Michigan Travel WARNING: Beware of Bed Bugs in These 50 Cities

Michigan travelers are on a mission, especially since we drive nearly everywhere possible. If it takes 24 hours to drive somewhere, the biggest decision we have to make is whether or not to drive straight-thru, split the trip into a 2-day trip, or fly.

Related: Pure Michigan Nightmares: 5 Critters That Could Crawl Out of Your Toilet

Regardless of how you get to your destination, once you arrive the only thing you want to do once you arrive at where you are staying, is unpack your bags, and jump face-first into your pillow. STOP! Before you even bring your bags into your room

Signs of Bed Bug Infestation Every Michigan Traveler Should Know

Avoid bed bugs, the itch, the bumps, and the long process of eliminating them from your home if you mistakenly bring them back from vacation. Here are 5 steps to follow before unpacking to avoid these creepy little vampire bugs:

1. Strategic Luggage Placement: Avoid the temptation to immediately bring your bags into the room. If you aren't comfortable leaving them in the hallway or car, take them into the bathroom, which is an unlikely bed bug hideout.
2. Sheet Inspection: Peel back the sheets and give them a close eyeballing. Focus on the head of the bed. Adult bed bugs, nymphs, and their eggs can be seen with the naked eye. Look for rust-colored spots and be sure to lift the mattress as well, a flashlight might come in handy for this.
3. Furniture Investigation: Apolstry is a bed bug's favorite place to chill. Don't forget to check every piece of fabric furniture in your room for signs of tiny bloodsuckers.
4. Suitcase Elevation: Keep your suitcase up! The stands are provided in most hotel rooms but, if yours doesn't have any, consider using large trash bags to protect your belongings.
5. Post-Travel Precautions: Even if you didn't see any signs while you were on the road, it's a good idea to throw your clothes into a hot dryer for 30 minutes to eliminate any bed bug tag-a-longs.

Knowing the signs is only part of the bed bug battle in Michigan. Let's take a look at some of the nation's most invested cities, including 4 that are right here in the Mitten State.