugs | bed bug predators, what do bed bugs look like | bed bug identification, connect with us.

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The 3 Simple Items That Will Help Prevent Bed Bugs, According to Experts

The best bed bug treatment is prevention.

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Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez

The alarming news of a recent bed bug outbreak in Paris has had everyone, including myself, sleeping with an eye open at night. As a New Yorker and an avid traveler, I’m finding the threat of these tiny nuisances is a growing concern, especially with bed bugs seemingly popping up in subways, hotels, and more. 

Bed bugs, as described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , are reddish-brown, small insects that feed on the blood of people and animals. While not inherently dangerous to people, aside from the occasional allergic reaction that some individuals may experience, an untreated infestation can quickly escalate and be incredibly difficult and costly (up to thousands of dollars) to get rid of. What’s even more unsettling is their ability to remain dormant for several months without ever feeding on blood. 

The good news is that experts at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene have identified effective strategies to prevent bed bug infestations . While many of these measures include action-oriented tasks such as staying alert and inspecting your accommodations, as well as unpacking items directly into the washing machine when you return home and washing at high temperatures to kill any bugs and eggs that may have hitched a ride with you, there are also three straightforward yet highly effective items you can buy right now to bolster your confidence on your next trip: a hardside suitcase , plastic storage bags , and a flashlight . 

Read on for more expert tips and the items they recommend to help you avoid bed bugs on your next trip.

Hardside Suitcase

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention writes that, “bed bugs are experts at hiding,” and that they tend to hide and travel in the seams and folds of soft luggage and bags. To avoid these pests from latching on to your bags, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene says that travelers should “use hard-cased luggage if possible,” noting that, “it is more difficult for bed bugs to attach to rigid materials than to fabric.” 

As I rethink my current soft-cased luggage situation, I’m leaning toward a more robust and bed bug-resistant option. That’s why I’m adding the Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner Suitcase to my cart, especially since Travel + Leisure rated it as the “best overall” hardside suitcase of all the models they tested. And even better news? It’s on sale for $140.

Plastic Storage Bags 

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene recommends “packing your clothing in re-sealable plastic bags. Plastic bags are available in up to 22-gallon sizes in hardware and other stores. Bring extra bags in a variety of sizes for items you buy on your trip.” And, TikTok creator Dr. Shah (@dermdoctor) emphasized that travelers should “store all dirty clothes in Ziploc bags,” because bed bugs tend to travel and latch on to crevices, especially warm and damp ones. 

To avoid bed bugs sneaking into your garments, pack and store all of your clothes in plastic bags. While vacuum-sealed Ziploc Storage Bags are a reliable go-to (especially considering they have a seal of approval from T+L editors ), consider packing a few different sizes for all of your clothes, belongings, and any souvenirs you want to take home bug-free.

• Hibag Compression Plastic Bags for Travel , $15 (originally $30)
• Bagsmart Clear Toiletry Bag , $8 (originally $10)
• Clearly Elegant Five Gallon Plastic Bags , $10 (originally $10)

LED Flashlight

And finally, experts recommend “packing a small, bright flashlight to inspect your room when you arrive,” to check for any signs of bed bugs in your hotel, Airbnb, or other accommodation. This can mean looking for eggs, skin markings, blood stains, and adult bugs under mattresses, in drawers, on headboards, and in the carpet. To thoroughly and properly inspect your room, it’s a good idea to keep a flashlight on hand. Consider adding the Lighting Ever LED Flashlight , a top-rated option with over 23,000 five-star ratings to your travel gear repertoire for easy inspection wherever you go. 

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Few things are more gross to think about than imagining teensy little bed bugs crawling all around your bed while you're sleeping soundly. It's a traumatizing ordeal no matter where you are, and unfortunately, it happens often. It doesn't only happen in the comfort of your own home, either: you can experience the nightmare of bed bugs when you're traveling. Bed bugs frequent hotel rooms (people are going in and out, they aren't clean enough, etc.), and no one wants to deal with that infestation when they're supposed to be traveling and having fun. There are some ways to watch out for bed bugs, but also some items to help you protect against bed bugs while traveling .

