Before you confirm that hotel room, check those sheets. That's especially true for a popular Missouri travel destination that has suddenly zoomed into the top 20 in America for having bed bug infestations.

I don't care where you're traveling to or where you're staying, checking for bed bugs is something that always needs to happen. The most recent ranking by pest control company Orkin says that if one popular Missouri destination is on your list, you should be especially cautious.

For the last full calendar year, St. Louis, Missouri is now #19 in America for bed bug infestations which is a huge jump of 6 over the previous year's ranking.

Bed Bug Reports shows there are 596 bed bug sightings in Missouri and St. Louis is tops on their list.

How can you check for bed bugs in a hotel or motel?

The United States Environmental Protection Agency says that if you see dark stains that almost look like they could be from a magic marker, that's a sign that bed bugs are present. The stains could be bed bug excrement and that's about the most disgusting phrase ever.

The one reason why so many fear bed bugs is they can get in your luggage and travel back home with you. I know many who put their luggage in the bathtub of the hotel room they're checking into while they check the beds for signs of infestation to make sure nothing crawls into their belongings whether they choose to stay in that room or not.

Inside Abandoned Old Famous Barr Building in St. Louis, Missouri

Gallery Credit: Art of Exploration via YouTube

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