As summer travel plans heat up, a recent report from Yelp has raised eyebrows among frequent travelers, particularly those setting sail on cruises. Yelp’s Summer 2025 Pest Control Infestation Index highlights a 53% surge in nationwide searches for bed bug extermination services from May 2024 to April 2025 compared to the previous year. This spike, driven by increased travel and at-home entertaining during the summer months, underscores the growing concern about bed bugs across the United States. For cruisers, this report prompts an important question: should you be worried about bed bugs on your next cruise? Let’s dive into the details of the report, explore the nature of bed bugs, and discuss what cruise travelers can do to stay pest-free.
What the Yelp Report Reveals About Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood, often hiding in mattresses, furniture, and personal belongings. They’re notorious for their resilience and ability to spread quickly, making them a significant concern for travelers. The report notes that bed bugs can hitch a ride in everyday places like planes, theaters, gym bags, and taxi seats—not just hotels. This mobility makes them a potential issue for any traveler, including those embarking on a cruise.
Yelp’s Infestation Index shows that searches for pest control and bed bug inspections have climbed steadily throughout 2025, with a particular uptick during the peak travel season from June to October.
Should Cruisers Worry About Bed Bugs?
The good news for cruisers is that bed bugs are less common on cruise ships than in other travel settings like hotels or public transportation. Cruise lines operate under strict health and safety regulations, and their confined, highly controlled environments make it easier to monitor and address pest issues. However, bed bugs can still find their way onto a ship through passengers’ luggage, clothing, or personal items, especially during busy embarkation periods when thousands of travelers board.
While the risk is low, it’s not zero. High-traffic areas like staterooms, lounges, or theaters could potentially harbor bed bugs if not properly managed. The Yelp report’s findings about increased bed bug searches align with the reality that travel—whether by plane, train, or ship—can increase exposure to these pests. For cruisers, the key is to stay vigilant.
How Cruise Lines Handle Bed Bug Infestations
Cruise lines take pest control seriously, as their reputation and passenger satisfaction depend on maintaining a clean and comfortable environment. Most major cruise lines, such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC, have strict protocols to prevent and address bed bug infestations. These measures include:
- Regular Inspections: Cruise ships undergo frequent cabin inspections, with housekeeping staff trained to spot signs of bed bugs, such as small reddish-brown spots or dark specks on bedding and furniture.
- Specialized Treatments: If bed bugs are detected, cruise lines employ professional pest control teams that use heat treatments, chemical solutions, or other techniques to eliminate infestations. These treatments are designed to be safe and minimally disruptive to passengers.
- Rapid Response: Cruise lines isolate affected cabins, relocate passengers if necessary, and treat the area immediately to prevent the spread. In severe cases, a ship may undergo a deep clean at the next port.
- Preventive Measures: Many cruise lines use mattress encasements, vacuum cabins daily, and launder bedding at high temperatures to reduce the risk of infestations.
How Cruisers Can Prevent Bringing Bed Bugs Home
To ensure your cruise remains bed bug-free and you don’t bring any unwanted souvenirs home, follow these practical steps before, during, and after your trip:
Before Your Cruise
- Pack Smart: Store clothes in sealed plastic bags or packing cubes to create a barrier against bed bugs. Avoid overpacking, as cluttered luggage can make it harder to spot pests.
- Inspect Secondhand Items: If you’re bringing used luggage or clothing, check them carefully for signs of bed bugs, such as tiny eggs or dark spots. The Yelp report advises inspecting items before bringing them into your home—or in this case, onto the ship.
- Choose a Reputable Cruise Line: Research cruise lines with strong health and safety records. Check passenger reviews for mentions of cleanliness or pest issues.
During Your Cruise
- Inspect Your Cabin: Upon boarding, take a few minutes to check your cabin’s mattress seams, headboard, and furniture for signs of bed bugs. Look for small reddish-brown insects, dark specks, or shed skins. Report any concerns to the ship’s staff immediately.
- Keep Luggage Elevated: Store your suitcase on a luggage rack or if space allows, in the bathroom (where bed bugs are less likely to hide), rather than on the bed or floor. The Yelp report notes that keeping bags off the floor in public places reduces the risk of picking up bed bugs.
- Be Cautious in Public Areas: Avoid placing bags or jackets on upholstered seats in lounges, theaters, or dining areas. Use hooks or keep items on your lap when possible.
After Your Cruise
- Wash Clothes Immediately: As soon as you return home, wash all clothing (even unworn items) in hot water and dry them on high heat for at least 30 minutes. The Yelp report emphasizes that high heat can eliminate potential bed bug stowaways.
- Inspect and Vacuum Luggage: Before bringing luggage inside, vacuum it thoroughly and inspect seams and pockets. Store suitcases in a garage or sealed plastic bag until your next trip.
- Monitor for Signs: Over the next few weeks, check your bedroom for signs of bed bugs, such as itchy bites or small bloodstains on sheets. If you suspect an infestation, contact a professional pest control service immediately.
While cruise ships are generally well-equipped to handle pest issues, cruisers should remain proactive to minimize risks. By taking simple precautions—inspecting your cabin, packing smart, and washing clothes after your trip—you can enjoy your cruise with peace of mind and return home bed bug-free. So, set sail, relax, and let the open sea be your escape, knowing you’re prepared to keep those pesky hitchhikers at bay.