Before you put these items to good use, though, you should always check your hotel room for signs of bed bugs when you check in. The United States Environmental Protection Agency recommends checking the mattress, sheets, headboard, and luggage racks for signs of bed bugs. If you notice any signs, try getting a different room or staying elsewhere. But even if you don't, it doesn't mean there aren't any around.

If you're nervous about it, it's always better to be safe than sorry. The below products will probably bring you some comfort, even if they are kind of a pain to lug around while traveling. They'll help ensure you don't deal with bed bugs... or, even worse, they'll prevent you from bringing them home. Here are a few items to buy if you're worried about bed bugs when traveling:

A Mattress Protector

Mattress protectors or encasements won't exactly prevent bed bugs, but they will kill them off by basically trapping them and starving them. If you plan on staying in a hotel for a long period of time and want to take this step, bring along a mattress protector like this one.

An Insect Interceptor

Freaked out by the possibility of bed bugs or other little critters climbing up into your bed with you? Bring these interceptor cups. They're small enough to pack in your suitcase and easy enough to set up, if you can get them under the legs of the bed. They prevent bugs from crawling up there.

Laundry Bags

Bed bugs are attracted to dirty clothes , so prevent them from coming home with you by keeping your dirty clothes sealed away. These nylon bags are easy to take with you and are machine washable. Keep your dirty clothes tied tightly in there instead of just throwing them in your suitcase.

A Bug Heater

If you are unfortunate enough to run in to some bed bugs and now you're freaking out about bringing them home, this little heater might be good to have on hand. You basically place your items in there and it uses heat to kill any bugs that might be on them. Better safe than sorry!

Insect Repellant

This might not work for bed bugs, but it will keep any other insects that might be in the hotel room far away from you. Simply plug this into the wall socket and it will ward off creepy crawly things you want nowhere near you.

A Travel Sheet

If you're very worried about the possibility of bed bugs, bring your own sheets. This set zips up to keep you enclosed and safe, and just lays on top of the bed so it's super easy to set up.

Bed Bug Traps

It certainly doesn't hurt to place these traps around your hotel room if you're worried about bed bugs. They're inexpensive and easy to travel with because they're small.

A Pillow Protector

Your sheets aren't the only thing that could be infected by bed bugs - your pillow could be too. Bring your own bed bug pillow protector to ensure you sleep soundly.

Luggage Liners

Keep your suitcase bed bug free with these luggage liners. They zip up to keep everything extra enclosed and safe, and it's just nice to have that extra security.

This article was originally published on June 13, 2019

• EXPLORE Random Article

How to Avoid Bed Bugs when Traveling

Last Updated: May 25, 2021 References

This article was co-authored by Kevin Carrillo . Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 56,240 times.

Imagine finally finding time to take a much needed vacation. Then, when you return home relaxed and feeling rejuvenated, you discover you now have a bed bug problem! It is no surprise that traveling is one of the easiest ways to bring the unwelcome pests into your home. While traveling, there are several precautions you should take to keep this nightmare from happening.

Booking Your Trip

• Keep in mind that negative comments may simply be an unhappy guest who just wants to ruin the hotel’s reputation. However, if you see several comments around the same topic like bed bugs, consider it a legitimate concern.

• Enjoy the outdoors Head to the nearest camp ground and sleep under the stars or in a cozy tent. Many camps are extremely clean, and offer hot showers for very reasonable rates.

During Your Hotel Stay

• Bugs are brown with a long, oval shaped body. Most are tiny, about the size of an apple seed but they can be larger, about the size of a nickel. You should also look for black fecal matter and a musty smell. [1] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source

• Place the luggage rack away from any furniture. If the closet is large enough, keep it in there.

• Before wearing any garment, shake it out as an extra precaution.

• If you forget, ask the hotel to supply something like an extra trash bag.

• Do not move to an adjacent room. Request a move to another floor.

Returning Home

• If your luggage is a dark color it may be difficult to see. Use a lint roller, covering the entire bag, seams and zippers. [4] X Research source

• Don’t hang dry your clothes either. Tossing items into a scorching hot dryer will kill the bugs.
• Even items that weren’t worn should be washed. Bugs could have crawled throughout the bag. Better to be safe than sorry.
• Shoes can be wiped down with a cloth and some hot water. Leave them outside in the sunlight if possible for a couple of hours too.

