A new study has identified the European city with the most bed bug infestations, and it is not Paris. Rome, a popular tourist destination known for its ancient history and architecture, tops the list with 31.37 complaints per 1,000 hotel reviews, according to MattressNextDay.
Study Analyzes 12.9 Million Reviews
MattressNextDay analyzed 12.9 million hotel reviews across 59 European holiday hotspots to determine which cities have the biggest bed bug problems. Rome was the only destination to exceed 30 complaints per 1,000 reviews.
Other Italian Cities in Top 10
Venice ranked seventh with 12.66 complaints per 1,000 reviews, while Florence placed ninth with 10.43. All three cities are popular with tourists, but travelers should take precautions to avoid bringing bed bugs home.
Expert Advice: Inspect Your Room Immediately
Martin Seeley, CEO and mattress expert at MattressNextDay, advises travelers to avoid placing their suitcase on the hotel bed upon arrival. Instead, inspect the room for signs of bed bugs before unpacking. Even a single female bed bug can lay 200 to 500 eggs over two months, leading to a rapid infestation.
Seeley said: "One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is placing their suitcase straight onto the hotel bed as soon as they arrive. If bed bugs are present, you have immediately increased the chances of them finding their way into your luggage."
He added: "Because bed bugs are small and often remain hidden, many people do not realize they have brought them home until weeks later. By that point, a single insect may have become a full-blown infestation."
Prevention Tips
- Keep suitcases off the bed and floor.
- Use luggage racks or hard surfaces.
- Inspect mattresses, headboards, and furniture for signs of bed bugs.
- Seal clothing in plastic bags when not in use.
- Upon returning home, wash all clothes in hot water and vacuum luggage thoroughly.
Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eradicate, so taking preventive measures can save travelers from a costly and stressful ordeal.
