Travelling is a fantastic experience, an opportunity to unwind and explore.
Just thinking about bed bugs in hotels may put a damper on anyone’s trip.
Our team at PestPatrol have seen plenty of bed bugs sneak back to homes in London after a holiday.
Here are some important reminders to keep your travel bug free and fun.

Identifying the Signs of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs can pose a significant problem because they can usually be difficult to see.
However here are the main signs to look for:

Small Dark Spots

These small dark spots usually appear on bedding, mattresses, and anything upholstered.
They are bed bug droppings— an essential indicator of infestation.

Shed Skins

Bed bugs must shed their skins several times in order to grow.
The translucent shells are sometimes found in clusters near a bed or furniture where the bugs tend to hide.

Blood Stains

You may notice small reddish stains on sheets or pillow cases from squished bed bugs after they have fed.

Live Bed Bugs

Although tiny (the size of an apple seed), you may find live bed bugs if there is a serious infestation.

How to Conduct an Effective Inspection of Your Hotel Room

When you walk into your room, take a moment to conduct a simple check:

• Check your bed!
  Lift up sheets and check both the mattresses and headboard for dark spots or shed skins.
• Check furniture!
  Behind bedside tables, drawers, and behind cushions on chairs and sofas.
• Check the luggage rack!
  This is the most common area for bed bugs to hide as it is usually found close to beds, so check it before you put it to use.

Practical Precautions

You can greatly reduce the chance of bringing bed bugs home by following these practical precautions:

• Use Luggage Racks!
  Keeping your suitcases off the floor and away from beds and walls is essential.
• Keep clothing packed!
  Storing your clothing in zipped bags or hanging, rather than unpacked is ideal.
• Wash clothes!
  When you return home, wash your clothes at high temperature (ideally 60C) as a preventative measure.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Bed Bugs

If you see any evidence of bed bugs during your stay, be sure to do the following:

• Tell someone!
  Inform hotel management straight away, and ask for another room (ideally far away from your original room).
• Check your things!
  Carefully inspect luggage and clothes and keep everything sealed up to avoid contamination.
• Take photos!
  Take image evidence for your complaint, particularly if you want compensation.

When should you call PestPatrol

Every now and then bed bugs make it home with the safest of travellers,
and PestPatrol recommends inspection and treatment if:

• You have been bitten or have seen evidence of bed bugs after returning to London
• You have stayed at a hotel where bed bugs have been confirmed
• Your methods of cleaning or washing have festered concerns or doubts you may have an infestation

Bed bug infestations spread quickly; early intervention is essential.

Get Peace of Mind with PestPatrol

Don’t let bed bugs ruin your travel experiences or your home life in London!
PestPatrol is a London bedbug pest control specialist, delivering discreet, swift, and effective resolutions.

If you are concerned or worried that you may have travelled home with these unwanted pests,
contact PestPatrol without delay for a professional pest inspection and fast service.

For more break down and detail, please visit our dedicated Bed Bug Pest Control page.