• Never store suitcases under your bed.

• Contact a professional to discuss the extermination options available to you. They may recommend chemical or steam treatments. [9] X Research source
• Research pesticides but be clear on their use. While some are great for indoors, others can only be used outside. [10] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source

Expert Q&A

• If you happen to notice that white powder is present within drawers, the closet, or around floorboards, it is likely that the room has already been treated for bed bugs. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Don't avoid travel for the fear of bed bugs. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
• Bed bugs can reproduce quickly so don't procrastinate with treating a problem. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 4

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs
• ↑ Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.
• ↑ https://www.bedbugs.umn.edu/travelers/inspecting-your-hotel-room-bed-bugs
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XWKhsaBaic
• ↑ http://www.orkin.com/other/bed-bugs/bedbug-bites/
• ↑ http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/bb-heat1.pdf
• ↑ https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/pesticides-control-bed-bugs

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Bed Bug Travel Kits & Products

Don’t bring an unexpected souvenier home from your vacation. Our bed bug travel items can be used in hotels, hostels, and homes to protect your luggage and belongings from bed bugs. From sprays to bags, our bed bug travel items will keep your return destination bed bug-free.

Bed Bugs Guide

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Bed Bug Travel Kits

If you travel a lot, there’s a good chance you might run into one of the worst pests you can find: Bed Bugs . There are some places such as New York City where the bed bug problem has reached an epidemic level, with thousands of new infestations every year. In fact, these bugs are most likely to be a problem in hotels and other businesses where there is a high turnover of guests, each one a potential harbor for the bugs. They then will take any opportunity presented to them to attach themselves either to your clothing or your luggage, after which it will be incredibly easy for them to create a new nest in your bedroom once you get home. Often, this whole thing can go unnoticed until you wake up with bites one morning and realize you have the bugs sharing your bed with you. At Do My Own Pest Control we have all the products you will need to keep yourself safe from these bugs while you’re travelling.

Some Tips On How To Avoid Bed Bugs While On The Road

•    check your surroundings.

This is a pretty simple and common sense step; however, it’s important to know what you’re looking for before inspecting a hotel room. The best indication that a bed might need some bed bug removal treatment is the presence of the bugs’ waste products around the mattress. These are often in the form of dark red or light brown spots that give away the location of their nests. Should you find any indication that a room has bed bugs, you should alert the hotel management and ask to be relocated to a new bug-free room.

•    Use Our Bed Bug Travel Items

Even though the majority of infestations will be visible under inspection, it is still not a bad idea to arm yourself before any trip with one of our many bed bug travel items. We offer all the professional strength bed bug sprays and bed bug powder you’ve come to expect from Do My Own Pest Control in convenient travel sized packaging. These products will give you the ability to eradicate or control any bugs at the source, rather than having to wait until they are already in your home to get rid of them. Our products can be used on beds, clothing and luggage, giving you complete peace of mind when travelling that you won’t be picking up any parasitic hitchhikers.

•    Check Reviews Of Hotels Before Booking

A quick and easy way to avoid bed bugs while travelling is to search the web for hotels where previous guests have experienced problems with these insects. Should you find any mention of bed bugs on a review site it is probably best to not book with a hotel unless you are 100% sure that they have taken care of the problem.

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Here's how to check for bed bugs so you can avoid an infestation in your home this spring

It's spring time and temperatures are beginning to rise, so that means it's also bug season.

That includes those pesky beg bugs, which a harmless but are still a nuisance and are tough to get rid of.

Bed bug “season” is generally considered to be between the end of spring and early November, but that isn’t representative of when these pests are most active, just when people start noticing.

Here's how to spot them:

How to check for bed bugs

Aptly named, bed bugs are most likely to be found in areas like mattresses and bed frames, as well as other cracks or crevices in a house. It’s typically said that if a crevice is small enough to hold a credit card, it also could hide a bed bug.

Bed bugs also can find refuge in electrical sockets, cracks in a wall or even cars.

