When we arrive at a new hotel, the first thing that comes to mind is not where to place our bags. Typically, the idea is to verify the room’s security and then walk around to determine if the facility is clean. After that, we can explore the hotel’s amenities. However, one of the first things you should do is put your luggage into the bathtub.

Yes, you read that correctly: the hotel toilet is the safest place to store your luggage. Here’s a disclaimer: it may make your skin crawl. However, this is a really useful argument. The rationale for storing your luggage in the bathroom is due to bed bugs. Regardless of how well-rated your hotel is, the chance of bed bugs is not zero. Furthermore, the insects are known for hitching rides on any surface they come across.

As a result, one of the best things you can do is keep your bags safely out of their reach until you are certain they are not present in the room. Marla Cimini, a travel consultant and writer, says that her experience in the hospitality industry taught her how common bed insect infestations are. As a result, after storing your bags, she urges readers to inspect the mattress and bed.

She instructs us to remove the sheets from the corners and edges to ensure there are no traces of the bugs. Checking the headboard and drawers is also required. Katelyn Kesheimer, an entomologist, too follows this pattern. But, why the bathroom? According to Kesheimer, bed bugs are last seen in the bathroom. This is simply because guests spend the least amount of time there, and the majority of surfaces are hard and nonporous, such as tile, ceramics, and counters. Finally, hiding spots such as bathmats and towels are regularly cleaned.

So, where do you normally find insects? According to Kesheimer, beds and places where people spend a lot of time are popular. A appropriate location must allow them to hide while also providing easy access to their blood food. When they are not feeding, they prefer dark and flat locations to hide. Their feeding time is often between 2 and 5 p.m. Otherwise, a headboard, under a hanging painting, behind a mattress, within a mattress’s creases and folds, couches, and accent chairs are excellent hiding spots for bed bugs. Dressers and closets are not exempt, either.

What if there is already a bed bug infestation? Bed bugs can lurk inside a luggage, under a zipper, or even beneath a tag without your knowledge. Kesheimer recommends that her readers use their phone’s flashlight to inspect the suitcase before packing it. Folds and folds, zippers, tags, and any other flat, concealed parts should be examined closely.

Try to transport heavy waste bags. If your luggage becomes infested, wrap it in a garbage bag to keep it from spreading until you can return home and dispose of it. To avoid allowing the insects to spread, experts recommend unpacking shortly after arriving home. The insects will remain hidden until the coast is clear. If the luggage is not cleaned, your closet may become contaminated next.

However, high heat is lethal to the insects, therefore a 45-minute high-heat treatment in the dryer is sufficient to eliminate them. However, cleaning them is extremely necessary because the insects can survive for more than a year without eating. So they never run out of time to infest your wardrobe.