After Travel: Baggage & Clothing Pest Check

Do not place luggage on your bed or fabric sofa — open it in the bathroom, bathtub, or on a hard floor for easy inspection and cleaning

Immediately wash all washable clothes in 60°C+ hot water or tumble dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes — high heat kills all bed bug life stages

Place non-washable items and shoes in the freezer at -18°C for at least 48 hours — ensure cold penetrates fully; thicker coats need longer

Thoroughly vacuum your luggage — focus on corners, zipper teeth gaps, wheel wells, handle joints, and fabric lining folds inside

Take shoes outdoors and tap soles and interiors — use a flashlight to check inside the toe area and under insoles; especially important after tropical travel where certain insects may lay eggs in shoes

Inspect every item in your toiletry bag — check cosmetic cap crevices, makeup brush bristle roots, and razor head gaps, do not overlook anything

Seal electronic devices (hair dryer, curling iron, chargers, laptop vents) in plastic bags and inspect — bed bugs can hide in device ports and cooling vents

Carefully inspect any second-hand items, souvenirs, or handicrafts bought during travel before bringing them into the bedroom — especially wooden, fabric, or woven items

Check your ankles, calves, and arms daily for one week after returning for unexplained red bite marks — bed bug bites often appear in a line or clustered pattern

Isolate all shoes worn during travel in sealed plastic bags for at least one week in the garage or balcony, or freeze-treat them directly