An individual bug is typically the size of an apple seed, around a quarter to three-eighths of an inch, with an ovular body. Their color is largely determined by the last time the bug has fed and ranges from dark red to brownish color.

Dark spots found on furniture could be bed bug excrement, and small eggshells and pale-yellow skins typically are left by nymphs as they grow.

Bed bugs feed on blood from humans and other mammals and primarily are active at night. They can remain active in temperatures as low as 46 degrees Fahrenheit and die at temperatures around 113 degrees.

Bed bugs are great at hiding, which is why regular cleaning and clutter removal can help limit places where the bugs can occupy.

How to prevent bed bugs

Buying sealed encasements for mattresses and box springs also will keep populations of bed bugs from moving or infesting the material in the first place. Any bedding that’s brought into your house also should be inspected and washed before use.

Chemical treatments are available in stores that can be used to prevent infestations, like aerosols and dust applied in cracks and crevices around the house.

Delaware does not have any protections for renters whose residences become infested, but contacting a landlord and collaborating on a treatment plan is considered the best practice.

Are bed bugs making a comeback?: How to identify risks and avoid an infestation

Ladybugs in your house?: Here's how you can help them

What to treat bed bug infestations

Consumer pesticides typically are ineffective in wiping out bed bug populations, so calling a professional is the best practice to take if you suspect your home’s been infested with bed bugs. Professional treatments sometimes involve steam cleaning or heat treatments that may take up to eight hours.  

It’s not recommended to dispose of infested items, which can cause the populations to migrate. However, in multifamily homes, disposal is sometimes the safest option. A pest control specialist can help determine what method is the best for your situation.

Monitors and traps are available at stores, from simple plastic tray arrangements to chemical baiting and electronic devices that work to draw and trap the bugs.

While professional treatments are effective in wiping out certain populations, they don’t always guarantee infestations won’t come back.

Experts also assure that a bed bug infestation is not indicative of a “dirty” lifestyle, as people often pick them up when traveling.  

Anthony DiMattia contributed to this story

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FEIG ELECTRONIC: Moscow-City Skyscrapers Streamline Parking Access and Control with Secure RFID

Feig electronic partners with isbc group to deploy ucode dna rfid security and parking access control solution in moscow business district.

Weilburg, Germany  — December 3,  2019  —  FEIG ELECTRONIC , a leading global supplier of radio frequency identification (RFID) readers and antennas with fifty years of industry experience, announces deployment of the UCODE DNA RFID security and parking contactless identification solution in the Moscow International Business Center, known as Moscow-City, one of the world’s largest business district projects.

The management of Moscow-City not only selected long-range, passive UHF RFID to implement in its controlled parking areas, it also chose to implement UCODE DNA , the highest form of secure RAIN RFID technology, developed by NXP Semiconductors.

Panoramic view of Moscow city and Moskva River at sunset. New modern futuristic skyscrapers of Moscow-City – International Business Center, toned

“Underscoring NXP’s innovation and leadership in developing advanced RAIN RFID technologies, our UCODE DNA was chosen to be incorporated with the FEIG and ISBC implementation of the contactless identification system in the prestigious Moscow-City,” said Mahdi Mekic, marketing director for RAIN RFID with NXP Semiconductors. “This exciting project represents yet another successful deployment of NXP’s contactless portfolio, and showcases our continued ability to meet the high-security requirements of highly demanding applications without compromising user convenience.”

“UCODE DNA is considered the only identification technology to match the physical protection of a barrier with the cybersecurity necessary to truly protect entrances from unauthorized access,” said Manuel Haertlé, senior product manager for FEIG Electronic. “As a respected contactless payment technology company, FEIG applies security know-how from its payment terminals, which are fully certified according to the latest high-class security standards, into our RFID systems. FEIG vehicle access control RFID readers incorporate advanced secure key storage elements, supporting various methods for secure key injection.”

FEIG’s partner ISBC Group provided the knowledge and support for this successful implementation using  FEIG’s long-range UHF RFID . The resulting system enables authorized vehicle entry into areas reserved for private residential use or corporate tenants, while also allowing availability of temporary, fee-based visitor parking. Thanks to the cryptographic authentication of UCODE DNA, both the tag and reader must go through an authentication procedure before the reader will validate the data from the tag, which is transmitted wirelessly. This level of authentication is typically used in the most secure data communication networks.

