Paris has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons recently, as hordes of bed bugs spread across the city. Visitors to the city are understandably concerned about bringing the blood sucking insects home with them, but unfortunately bed bugs are found right across the world and are not limited to one location. If you’re travelling, check out these tips on avoiding bringing the pests home.
Check Your Room
Before you unpack, check your accommodation for any signs of the bed bugs—as well as the bugs themselves, look for small dark smears on bedding. If you spot any signs, ask to move rooms immediately.
Don’t Leave Your Suitcase Open
Once you’re settled into your room, it can be tempting to leave your suitcase wide open, half unpacked. This is an invitation for any bed bugs in the area to crawl inside and hitch a lift, so make sure you zip it closed and keep it in an elevated position, if possible.
Don’t Take Chances
When you get home, if you have even the slightest suspicion that you’ve seen a bed bug in your luggage or in your bedding, call in the exterminators. Bed bugs are famously hard to get rid of, but by catching them early you reduce the risk of a few becoming a full on invasion.
Whilst bed bugs aren’t dangerous, they are certainly unpleasant. Take these precautions whenever you travel, to reduce the risk of them turning up at home with you.