Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite

by Ellie Dixon December 12, 2019

Travel increases the risk of encountering bed bugs, a growing concern in places like Australia and New Zealand. These pests are notorious for hitchhiking on luggage and can ruin your holiday with their itchy bites.

Identifying Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, nocturnal insects drawn to warmth and usually bite exposed skin during sleep. Adult bed bugs have flat, oval bodies and are brown, turning reddish after feeding. Contrary to popular belief, they are visible to the naked eye at 4-5mm long.

Signs of an infestation include

• Reddish stains on bedding from crushed bugs
• Tiny, shed skins
• White eggs and dark faecal spots on mattresses and linens

Preventive Steps for Travelers

• Before booking, check hotel reviews for mentions of bed bugs and consult bed bug registries if available.
• Upon arrival, store luggage in the bathroom to minimize risk and thoroughly inspect the room before settling in.
• Examine all bedding, furniture seams, and hiding spots within a few meters of the bed.

If you find signs of bed bugs, inform the hotel staff immediately and consider changing hotels. To protect against bed bugs in transit, use hard-shell luggage, which is easier to keep clean and inspect. Upon returning home, wash all clothing in hot water and vacuum your luggage before storing it.

For ongoing protection, consider using Protect-A-Bed® BugLock® mattress encasements, designed to be bed bug entry and escape proof, while also providing a barrier against allergens.

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