“The system’s two-step authentication means that only authorized equipment can handle the secure protocol and the data exchange with the UCODE DNA based tag. Without the required cryptographic secrets, other readers would query the tag in vain, because the tag’s response cannot be interpreted or understood,” said Andrey Krasovskiy, director of the RFID department at ISBC Group. “On top of this, each data exchange in the authentication process is unique, so even if a malicious actor were to intercept the communication, the transmission is only good for a single exchange and the tag’s unique identity is protected from cloning.”

Established in 1992 and still growing, Moscow-City is the revitalization and transformation of an industrial riverfront into a new, modern, vibrant and upscale business and residential district. A mix of residential, hotel, office, retail and entertainment facilities, it is located about four kilometers west of Red Square along the Moscow River. Twelve of the twenty-three planned facilities have already been completed, with seven currently under construction. Six skyscrapers in Moscow-City reach a height of at least 300 meters, including Europe’s tallest building, Federation Tower, which rises more than 100 stories.

Partnering with ISBC and deploying FEIG Electronic RFID solutions, the Moscow International Business Center is delivering security and access control to its city center today, as it grows into the city of tomorrow.

About FEIG ELECTRONIC

FEIG ELECTRONIC GmbH, a leading global supplier of RFID readers and antennas is one of the few suppliers worldwide offering RFID readers and antennas for all standard operating frequencies: LF (125 kHz), HF (13.56 MHz), UHF (860-960 MHz). A trusted pioneer in RFID with more than 50 years of industry experience, FEIG ELECTRONIC delivers unrivaled data collection, authentication, and identification solutions, as well as secure contactless payment systems. Readers from FEIG ELECTRONIC, which are available for plug-in, desktop, and handheld applications, support next-generation contactless credit cards, debit cards, smart cards, NFC and access control credentials to enable fast, accurate, reliable and secure transactions. For more information, visit:  www.feig.de/en

Founded in Moscow in 2002, ISBC Group provides knowledge and support to integrators for their successful implementation of RFID and smart card-based solutions. The company specializes in the distribution of smart card equipment, contact and contactless card manufacturing, smart card and RFID personalization services, and information security.  Its Research and Design Center is focused specifically on RFID, primarily HF and UHF solutions with NXP tags, and software development for the smart card industry. For more information visit:  https://isbc-cards.com/

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Most Beautiful Metro Stations in Moscow

Visiting Moscow? Get yourself a metro card and explore Moscow’s beautiful metro stations. Moscow’s world-famous metro system is efficient and a great way to get from A to B. But there is more to it; Soviet mosaic decorations, exuberant halls with chandeliers, colourful paintings and immense statues. Moscow’s metro is an attraction itself, so take half a day and dive into Moscow’s underground!

The best thing to do is to get on the brown circle (number 5) line since the most beautiful metro stations are situated on this line. The only exception is the metro stop Mayakovskaya one the green line (number 2). My suggestion is to get a map, mark these metro stops on there and hop on the metro. It helps to get an English > Russian map to better understand the names of the stops. At some of the metro stops, the microphone voice speaks Russian and English so it’s not difficult at all.

Another thing we found out, is that it’s worth taking the escalator and explore the other corridors to discover how beautiful the full station is.

Quick hotel suggestion for Moscow is the amazing Brick Design Hotel .

These are my favourite metro stations in Moscow, in order of my personal preference:

1. Mayakovskaya Station

The metro station of Mayakovskaya looks like a ballroom! Wide arches, huge domes with lamps and mosaic works make your exit of the metro overwhelming. Look up and you will see the many colourful mosaics with typical Soviet pictures. Mayakovskaya is my personal favourite and is the only stop not on the brown line but on the green line.

2. Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya metro station is famous for its yellow ceiling. An average museum is nothing compared to this stop. Splendour all over the place, black and gold, mosaic – again – and enormous chandeliers that made my lamp at home look like a toy.

3. Novoslobodskaya Station

The pillars in the main hall of Novoslobodskaya metro station have the most colourful stained glass decorations. The golden arches and the golden mosaic with a naked lady holding a baby in front of the Soviet hammer and sickle, make the drama complete.

