As millions of Britons set off on their Christmas holidays, a hidden threat could be waiting in their accommodation, ready to hitch a ride home. Bed bugs are a notorious pest that can turn a festive break into a prolonged nightmare if they are inadvertently brought back to your house.
These insects are incredibly difficult and expensive to eradicate once they establish themselves in your property, often requiring professional extermination. The specialists at Thermopest have therefore issued crucial advice to help travellers avoid an infestation from the outset.
Inspect Your Room Immediately on Arrival
Your first line of defence begins the moment you enter your hotel room or holiday let. James Rhoades from Thermopest strongly advises against placing your luggage on the bed or other soft furnishings straight away.
Instead, conduct a thorough inspection. Pull back the sheets and examine the mattress seams and corners for tell-tale dark spots, which are signs of bed bug activity. You should also check the headboard and any upholstered furniture.
If you find any evidence, demand a different room immediately and request one as far away from the potentially infested area as possible.
How to Safeguard Your Luggage and Belongings
Your suitcase is a primary vehicle for transporting these pests. James Rhoades explains that bed bugs struggle to climb smooth, hard surfaces. He recommends storing your luggage on a metal rack provided by the accommodation, rather than on the floor, bed, or a fabric chair.
Choosing hard-shell luggage over a fabric suitcase can also provide an extra barrier. Throughout your stay, keep your luggage closed or zipped up. For added protection, consider sealing your entire suitcase inside a large plastic bag.
Clothing is another target, as bed bugs are attracted to the scent of humans. Keep worn or dirty clothes in a separate sealed plastic bag until you can wash them. If you suspect bed bugs are present, using vacuum-sealed bags for your clothes during the trip can be a highly effective preventative measure.
The Essential Post-Holiday Routine
Your vigilance shouldn't end when you leave your accommodation. Upon returning home, a careful unpacking routine is vital to stop any stray bugs from invading.
James advises unpacking everything directly into the washing machine and running a hot wash. Then, meticulously inspect your empty suitcase inside and out. Pay close attention to pockets, seams, and linings for dark spots, shed skins, or the bugs themselves.
Making this inspection a standard part of your return from every trip is the best way to catch a potential problem early, before a full-blown and costly infestation takes hold in your home.
