There’s no place like home, and when it comes to hotel rooms, nothing could be closer to the truth. No matter how luxurious your hotel, you can’t escape the fact that it’s a place full of strangers, and many of them have been in the bed before you, and possibly done some very gross things. Here’s a list of things you should avoid doing in your hotel room at all cost.

Don’t Take Any Souvenirs

We’re not talking about the bathrobes, but the bedbugs. Bedbugs are a burgeoning infestation these days, in some of the fanciest of hotels. They’re just so portable; if you unpack your suitcase near the bed, a couple of hitchhikers jump in and the next thing you know, you have your own colony at home. Even well-heeled travelers can spread bedbugs from hotel to home to hotel.

Check the sheets and mattresses for any kind of small red or brown stains and always keep your luggage and clothing well away from the bed area. When you get home, unpack your bags in the laundry room and put your clothes straight into the wash to be on the safe side. Spray down your luggage with insecticide and store it well away from your bedroom.

Avoid the Remote Control

The towels and sheets may get changed, the bathroom surfaces wiped down and the floors vacuumed, but bedspreads have been found to contain a cornucopia of body fluids, and even worse is the surface of the remote control, which apparently never gets cleaned or disinfected at all. Consider packing some antibacterial wipes to clean the remote and the telephone as well, if you plan to use them.

Don’t Touch the Mini-Bar

It’s not the germs; it’s the exorbitant rip-off prices! It used to be fun to look through the mini-bar, just to see what was there. Don’t even think about it now! To prevent people from tampering with the goodies and replacing them with empties, hotels these days install super sensitive sensors that automatically charge you if you so much as touch something. Just stay away!

Don’t Leave Valuables in Plain Sight

You should never travel with expensive jewelry, but if you do have a nice watch or expensive necklace, keep them on your person or put them in the hotel safe when you go out. At the very least, stash them away somewhere rather than leaving them out in plain sight to tempt someone who might not otherwise be inclined to theft.

Don’t Give Away your Room Number

Write your room number on a bill rather than saying it out loud to the waiter, and avoid mentioning it anywhere someone might overhear. It’s just common sense, to avoid the weirdo’s as well as potential burglars.

Don’t Open the Door to Strangers

Your mother taught you this, and she was right. When someone knocks on your door, make sure you verify who it is before opening up. Even if you’re expecting room service, put the chain on the door and just open it a crack to make sure they are who they say they are. Tourists are attacked in hotel rooms all over the globe. Also, don’t leave your door ajar while you run out to get ice!

Don’t Forget the Do Not Disturb Sign

Whether you’re changing clothes, taking a shower, or sharing an intimate moment, make sure you put out the Do Not Disturb sign. Maids have a very bad habit of knocking and then immediately opening the door before you get a chance to answer.