4. Prospect Mira Station

The beautiful chandeliers and the lines in the ceiling, make Prospekt Mira an architectural masterpiece.

5. Belorusskaya Station

Prestigious arches, octagonal shapes of Socialistic Soviet Republic mosaics. The eyecatcher of Belorusskaya metro station, however, is the enormous statue of three men with long coats, holding guns and a flag.

6. Kiyevskaya Station

The metro station of Kiyevskaya is a bit more romantic than Belorusskaya and Prospect Mira. Beautiful paintings with classical decorations.

7. Taganskaya Station

At the main hall Taganskaya metro station you will find triangle light blue and white decorations that are an ode to various Russians that – I assume – are important for Russian history and victory. There is no need to explore others halls of Taganskaya, this is it.

8. Paveletskaya Station

Another and most definitely the less beautiful outrageous huge golden mosaic covers one of the walls of Paveletskaya. I would recommend taking the escalator to the exit upstairs to admire the turquoise dome and a painting of the St Basil’s Cathedral in a wooden frame.

Travelling with Moscow’s metro is inexpensive. You can have a lot of joy for just a few Rubbles.

• 1 single journey: RMB 50 – € 0,70
• 1 day ticket: RMB 210 – € 2,95

Like to know about Moscow, travelling in Russia or the Transsiberian Train journey ? Read my other articles about Russia .

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Wow! It is beautiful. I am still dreaming of Moscow one day.

It’s absolutely beautiful! Moscow is a great city trip destination and really surprised me in many ways.

My partner and I did a self guided Moscow Metro tour when we were there 2 years ago. So many breathtaking platforms…I highly recommend it! Most of my favorites were along the Brown 5 line, as well. I also loved Mayakovskaya, Arbatskaya, Aleksandrovski Sad and Ploshchad Revolyutsii. We’re heading back in a few weeks and plan to do Metro Tour-Part 2. We hope to see the #5 stations we missed before, as well as explore some of the Dark Blue #3 (Park Pobedy and Slavyansky Bul’var, for sure), Yellow #8 and Olive #10 platforms.

That’s exciting Julia! Curious to see your Metro Tour-Part 2 experience and the stations you discovered.

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Protecting Your Home from Bed Bugs

Información relacionada disponible en español

Bed bugs are great hitchhikers. They can move from an infested site to a new home by traveling on furniture, bedding, luggage, boxes and clothing.

Although they typically feed on blood every 5 to 10 days, bed bugs can be quite resilient; they are capable of surviving several months to a year without feeding.

A few simple precautions can help prevent bed bug infestation in your home:

• Check secondhand furniture, beds and couches for any signs of bed bug infestation before bringing them home.
• Use a protective cover that encases mattresses and box springs to eliminate many hiding spots. The light color of the encasement makes bed bugs easier to see. Be sure to purchase a high quality encasement that will resist tearing and check the encasement regularly for holes or a cover that has been pre-treated with pesticide to control bed bugs.
• Reduce clutter in your home to reduce hiding places for bed bugs.
• Vacuum frequently to remove any successful hitchhikers.
• Be vigilant when using shared laundry facilities. Transport items to be washed in plastic bags (if you have an active infestation, use a new bag for the journey home). Remove from dryer directly into bag and fold at home. (A dryer on high heat can kill bed bugs.)
• Installing door sweeps on the bottom of doors to discourage movement into hallways.
• Sealing cracks and crevices around baseboards, light sockets, etc., to discourage movement through wall voids.
• Be sure to read and carefully follow the directions if you use one of these units and be aware that they are not regulated by EPA or other federal agencies. 
• More information on controlling bed bugs .
• Bed Bugs Home
• Learn about Bed Bugs
• — Characteristics of Bed Bugs
• — Finding Bed Bugs
• Protecting Your Home
• Protecting Yourself in Public Places
• Getting Rid of Bed Bugs
• — Do-it-yourself Bed Bug Control
• — Pesticides to Control Bed Bugs
• Bed Bug Information Clearinghouse
• Bed Bug Product Search Tool
• Finding Help with Bed Bug Problems