Frequent hotel stays increase the perceived likelihood of encountering bed bugs and create anxiety about cleanliness. Basic inspection steps include checking mattress seams and headboards for signs of infestation. A compact UV blacklight using a 395nm wavelength helps reveal what the naked eye cannot, including stains, dirt, blood, bodily fluids, and potential bed-bug evidence. Affordable models can provide substantial peace of mind for minimal cost. Durable designs are often waterproof, long-lasting, and compact enough to fit in a purse or carry-on. Visible fluorescent stains under UV light can indicate deeper cleaning issues and influence decisions to change rooms or leave.
As a food and travel writer, I sometimes feel like I'm playing a high-stakes game when visiting hotels. While many people go their whole lives not encountering bed bugs -and I have yet to myself-I live in fear because, thinking logically, if I am in hotels more often than the average person, doesn't that mean I also am putting myself at an increased level of risk?
Math isn't my strong suit, so I can't speak to the exact risk percentages, but it causes me enough anxiety that I make sure I know how to check for bed bugs in a hotel. For me, that starts with the obvious steps, like inspecting the seams of the mattress and headboard, but a few years ago, I decided to increase my level of protection and add a small, portable UV flashlight to my packing list.
Collection
[
|
...
]