A hotel worker and travel expert has shared her method for checking for bed bugs in hotel rooms, after a pest control company said that cases of the critters had risen this year.
Rentokil warned that they had seen enquiries relating to bed bugs soar 23% over the summer, thought to be as a result of travel picking up after the Covid lockdowns. The company urged people to look out for the tell-tale bed bug signs, including small dark spots or dark stains on the bed, a sweet sickly smell, and the insects themselves - which could be tricky to spot at just 4-6mm long.
Checking for bed bugs in your home is one thing, but if you’re sleeping in a new bed while away on holiday the pests may be a particular concern. Luckily, one hotel worker has shared her advice on TikTok on how to spot the pests if you’re staying away from home.
Travel blogger Halee ( haleewithaflair ) told users how she checks her own hotel rooms when she goes on holiday, saying that she wanted to share the tips after seeing one couple wake up covered in bed bug bites.
“The first thing you’re going to want to do is make sure your room is dark,” Halee advised, explaining that the bugs are more likely to emerge in the dark. “Turn off lights, close any shades and use the flashlight on your phone.”
The hotel worker urged guests to look under the bed covers in their room, making sure they check all the creases and corners. She also showed tourists how to check under the mattress and mattress pad - and warned that there’s more to look out for than just the bugs themselves.
“Even if you don’t see bugs, make sure you check for spots, like blood spots, because that’s not a good sign either,” Halee said. She added that travellers should avoid unpacking before they carry out a thorough bed bug check, as the critters can easily slip into luggage - and added to never put their luggage on the bed for this reason.
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