A hotel worker with years of experience in the hospitality industry is warning guests not to immediately jump into bed upon entering a hotel room. Natalie Brookson, 37, says she was left 'horrified' after discovering how infrequently bed bug inspections are carried out.
Bed Bug Inspections Rare
According to Brookson, inspections for bed bugs were performed in only 10 percent of rooms at the chain where she worked. 'If you thought the little critters were frequently checked for in hotel rooms, you'd be wrong,' she told Woman's Own Magazine.
How to Spot Bed Bugs
Brookson advises guests to conduct their own thorough checks before settling in. Look closely at mattress seams and buttons, as these are common hiding and egg-laying spots. Tiny blood spots on sheets are also a telltale sign. General advice includes checking tight, hidden areas such as:
- Mattress seams and tags
- Bed frame joints
- The headboard (front and back)
- Behind bedside tables
- Inside cracks in walls or skirting boards
- Around sockets or picture frames
In heavier infestations, a sweet, musty odour similar to damp towels may be present.
Second Check: Mattress Toppers
Brookson also emphasises a second vital check. 'Once you've seen the outline of a body on top of a mattress, showing how heavily a previous user sweated on it, you know to never sleep in a hotel bed unless it has a mattress topper,' she said.
Other Hygiene Tips
Guests should think twice before using decorative pillows, as Brookson does not recall them ever being washed. Similarly, glasses in the room should be washed before use.
Preventing Bed Bugs at Home
If you suspect you have brought bed bugs home from a holiday, Martin Seeley, CEO of MattressNextDay, advises acting quickly. Bed bugs can survive up to a year without feeding, and a single bug can quickly lead to an infestation. Female bed bugs lay between 200 and 500 eggs over two months, in batches of 10 to 50. The sticky eggs can attach to furniture, clothing, and other items.
To prevent bringing bed bugs home, keep luggage off the bed, store belongings in drawers, and use a separate, sealed laundry bag for dirty clothing.
