How to Control Bed Bugs -- let's put an end to the problem

The purpose is to gather all the tips from people about bedbugs and then share them with other hostels anonymously. I think some hostels don't share their tips because they don't want anyone to know they have had bedbugs before.

I've heard some good tips on fighting bedbugs. I think the tips should be available to everyone :)

BTW, most ALL hostel have had bed bugs at one time or another.

That's not true :)

Bedbugs are on the rise, but I've been to hostels that still haven't had bedbug problems ever.

Hostels are no more likely to have bedbugs than hotels.

RE: 2006 -- you're looking at the date that the users created an account on this forum software, not necessarily the date the posts were made.

I'm happy to say I think my hostel has put the bedbug problem to rest. It's been years since we have had any complaints of bedbugs. Here's my anal retentive list of things we do to maintain a bedbug free hostel.

1. Get metal beds. Bedbugs love wood and in particular, cracks and crevices in wood. In 2004, we had these beds custom made of solid powder coated steel. They consist of a metal frames bolted to the wall that sit on metal backpack sized lockers.

2. Keep wood furniture away from sleepers. This means no nightstands, headboards, dressers or desks.

3. Seal and paint all wood and plaster near the beds. Bedbugs like to sleep (during the day) relatively close to their meal (skin). They like to sleep (and reproduce) in tight cracks and crevices where they can feel protected on their backs and bellies. Do not let them have this refuge. They also like rough unpainted surfaces. They do not seem to like slick and smooth surfaces. I think they might have a difficult time walking vertically on smooth polished surfaces like powder coated steel much the same way a spider can not get out of the bathtub. Don't forget ceilings, crown molding and baseboards.

4. Supply linens for each bed. Do not let guests use their own linens or sleeping bags. Obviously sheets should be washed between each guest.

5. Blankets should be numbered with a laundry pen and referenced to a calendar so each blanket is getting washed every couple of weeks. Do not rely on a bed number or location since blankets get moved around. We use duvet (comforter) covers. The cover gets washed and the comforter and pillow goes in the dryer for 30 minutes on high heat every two weeks. Sustained heat of more than 130F for more than 20 minutes will kill bedbugs. Comforters themselves should be washed regularly also, although less often than the covers.

6. Get mattress ticking that does not have tufts or corded edges. Bedbugs like to go in the crack where the edge cord is. We had to have our mattress covers custom sewn without the cord. We chose a ticking material that has a plasticized inner side (but not the noisy kind).

7. Ask guests not to leave belongings on the floor. This way thorough daily vacuuming can be done. We ask that all belongs be placed in a locker or on a the guest's bed.

8. Every 45 days conduct a thorough deep clean consisting of the following. Wash all linens and bedding in a room at once. Brush mattresses with a dry stiff cleaning brush. All belongings are removed from room, super thorough vacuuming is done while paying particular attention the areas under beds, under bed legs, and where the floor meets the baseboard. Use a vacuum wand for this work. Work exchange staff can not be relied upon to do this work unless it's very well supervised. It's better to roll up the sleeves and do this work yourself. Inspect for cracks and evidence of bedbugs (speckled reddish-black stains).

9. Spray all baseboards with a residual insecticide specifically formulated for bedbugs (not all insecticides are). Bayer Home Pest Control is what we use. We do not spray mattresses or bedding.

10. If guests are arriving from a local hostel ask why they changed hostels. If the answer is bedbugs, say "Congratulations! You just won a free service laundry!" Ask the guest to put all their clothing in a trash bag and wash it for them. Put their backpack and other non-washable items in the clothes dryer for 20-30 minutes on high heat. When their laundry is done offer to have them change and then wash the clothes they were wearing. Guests are sometimes taken aback by this extreme protocol but they will be impressed at the measures you are willing to take to keep your hostel bedbug free, as will bystanders.

11. Repeat the above when the calendar or circumstances dictate.

Darren Overby
Pacific Tradewinds Hostel, San Francisco

I would be very perturbed about being asked to put all my fabric goods in a washer or dryer at high heat. Shirts have shrunk, and anything with stiffening (eg shirt collars, or the peak of sun hats) has been ruined. What would this treatment do to a backpack? Since I don't really know what environment hurts what, I would not be prepared to take any risks.