The next time you check into a hotel, repeat after me: SLEEP, SLEEP, SLEEP. What that means...

If you’ll be checking into a hotel any time soon, don’t forget to SLEEP...

It’s the acronym you’ll need to remember to make sure you’re not climbing into bed with something nasty: bedbugs! According to the pest control experts at Orkin, bedbugs may be waiting in bed for you regardless of where you stay. They’ve developed the S.L.E.E.P. protocol reminder to help us avoid taking home any live souvenirs:

• S: SURVEY surfaces for signs of an infestation, such as tiny ink-colored spots on mattress tags and seams and bed skirts.

• L: LIFT and look for all bed bug hiding spots, including underneath the mattress, bed frame, headboard and furniture. Adults are about the size, shape and color of an apple seed when fully grown, and nymphs are about the size of a pinhead and ivory in color.

• E: ELEVATE your luggage on a luggage rack away from the bed and wall, since bed bugs can often hide behind head boards, artwork, picture frames and electrical outlet panels. Luggage can also be placed in a garbage bag or the bathtub.

• E: EXAMINE your belongings carefully while repacking and when you return home. Always keep luggage off the bed and store it in a closet or other area, far away from your bedroom. Keep dirty clothes contained in a sealed bag.

• P: PLACE all your clothing from your luggage immediately in the dryer for at least 15 minutes at the highest setting upon returning home from travel.

These pests may have a nasty reputation in bed – but keep in mind they might prefer your luggage. Bedbugs LOVE the smell body odor. If you plan on shoving those dirty clothes into your suitcase, consider wrapping them in a plastic bag with a bar of hotel soap first.