One of the main insect enemies today, bed bugs are experts at hitch-hiking on your clothes and luggage, so it is vital that if you are trave...
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, many Brits take to the skies or hit the road for a holiday break during the summer months. In addition to packing luggage and double-checking itineraries, travellers should learn how to prevent unwelcome surprises, like bed bugs, from spoiling their trip or return home.
Pest control companies across the UK have seen a rise in the number of bed bugs cases over the past several years, treating infestations in most counties in Britain. Experts believe the bed bugs' return and prevalence in the UK is due to an increase in international travel and the change to more targeted pest control applications. These factors, combined with increased media coverage, have also heightened awareness of these blood-sucking pests among the general public.
Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not a sanitation issue; they can be found in any hotel – luxury to inexpensive – and any home – big, small, clean or dirty – as well as motels and cruise ships.
Once a bed bug finds its way indoors, it can move from room to room by travelling on clothing and luggage or through pipes and vacuum cleaners. This tendency to hitch-hike – as well as a bed bug's ability to survive more than a year without a blood meal – make proper prevention and control steps even more important.
While bed bugs are not known to carry disease, these apple-seed-sized pests can leave behind itchy, bloody welts on the skin.
We recommend travellers use the acronym, S.L.E.E.P., to remember the common signs of a bed bug infestation and to help prevent these pests from becoming an unwelcome travel companion or souvenir:
Don't let bed bugs spoil your travel. Remember to look for common signs of a bed beg infestation, such as dark brown or red spots on sheets and mattresses.