Bedbugs Seen More In North America

Health experts said bedbugs are becoming more of a problem in apartments and hotels.

The wingless insects feed upon warm-blooded animals. Their population is on the rise in North America. For travelers, that means the bugs can be found in hotel rooms, according to the Good Housekeeping Institute.

The website BedBugRegistry is a free database where travelers report their experience at various hotels.

The institute advised checking the site before reserving rooms.

Adult bedbugs are reddish-brown and about the size of an apple seed.

"Pull back the bedspread and the bed sheet and look along the mattress seam," said the institute's Christina Peterson. "You also want to open the dresser drawer and look inside and check behind the dresser drawer."

Another good tip is to keep luggage off the floor. Place the luggage on a luggage rack, and check it before packing up, Peterson said.