Why You Might Not Want To Bother Trying This Hair Tool Hack To Kill Hotel Bed Bugs

Out of all the things that can go wrong during a vacation, finding bed bugs in your hotel room is up there with airlines losing your checked luggage and getting a last-minute hotel cancellation email while you're already boarding a flight. After all, these blood-sucking critters are well known for wreaking havoc on unsuspecting victims — and can quickly turn any relaxing getaway into a full-blown nightmare. From itchy bites to sleepless nights, and even the risk of carrying bed bugs all the way back to your own home, bed bugs usually spell trouble — all while being notoriously difficult to eradicate.

That said, in a moment of bug-induced panic, you might be tempted to reach for any ol' tool at your disposal to try and combat these unwelcome guests. And, considering the well-documented theory that bed bugs are generally eliminated using heat, grabbing hold of that nearby hair dryer might seem like the obvious choice, right? Unfortunately not. Because while this DIY approach might seem clever and convenient at first — most hotels have hair dryers available for guests to use — the truth is that it's not necessarily the miracle solution you might be hoping for.

Here's the thing: Bed bugs are notoriously resilient pests that require very specific conditions to be eliminated — and a generic hair dryer (even the best of the best) just doesn't cut it in terms of practicality or effectiveness. According to Thermal Flow Technologies, the optimal temperature for eradicating bed bugs — including adults, eggs, and nymphs (young bed bugs) — ranges between 125 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. And although some hair dryers can reach temperatures upwards of 140 degrees Fahrenheit, the main issue with this approach lies in how sustainable it is — specifically, the fact that the heat must be maintained consistently for an extended period of time in order to penetrate all of the bugs' potential hiding spots. 

So, unless you're prepared to waste your vacation days away sitting on the floor with the hair dryer pointed in one direction ... you're unlikely to see any real results. However, not all hair dryer hope is lost. While not a foolproof extermination method, hair dryers can still be helpful in finding potential bed bug infestations. A quick heat blast aimed in the right direction can effectively encourage hidden bugs to come crawling out — making it easier to spot them and let the hotel know where to look.

Hair dryers aside, there are still plenty of effective ways to deal with potential bed bug infestations in your hotel room. First and foremost, prevention is key. Before settling in, take a close look at your bed, headboard, and any nearby furniture for signs of these pests. Some of the most obvious indicators that they're lurking nearby include the presence of blood specks on your mattress, exoskeletons and eggs dotted around crevices, small black spots (aka, bed bug poop), and a sweet-musky odor.

If, for some reason, you suspect that there are bed bugs in the room, immediately notify hotel management. Most accommodations should have strict protocols in place to deal with these situations, and you'll probably get moved to a different room. In the meantime, make sure you also keep your luggage off the floor and bed. As a precaution, avid travelers even suggest putting your things in the bathroom, where bed bugs are less likely to hide.

Once you're back home, the vigilance doesn't stop. Before bringing in your luggage, drop all your clothes in the washing machine and wash them at a high temperature (at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit) to try and kill any potential stowaways. That way, you can ensure you're not unknowingly inviting bed bugs into your own living space.