Here's Why Experts Warn Against Unpacking Your Luggage Right After Travel

Bedbugs, scientifically known as Cimex lectularius, are small but remarkably resilient pests that have plagued humans for thousands of years. These insects trace their origins to ancient cave dwellings, where they originally fed on bats and later adapted to rely on human blood as people shared the same spaces.

Now, they’re adept at thriving in human environments, making beds, luggage, and clothing their ideal hideouts.

Roughly the size of an apple seed, bedbugs have spread globally, becoming a notorious problem for travelers as modern transport provides easy pathways for them to spread.

Though bedbugs don’t transmit diseases, their bites can cause physical discomfort, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress due to the difficulty of exterminating them and the social stigma they bring.

Once these insects enter a home, they can be incredibly challenging to eradicate.

One of the key challenges with bedbugs is their extraordinary adaptability. They can survive for months without feeding and lay eggs resilient enough to withstand various conditions. During travel, they can easily hitch a ride by hiding in the crevices of luggage and clothing, waiting for a chance to infest new spaces.

Recently, a viral TikTok video from a Virginia doctor raised awareness about why unpacking immediately after a trip could invite these unwelcome hitchhikers into your home.

Dr. Jason Singh, a primary care physician from Virginia, shared an eye-opening TikTok video on bedbug prevention that has since attracted over 750,000 views.

His advice? Avoid unpacking your suitcase immediately upon returning from a trip, especially if you stayed in a hotel.

Dr. Jason Singh/@drjaysonisfresh

According to Dr. Singh, bedbugs can easily hide in luggage, spreading into your home and leading to a full-blown infestation.

These pests lay eggs that hatch within six to ten days, releasing nymphs that need to feed soon after. By leaving your suitcase closed and undisturbed for at least two weeks, Dr. Singh suggests, you might starve any bedbugs hiding within, thereby reducing the risk of an infestation sneaking into your home.

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His video resonated with viewers, sparking conversations about travel habits and post-trip precautions.

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Understanding Bedbug Behavior

Dr. Michael Potter, a renowned entomologist, emphasizes that bedbugs are excellent hitchhikers, often traveling in luggage and personal belongings. His research indicates that these pests can survive months without feeding, making them particularly challenging to eradicate once they're inside your home.

To mitigate the risk of bringing them home, he suggests inspecting your luggage immediately upon arrival. Unpacking in a designated area, away from your living space, can help contain any potential infestations. Regularly washing and drying clothes at high temperatures can also eliminate any hidden bugs.

Proactive Unpacking Strategies

Experts agree that delaying unpacking can be a wise strategy to avoid bedbug issues. Dr. Susan Jones, a dermatologist, suggests that a thorough inspection of your luggage and belongings upon return is critical. She recommends unpacking in a bathroom or laundry area, where you can easily wash items if necessary.

Additionally, using a portable steamer on your luggage and clothing can kill any potential bedbugs. This method not only addresses potential pests but also refreshes your items after travel. Taking these proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of bringing pests home.

Pest experts, like entomologist Eric Braun, support Dr. Singh’s suggestion and offer additional tips.

Braun recommends placing all travel clothes directly into the dryer on high heat for 30 to 45 minutes as soon as possible. The intense heat kills both adult bedbugs and their eggs, reducing the risk of an infestation.

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Additionally, Braun advises travelers to avoid storing luggage on beds or floors while staying at hotels; instead, he suggests using the bathroom or placing luggage on luggage racks.

If you suspect bedbugs in your suitcase, store it in a sealed plastic bag or outside until you can address it.

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Taking these steps can save you the cost and hassle of a professional exterminator, which is often the only effective solution for large infestations.

Dr. Jason Singh/@drjaysonisfresh

A pest control expert from the National Pest Management Association, Dr. Jim Fredericks, points out that bedbugs are notoriously difficult to spot. Their flat, brown bodies allow them to hide in tiny crevices, making early detection essential.

He recommends a thorough inspection of hotel rooms, particularly around the mattress seams and headboards, before settling in. If you suspect bedbugs, he advises placing your luggage in the bathtub while you assess the situation. This simple step can prevent an infestation from entering your home and causing significant distress.

By taking these simple precautions, travelers can significantly reduce the risk of bringing bedbugs home and prevent a peaceful homecoming from turning into a costly, stressful ordeal. As Dr. Singh’s PSA highlights, sometimes a bit of post-trip “laziness”—like letting your suitcase sit undisturbed—can be a surprisingly effective strategy for keeping unwelcome guests out.

A few careful steps, such as avoiding immediate unpacking, placing clothes directly into the dryer, and storing luggage off the floor while traveling, can go a long way in maintaining a pest-free home. These small actions offer an easy way to ensure that your travel memories are filled with adventure, not unwanted infestations.

Building Healthier Patterns

Ultimately, being proactive about bedbug prevention can save you from a significant headache. Experts like Dr. Potter and Dr. Fredericks emphasize the importance of vigilance during and after travel. Incorporating simple strategies—like inspecting your luggage, unpacking in a controlled environment, and using heat treatments—can help ensure your home remains bedbug-free.

Research consistently shows that awareness and proactive measures are key to preventing infestations. By implementing these expert recommendations, you can enjoy your travels without the worry of unwanted pests following you home.