Bedbug infestations are on the rise with London pest control firms ‘inundated’ with calls about the pests. People have also claimed to have spotted the bugs on seats on public transport.
Although panic first began across the Channel in Paris, several major British cities are on the hotlist now, including Bristol and Birmingham.
Tourists could be at risk of bringing bedbugs home as the creatures can easily cross between soft furnishings and infest luggage.
Martin Seeley, CEO and mattress expert at MattressNextDay, has shared his top tips to avoid bringing bedbugs home from a holiday.
He said:“When you arrive home from your holiday, unpack your bag in a location other than your bedroom. Ideally on a hard floor as you won’t be able to spot bedbugs in the carpet.
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“Next, inspect your suitcase closely and use a flashlight to revise the seams, folds and pockets of your suitcase. You should then vacuum your suitcase before placing it back in storage.”
A hotel worker has advised tourists to always turn off the lights when they arrive in their hotel room as this could help spot bedbugs.
Martin added: “If you want to wash your clothes on holiday and there are only shared laundry facilities, take extra caution. When you transport your items to be washed, keep them in a plastic bag.
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“Once they are washed, remove them from the dryer and place them straight back in the bag. Fold them back at your hotel room where it’s safer to do so.”
Bedbugs usually live in soft furnishings and could also be found in carpets, curtains, sofas or other fabric. A travel expert recently warned tourists to keep their suitcase in the bath.
Martin added: “When people arrive in their hotel room, many place their suitcase straight onto the bed and start unpacking their clothes. However, we would suggest keeping your suitcase off your bed as this is where bed bugs are most commonly found.”
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Signs of bedbugs
- Rust coloured dots on the mattress
- Eggs
- Musty odour
- Dark spots on walls
- Worn or aged upholstery
It’s important to note that, if you suspect bedbugs in your hotel room, this is not your duty to treat them. Instead, you should contact the hotel immediately so that they can safely move you and take care of the product themselves.
But, if you still have some time left on your trip, it may be worth treating your luggage and belongings.
You can also use a bedbug trap to detect whether there are any critters lurking around your belongings. These poison-free traps are available to purchase for as little as £6.99.
- Buy Zero In Bed Bug Traps (five pack) on Amazon for £6.99
- Buy The Bugo Bed Bug Detector and Trap Travel Pack (eight pack) on Amazon for £11.58
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