Credits: Social Media
Prevent bed bugs by unpacking your suitcase 10 days later, suggests doctor
Most travelers feel guilty about not unpacking their luggage immediately after returning home. It seems they’ve been making the right choice by keeping it for later.
There are several dos and don’ts to remember while traveling – a recreational activity said to slow down signs of aging. Aside from what you bring to a holiday destination, what you’re returning home with also matters, and it better not be pests.
When to unpack your suitcase after traveling
People are often shamed and called lazy for not unpacking their suitcases in the weeks after returning from a vacation. Whether it’s done intentionally or not, the decision is a wise one regardless, as a doctor warns against clearing your luggage immediately.
Board-certified physician Dr. Jason Singh says you should never unpack your suitcase from recent travel right away as it can be infested with pests such as bed bugs.
The chances of bed bugs entering your luggage are higher while staying in a hotel. He says the bed bug eggs “typically hatch within six to ten days”, and by unpacking your stuff, you are giving them easy access to your home.
However, the chances of them surviving inside your luggage are much lower because baby bed bugs or nymphs need “blood meal” shortly after hatching to stay alive and continue to develop. They are likely to die of starvation when inside your luggage.
As per the doctor’s advice, you should ideally unpack around the two-week mark after returning from a trip to prevent pest infestation.
Tips to avoid bed bugs
Bed bugs can hitch a ride on your clothing or luggage when traveling. Therefore, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene lists simple ways to avoid them.
If you think your destination or place of stay could have bed bugs, it is recommended to carry a hard-case luggage as it’s harder for the insects to latch onto a rigid surface.
Always pack your clothes in plastic bags and carry a flashlight to inspect your room when you arrive. Check your bedding, wardrobes, and furniture for any signs of bed bugs.
Don’t forget to unpack your luggage on a light-colored surface where it’s easier to spot bed bugs if you’ve brought any home. “If you suspect bed bugs, launder washable items in hot water and
dry on the highest setting for at least 20 minutes,” the website notes.
Dry or steam cleaning is also effective in killing bed bugs if your luggage or clothes are made of fabric that can’t be washed in hot water.
Dr. Jason Singh is a board-certified physician based in Aldie, Virginia with over 8 years of experience. He completed his residency at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
