Why you should always put your hotel luggage in the bathtub

This tip will keep your belongings safe! If you`ve just got off a long-haul flight, chances are you don`t pay much attention to where you leave your luggage in your hotel room. You`re probably more concerned about hopping in the shower or jumping into bed to get some much-needed shuteye. Ad. Article continues below. In most cases, people just drop their bags or suitcases on the nearest available space on the floor. While you`re not alone in doing this, new reports have suggested that this typical holiday habit is putting us at risk of contracting bed bugs. According to CN Traveler, hotels and motels are the third most popular place that the blood-sucking bugs are found. The small insects have the ability to lay hundreds of eggs and travel through a hotel`s pipes, wall sockets, vacuum cleaners, clothing and even luggage. So, if you`re the kind of person who likes to leave your baggage on the floor, chances are you`re opening yourself up to the likelihood of a bed bug infestation. Read more: Scary stories from the world's most haunted hotels Thankfully, there`s a clever hack that can help protect you against bed bugs. While it sounds silly, the website suggests that placing your luggage in the bathtub is the top way to stop the pesky pests from finding their way into your bags. When you do this, what you`re actually doing is creating a barrier between your items and the bugs. Given that bed bugs are wingless, the slippery surface of a bath makes it nearly impossible for them to climb and make your belongings their new home. Unfortunately, it isn`t just low-budget motels that can be infected, with infestations at top resorts and five-star establishments also on the rise. Bed bugs are also known to thrive in the cleanest of locations, so the star rating of your accommodation doesn`t always reflect the likelihood of the parasitic insects. In addition to placing your luggage in the bathtub, there are other tips to protect yourself. You should always check your room before placing your belongings inside. Inspect the area and keep an eye out for small black dots, a musty odour and even red spots. If you see any of these, it could be a sign that bed bugs are present. Also, be sure to inspect your luggage when you`ve returned home after a holiday. Bugs are known to survive for months without eating, so it`s vital that you`re thorough as soon as possible so you can prevent them from laying eggs and infecting your entire house. Have you ever heard about this tip? Do you have a strange holiday ritual that keeps your items safe?