Store your luggage in this bizarre location while traveling, expert says

An expert is speaking out about the best place to store your luggage in order to avoid bringing creepy crawlers home after home rentals or hotel stays.

"I always recommend leaving as much as possible in the suitcase. Only unpack the essentials," Braun told Fox News Digital.

"Personally, I place my toiletries on the bathroom counter, hang clothes that need to be hung in the closet and then leave everything else in my suitcase and place my suitcase in the bathroom," he added.

Braun said he does not unpack in the bathroom, but simply places his suitcase in there after unpacking the important stuff.

"Bed bugs prefer soft or textured materials, so they are less likely to be found on the smooth, hard surfaces typical of bathrooms, such as bathtubs," Braun said.

"If clothes are left inside the suitcase and placed on the floor, near the bed or within the radius of potential hiding spots for bed bugs, then the suitcase and its contents can be at risk for hitchhiking bed bugs."

Braun also suggested that travelers store luggage in other areas of the bathroom, on a coffee table or on a desk.

"They are attracted to the carbon dioxide humans exhale and the warmth and odor of our bodies, not the cleanliness of our surroundings," he noted.

Last month, Dr. Jason Singh, a Virginia-based primary care physician, shared a PSA asking people on social media to be "lazy" and to not unpack their luggage for up to 10 days to avoid a bedbug infestation.

After Singh's video went viral, Braun spoke with Fox News Digital about the concern of bringing bed bugs home after traveling.

Below, read more tips from Braun, who offered insights about tracking down pests.

1. Mattress, box spring, headboard and bed frame

Braun recommends examining the sheets for possible "fecal spots" or bed bug droppings, which can look like someone touched the surface of the fabric with a black marker. 

"Carefully inspect the mattress and box spring seams, creases, edges, folds, tufts, and around zippers and tags for shed skin and bugs. Lift the mattress to inspect the underneath side and the slats, rails and platform corners of the bed frame. Inspect any cracks, crevices, edges and intricate designs in the headboard," he said.

He also suggested pulling back the headboard from the wall to examine the backside of the furniture.

2. Floor and baseboard coverings

It is best to scan the carpeted floor and baseboards underneath the bed and the perimeter of the room.

3. Upholstered seating

Braun said people should check the removable lids found on ottomans and stools.

Carefully examine throw pillows, particularly zipper areas, and check the seams, edges and folds along furniture crevices and inside cushion covers of sofas and chairs. Don't forget any removable lids of ottomans or stools

4. Nightstands and wall fixtures

In the same way that Braun does not recommend placing your clothes in dressers when traveling, he encourages travelers to examine the drawers in the room and other cracks and crevices within the furniture bugs might get into.

"Open and shake any books that may be in the drawers. Observe the edges, backside and underneath lamps, picture frames, alarm clocks or other decorative items and fixtures," Braun said.