The Unsettling Reason Why Tourists Should Avoid Using Hotel Luggage Racks

The typical thing to do after walking into a hotel room is putting your load on the luggage rack. Doing so will keep your bag off the floor — and when your bag is off the floor, you may assume that it's safe. But that's not always the case. In fact, the luggage rack may not be the ideal place to put your luggage. The reason: There is a chance these racks harbor bed bugs.

Bed bugs are tiny insects found wherever people live and sleep, particularly in places like hotels that host travelers from many locations. And what makes bed bugs especially concerning is that they don't just stay on beds — they can hide in furniture and in the cloth parts, stitched edges, and cracks of luggage racks. And because of this, placing your suitcase on a rack gives bed bugs easy access to crawl inside your bag and follow you home. Even a hotel room that looks clean can still have bed bugs because these insects are very good at hiding. While bed bugs are not usually dangerous, their bites can cause itchy rashes, allergic reactions, and significant discomfort for some people. So, if you want to return home without taking bed bugs with you, you need to be careful where you put your luggage.

There are a few tips to help keep bed bugs out of your luggage, including keeping your bag on smooth surfaces. Bed bugs don't like smooth surfaces, so storing your bag there will go a long way in keeping them at bay. One of the areas in the hotel where you can safely put your bag is inside the bathroom or bathtub. In fact, many experts recommend putting your suitcase inside the bathroom or bathtub the moment you enter a hotel room. As Missy Henriksen, former vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Control Association, explained to Dip, this is because bed bugs are less likely to crawl on tile or porcelain. Also, you should make it a habit to thoroughly check the bed before you unpack your things in a hotel. Look at the mattress, sheets, and even headboard for small dark spots or tiny bugs, for these are common signs of bed bugs.

Besides the luggage rack, avoid placing your suitcase on the bed, couch, or carpet. These are places where bed bugs tend to gather. Another way to protect yourself from bed bugs is by getting plastic luggage covers or trash bags to store luggage in while at the hotel. These items will help in keeping bugs away from getting inside your bags. More importantly, you should know what to do in case you see any sign of bed bugs inside your hotel room. Inform the hotel attendants the moment you suspect an infestation, and ask that they give you another room. It is better to act immediately than to stay silent and take bed bugs home with you.