Traveling for the holidays? Learn how to check for bedbugs, avoid bringing them home, and what to do if you suspect an infestation - straight from The Bug Master’s CEO Dauphin Ewart.
Don’t Let Bedbugs Crash Your Holidays
Rosie Newberry: Creepy topic here—but important. Folks are traveling for the holidays, which means more chances for bedbugs to hitch a ride home with them. Dauphin Ewart, CEO of The Bug Master, is here with some tips. Why do bedbugs become such a problem during holiday travel?
DAUPHIN EWART: It’s all about movement. People are staying in hotels or homes with luggage that’s been all over. That’s how bedbugs get transported. You go to a place that has bedbugs, and without even realizing it, they hitch a ride back with you in your suitcase or clothing.
Rosie Newberry: What should people do the moment they enter a hotel room?
DAUPHIN EWART: First thing I do? Pull the sheets back near the headboard. That’s where bedbugs like to hang out. You’re looking for tiny bugs or any unusual dark spots - those can be signs. If you see something suspicious, ask the hotel to check it out or request another room.
Rosie Newberry: And if someone thinks they brought bedbugs home with them?
DAUPHIN EWART: If you think you’ve brought them home, don’t wait. Take a photo of what you’re seeing and send it to us. A lot of times we can identify it right away. And if needed, we’ll inspect your home to confirm whether you’ve got bedbugs - and if so, we’ll treat it quickly.
Rosie Newberry: Is it hard to get rid of them?
DAUPHIN EWART: Actually, no. There are a lot of treatment options that are highly effective. As long as we’re treating the right areas, bedbugs respond well to the materials we use. It’s not the nightmare situation people assume—it’s something we can absolutely handle.
Rosie Newberry: There's also a perception that bedbugs are only found in dirty places. Is that true?
DAUPHIN EWART: Definitely not. Bedbugs don’t care how clean or dirty a place is. They only care about having a place to hide and a host to feed on. So it’s not about cleanliness—it’s just unfortunate exposure. If it happens, it doesn’t mean anything about your hygiene or habits.
Rosie Newberry: Thanks, Dauphin. Great info as always.
FAQ - Holiday Bedbug Protection Tips
- Q: Why are bedbugs more common during the holidays?
- A: Holiday travel increases the chances of exposure since more people are staying in hotels or with family and transporting luggage.
- Q: How can I check my hotel room for bedbugs?
- A: Pull back the sheets near the headboard. Look for small bugs or dark spots/stains on the mattress or sheets.
- Q: What should I do if I suspect I brought bedbugs home?
- A: Take a photo of what you found and contact The Bug Master. We’ll help identify it and inspect your home if needed.
- Q: Is it hard to get rid of bedbugs?
- A: Not at all. With proper treatment in the right areas, they’re very manageable.
- Q: Do bedbugs mean my house is dirty?
- A: Nope! Bedbugs don’t discriminate. Clean homes, hotels, apartments—they just need a ride.