Bedbugs hitch rides to spring-break hotspots, health warns travelers

Travel-associated bedbug infestations are rising in the Southern U.S., with Georgia ranking sixth for bedbug service requests and Florida, Texas, and Tennessee also seeing increases tied to lodging with high guest turnover. Experts say budget-friendly accommodations and youth-hostel-style settings attract bedbugs, which spread by hitchhiking on luggage and clothing. Travelers are advised to inspect bags upon return and run exposed clothing in a high-heat dryer for 30–45 minutes to kill any hitchhikers before they spread home.