Unveiling the key routes for unwittingly introducing bed bugs into your household, as laid out by a bed bug control specialist

Summer is here, and with it comes the peak season for bed bugs. According to Mihail Velev, a pest control technician at London-based Fantastic Pest Control, bed bugs can be found in a variety of places, from luxurious hotels to well-maintained homes.

August and September tend to see an increased interest in bed bugs, with most searches focusing on how to get rid of them. To help you navigate this pesky problem, here are some tips for preventing bed bugs during travel and dealing with them if they do make an unwelcome appearance.

Preventing Bed Bugs During Travel

When travelling, bed bugs can be encountered in hotels, hostels, or public transportation, and they can hitchhike on clothes or suitcases. To lower the risk of bringing bed bugs home, it is advised to inspect your accommodation carefully. Check the sheets, pillows, mattress, covers, nightstands, and drawers for signs of bed bugs.
Slowly lift each corner of the mattress and examine the creases of the mattress and box spring, checking the headboard, bed frame and legs, and the wall behind the bed. Look for small dark red or brown spots and eggs or the bugs themselves.
If a room does not have a luggage rack, the best place to store belongings is on a tile floor in the bathroom. Avoid placing suitcases or bags on beds to prevent any potential bed bug infestation.
Keeping clothes in suitcases or travel bags with zips and using a light-colored plastic suitcase can help prevent bed bugs from entering your home.
Travel-sized bed bug sprays can be used to prevent bed bugs when travelling. Spray the bed, nightstand, and area around the suitcase, and use it on public transportation.
When checking a hotel or hostel room, it is important to inspect secondhand furniture thoroughly before bringing it into the home. Check for signs of bed bugs in seams and folds.

Combating Bed Bugs

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, there are several steps you can take to eliminate them. Smaller items like decorative pillows or soft toys can be placed in sealed plastic bags and frozen for at least 24 hours to kill bed bugs and eggs.
Steam cleaning can kill bed bugs that might be lurking inside secondhand upholstered furniture.
Washing secondhand fabric items at a minimum of 60 degrees and tumble drying on high for at least 30 minutes can help prevent bed bugs from entering your home.
Unpacking clothing and inspecting personal items for signs of bed bugs, washing all clothes and fabric items in hot water, and drying any non-washable items in the dryer at the highest temperature for 30 minutes are precautions to take after travel.

Remember, bed bugs are rated as one of the worst things that can happen during a trip. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your travels remain bug-free. Happy travels!

Unveiling the key routes for unwittingly introducing bed bugs into your household, as laid out by a bed bug control specialist