Bedbug tourist warning as expert shares ‘common sign’ hotel is infested | Travel News | Travel
Bed bugs can ruin a holiday and the unwanted critters can even hitch a ride back to the UK on your suitcase.
An expert has shared the telltale signs of bed bugs to look out for when you check into a hotel room.
Nic Shacklock, from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk, said: “Finding bed bugs in your room is a real-life nightmare come true.
“The critters can be found all over the bedroom from the mattress to the carpet which is why it’s important to check every item of furniture in case they are in the fabric.
“Some of the common signs which indicate their presence include dark patches on the wall and blood spots on bed sheets.”
Blood
Nic said: “Bed bugs are easily squashed and when this happens, they tend to leave a lot of blood.
“If you notice any red patches in your sheets or around the seams of your mattress, they’ve likely been lurking around.”
Musty odour
Nic said: “The smell of bed bugs has an unsettling musty aroma which comes from their scent glands. Regularly check under the bed and on the mattress itself for a foul aroma.”
Eggs
Bed bug eggs are around one mm wide and have a pale yellow appearance. If tourists spot any eggs, it likely means there’s an infestation.
Morning itches
Nic said: “If you’re waking up itching, then you could be sharing a bed with the nasty critters. Not all bite marks show up straight away which can explain the need for excessive scratching.”
Dark spots on walls
Bed bugs may also crawl up the walls of a hotel room so any dark spots on the walls could indicate their presence.
White spots on furniture
Despite their name, bed bugs are also often found on furniture so keep an eye out for dark patches or white spots.
Red lumps
Nic warned: “If you’ve woken up with red, itchy lumps around your body, it’s likely the critters have bitten you in the night. What makes bed bug bits distinct is how the bite patterns are usually grouped in a line, whereas other bugs such as mosquitoes and fleas don’t bite in this formation.”