Bed bugs are more prevalent than ever before.
With many people travelling all over the world for business and holidays, it’s no wonder these critters spread so easily. Other reasons for the increase in bed bug infestations include second-hand furniture sales and tolerance the pesticides.
Hotels, hostels, BnBs, holiday camps, or a block of flats, can accommodate hundreds, and thousands of occupants each year.
All it takes is one person to unwittingly carry bed bugs into a room and allow the bugs to infest the room. When the next occupant arrives, the bugs can crawl onto their clothes and luggage and hitch a ride to another destination when they leave.
Bed bugs usually hide in the cracks and crevices of furniture, wallpaper, and the seams of bed linen and mattresses. You may never visibly see any bed bugs, but you will certainly notice bite marks on your body, leaving no doubt there’s an infestation.
How to prevent spreading bed bugs?
Always keep your suitcase away from the bed itself, and avoid letting it rest on the floor. Placing it on a desk or table is ideal. When you arrive home, check your luggage and clothing for signs of bugs. If you find bugs, wash and tumble-dry all clothing, bedding, and as many contents as possible. For items that cannot be washed, place them into a bag and put them into a freezer for at least 3 days.
Hotel companies, and individuals offering accommodation, should implement a monitoring system, to detect signs of an infestation. This includes training staff to spot the subtle signs and alert a pest controller before a guest enters the room.
What treatments are available?
Two main methods work: heat and insecticide treatment.
However, the correct preparation must be carried out for any treatment to work effectively. All bed sheets, curtains, and clothes must be removed, washed, and tumble-dried. Every drawer and wardrobe must be emptied, but be careful not to place objects, such as books, CDs, posters, or boxes in any other room to prevent further spread. Items that can’t be washed or tumble-dried should be placed in a bag and put in the freezer overnight.
For a thorough explanation of how to prepare, or to find out whether you truly do have an infestation, contact a bed bugs expert immediately.
For free advice and professional bed bug treatments in Scotland and Yorkshire, get in touch with The Bed Bugs Experts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most important thing to do after a holiday to avoid bed bugs?
The most important step is to isolate luggage immediately after returning home and wash all clothing on a hot cycle, followed by high-heat drying where possible. Heat is one of the most reliable ways to kill bed bugs and their eggs.
Where should you keep your suitcase after travelling?
Suitcases should be kept away from bedrooms and soft furnishings until they have been checked. A bathroom, garage, or hard flooring area is commonly recommended so bed bugs cannot easily spread into sleeping areas.
Should you unpack straight away after a trip?
No, it is safer to unpack carefully. Clothes should be removed directly into the washing machine or sealed bags rather than placed on beds or furniture, reducing the chance of spreading any hitchhiking bed bugs.
Can bed bugs survive in luggage after a holiday?
Yes, bed bugs can hide in seams, zips, and folds of suitcases for several days or longer. This is why luggage should be inspected thoroughly and treated with heat or washing as soon as possible after travel.
How do you check for bed bugs in luggage?
Inspect seams, pockets, and lining under strong light. Vacuuming the suitcase and carefully disposing of the contents can help reduce the risk of any hidden bed bugs remaining inside.
What is the best way to prevent bringing bed bugs home from a hotel?
Prevention starts in the hotel by keeping luggage off beds and floors, checking sleeping areas before unpacking, and using hard surfaces or racks for bags. After returning home, immediate heat treatment of clothing is key.