If you’re staying in a hotel this summer, there are more things to look out for besides the iron, safe and tea and coffee making facilities. Because there is always the risk that you share the room with unwanted guests – bedbugs.
And despite their name, these tiny creatures don’t just live in mattresses and blankets, but also in rugs and other upholstery. But there are a few key indicators that might suggest to tourists that they might not have the bed to themselves.
A MattressNextDay spokesperson said: “After the past two years, we all deserve a fantastic holiday this summer and let’s face it, none of us want to share a bed with these little creatures. That’s why we recommend vacationers check their mattresses before climbing between the sheets for the first time in a new bed.
“If you think there might be unwanted guests in your holiday bed, there are a few things you can check to be sure of the situation before talking to the hotel manager. It’s important to spot the signs early so that they do not spoil your vacation and ultimately affect your health.If you notice signs of bedbugs when you arrive at your hotel or apartment, it is best to immediately inform the appropriate personnel .
“More often than not you will find that they will be very accommodating as customer service should be their number one priority. precautionary measure.
Eight telltale signs that there may be bed bugs in your hotel room
Unfortunately, it’s as horrible as it sounds. When the insects are crushed, they release a lot of blood, especially around the seams of mattresses, where they tend to hide. These spots can start to take on a rusty color the longer they have been there. Make sure both sides of the mattress are free of any blood stains before hitting the hay.
Eggs
It might seem obvious that spotting eggs would be a telltale sign of an insect infestation, but they aren’t always hiding in plain sight. Eggs are tiny and can be found in many places, not just on the mattress. They are about 1mm wide and are often pale yellow in color. If you find any of these eggs, it could mean the bed bugs are still very much alive and should be reported immediately.
Musty smell
You may have been to a hotel that smells a bit strange before, but the smell excreted by bedbugs certainly stands out. If the room has a strong musty and unpleasant smell. This could possibly come from the scent glands of a bedbug and is strongest when there are large amounts of bedbugs present. Always exercise caution when dealing with a smelly room and also check for other signs.
Dark spots on the walls
Although a little less common, bedbugs can also leave stains on walls. If you notice dark spots, it could be bed bug droppings. Make sure not to touch any affected areas and notify hotel or apartment staff immediately.
(Image: Rentokil Pest Control/PA Wire)
insect shells
Like many other creatures, insects shed their skin once they begin to grow. When trying to identify a shell, you should look for small, husk-like specks that can crack if crushed. They’re mostly found among fabrics, so check mattresses, headboards, couches, and other upholstery.
Worn or aged upholstery
Old fabrics that may not have been thoroughly cleaned or may be second-hand could harbor a family of bed bugs. If the place you’re staying is a bit older in nature or boutique style, it’s always best to double-check the fabric and furnishings before settling in.
White stains on furniture
Bed bugs also like to lay their eggs in furniture as well as mattresses, especially sofas. From a distance these will look like clusters of small white specks, but on closer inspection this may be where the insects have decided to keep their eggs.
(Picture: Mirror)
Bites
If you haven’t spotted any of these signs but have woken up with small, itchy red spots on your skin, it could be due to the creepy creatures. The bites often form a straight line on one part of your body, this is a characteristic feature of bed bugs. Mosquitoes and fleas do not bite in this formation, so if you notice these red spots, it is best to seek medical attention.