A hotel employee has warned arriving guests to pause before turning on the lights in a hotel room, saying the dimmer setting makes it easier to spot bed bugs. The advice, shared by hotel expert Halee Whiting in a video reported by the Daily Mail, urged travellers to check for insects and signs of infestation before settling in.
Whiting told viewers that after opening a door many people instinctively flip on the lights, drop their luggage and sit down, but that first moment is the best time to inspect the room. She recommended switching off the lights to look for bed bugs and other visual clues of an infestation.
If guests find evidence of bed bugs, Whiting advised documenting the problem immediately: take photographs, note the room number and the time of check-in, and record any visible signs. She said those records can be taken to the front desk. Guests who discover an infestation may be relocated to another room and, in many cases, can seek a refund or reimbursement from hotel management, she added.
Bed bugs are small, wingless insects with flat oval bodies that feed on animal and human blood. They are often dark yellow, red or brown and typically bite exposed skin such as the head, arms and legs while a person sleeps. Bites usually cause raised, itchy bumps and are unlikely to cause other serious health problems, public health guidance says.
Whiting stressed the importance of checking a room before going to sleep to avoid waking with bites. She also recommended that guests report any suspected infestation promptly so hotel staff can respond and take remedial action.
Hotels and hospitality groups have varying policies and procedures for handling reports of bed bugs, including room relocation, cleaning and pest control treatment. Experts and public health agencies recommend documenting suspected infestations and notifying hotel management so that an investigation can begin.
Travelers concerned about bed bugs are advised to inspect mattresses, headboards, bedding seams and furniture when they first enter a room and to keep luggage off the floor and bed until they are satisfied the room is free of pests. If a guest believes they have been bitten or discovers an infestation after leaving a hotel, they should keep any evidence and contact hotel management and, if necessary, local health authorities.
The warning follows broader consumer interest in practical travel tips and small hacks that can reduce unpleasant experiences on trips. Whiting’s video adds to commonly circulated guidance urging vigilance when staying away from home and encouraging prompt documentation and reporting when problems arise.