Hotel Worker Shares the Shocking Reason to ‘Turn Off the Lights’ as Soon as You Enter Your Hotel Room

Ever checked into a cozy hotel room, daydreaming about fluffy pillows and room service, only to be told to switch off the lights right away? Sounds bizarre, right? Well, a seasoned hotel worker named Halee, who’s got 15 years in the hospitality biz, has some pretty compelling reasons for this rather odd advice.

You see, Halee moonlights as a travel blogger on TikTok and goes by @haleewithaflair. She recently posted a video after a horrifying incident where a couple woke up looking like they’d been in a fight with a cheese grater. Spoiler alert: Bed bugs are the culprits.

Halee laid it out plainly: “This is how I check my room before I unpack and get comfy. Step one is to make your room dark. We’re talking blackout mode—turn off the lights, close those shades, and whip out your phone’s flashlight.”

Get Your Flashlight: It’s Detective Time!

Armed with her trusty flashlight, Halee then goes full Sherlock Holmes. She checks under the covers, scrutinizing every fold like a detective looking for clues in a mystery novel.

She stresses the importance of looking under the bed and exploring every nook and cranny. What you’re looking for are those sneaky bed bugs that favor hiding in the bedding and linens’ corners and seams.

“They usually like to hang out in the corners and the creases,” she said, lifting the mattress with the finesse of someone handling a delicate operation.

She even peeks under the mattress protector, because, hey, those bugs are expert hiders.

Blood Stains? No, Thank You!

But wait, there’s more! Your mini-fridge, curtains, and even the ironing board are not safe from the bug patrol. And if you spot blood stains on fabrics? Congratulations, you’ve found a bed bug crime scene.

Halee’s golden rule: Do all this before even thinking of unpacking your bags. She’s not joking—unpack too soon, and those little critters might hitch a ride home with you.

“Even if you don’t see bugs, make sure you check for spots, like blood spots, because that’s not a good sign either,” she cautioned.

And for the love of all things hygienic, don’t plop your luggage on the bed. Instead, opt for a luggage rack or keep them near the room door.

Why the Dark? Bed Bugs Are Night Owls

Here’s the deal: Bed bugs are nocturnal party animals. Turning off the lights makes them more likely to show up for their late-night snack (hint: it’s you).

These pests aren’t just annoying—they can cause itchy, red bites often appearing in lines or clusters. Some people even get allergic reactions. Talk about a bad vacation!

Bed bugs come in stylish shades of dark yellow, red, or brown and measure about 5 mm. Their eggs, on the other hand, are typically white. They love chilling in the seams of furniture, including those comfy chairs and sofas in your room.

For the truly paranoid—or let’s say, the super cautious—some experts even suggest washing all vacation clothes as soon as you return home. Better safe than sorry, right?

So next time you check into a hotel, take a page out of Halee’s book. A quick light switch and a smartphone flashlight scan can save you from a world of itchiness. Safe travels!