The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) encourages summer travelers to stay alert against hitchhiking pests throughout Bed Bug Awareness Week

With millions of Americans preparing for trips to hotels, resorts and short-term rentals across the country, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) urges travelers to include prevention steps on their packing lists. During Bed Bug Awareness Week, June 7-13, 2026, NPMA draws attention to the ongoing risk of bed bugs and offers practical advice to help consumers avoid bringing these pests home.

"Each summer many guests skip a quick room check and return with more than souvenirs," said Dr. Jim Fredericks, senior vice president of public affairs at NPMA. "Bed bugs excel at remaining hidden until after checkout, so spotting signs early can protect both a vacation and a household from a difficult infestation."

These small, reddish-brown insects feed on human blood and turn up wherever people gather, including hotels, hospitals, offices, schools, stores, theaters, libraries and public transit. Despite their wide presence, recognition remains limited. A Harris Poll survey conducted for NPMA showed that only 32 percent of Americans can identify bed bugs and just 30 percent know how to inspect for them, leaving most travelers exposed without realizing it.

To help keep summer travel free of bed bugs, NPMA suggests these steps:

Place luggage on a hard bathroom surface rather than carpet or fabric, then inspect the room.
Remove bedding and check mattress seams, corners and box springs for dark stains, shed skins, eggs or live bugs.
Examine the area behind the headboard, furniture seams and nightstand drawers.
Report any evidence to management right away and request a different room not next to the original one.
After arriving home, vacuum and inspect luggage outdoors, then launder clothing on high heat.

Additional details on bed bugs and prevention are available at BedBugsExposed.PestWorld.org. Those who suspect an infestation can use NPMA's zip-code tool to locate a qualified professional nearby.

About the National Pest Management Association
The NPMA is a nonprofit group founded in 1933 with more than 4,000 members dedicated to safeguarding public health, food and property from pests. Visit PestWorld.org or follow @PestWorld on Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok and YouTube plus @PestWorldOfficial on Instagram.

Survey Methodology
The online survey was fielded in the United States by The Harris Poll for NPMA from April 23-27, 2026, among 2,051 adults aged 18 and older. Results carry a Bayesian credible interval of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level. Full methodology details are available by contacting research@NPMA.org.

SOURCE National Pest Management Association