We fear them and we do everything to avoid them: bedbugs are a real fear for many of us. Travel is one of the main causes of a bedbug infestation. They take advantage of our stay to hide carefully in luggage and clothing. More generally, what represents the most risk is the mixing of the population, hence busy places such as hotels intended to accommodate many people. Where there is turnover, the risks are highest. But fortunately, there is a pro tip to limit the risks of bringing some home.
For those who travel, whether for vacation or business trips, “The first thing to do is to look at the Internet reviews of the establishment you plan to book. We don’t necessarily think about it, but it’s a very simple tip, go to the site, on TripAdvisor or on Google, through the different opinions of Internet users, you will already have clues about the potential presence of bedbugs in the establishment“, advises Dr Romain Lasseur, doctor in animal toxicology, specialist in invasive animal species, interviewed in a YouTube video from the channel “Your pest control expert”. Please note, the expert still wants to point out that the presence of bedbugs does not mean that the establishment is dirty. The bedbug has absolutely no link with hygiene.
Once you arrive at the hotel or Airbnb, do a quick inspection. “Without being a bedbug specialist, the idea is to see if there are any traces of droppings, particularly around the edge of the bed, the mattress or the corners of the room.. Also, don’t put your luggage on the ground because bedbugs could burrow there. “If there is a bathtub or a large shower tray, you can even put your luggage in it because you are almost sure that there are no bedbugs here“, he continues.
On your return, inspect your suitcase (especially pockets, corners, seams and small places) and if in doubt, to minimize the risk of infestation, place your clothes in a closed trash bag in the freezer at -18°C for 3 consecutive days or in a washing machine at 60° because bedbugs do not survive extreme temperatures.