Here you are off on a new adventure, ready to explore new horizons! But before diving into the unknown, there is one crucial detail not to overlook: bedbugs. These little pests can turn a dream stay into a real nightmare. Whether you are in a chic hotel or a charming Airbnb, it is essential to know how to spot them. Here are some practical tips to help you root out these unwanted guests and enjoy your getaways peacefully!
Bedbugs, those little pesky insects, can turn a trip you hoped to enjoy into a true nightmare. Whether you are in a hotel or an Airbnb accommodation, it is crucial to take certain precautions to avoid bringing these unwanted parasites back home. This article offers a series of practical tips for detecting bedbugs during your stays.
The first step: inspecting the room
Once you enter your room, don’t rush to unpack your belongings! Your first instinct should be to thoroughly inspect the area. Look around the bed, as bedbugs like to hide in dark places. Remember to turn and check the mattress as well as the box spring. The seams and corners of the bedding are often the favorite hiding spots for these little creatures.
Use a flashlight to illuminate hard-to-reach spaces. Bedbugs measure between 4 to 7 millimeters and are visible to the naked eye. They are distinguished by their brownish color, which often makes them easier to spot on light-colored sheets.
Vigilance in places of stay
Whether you are in a luxury hotel or an Airbnb accommodation, vigilance should be constant. In hotels, maintenance teams generally have protocols to detect and treat infestations. However, don’t be fooled by the price of your room. Expensive palaces can also be infested.
During a stay in an Airbnb, the risk of infestation may be higher, as owners are not always present for regular maintenance. Therefore, take the time to examine the bedding, the chairs, and even the curtains. Bedbugs can slip into any nook and cranny.
The revealing signs of their presence
While inspecting the room, be attentive to fecal matter responsible for small black spots on sheets and surfaces. These stains should alert you. However, be aware that old fecal matter can remain even if the insects have been eliminated.
Don’t neglect the search for eggs, which resemble small lentils. These eggs are often found in narrow, dark spaces, like the cracks in furniture. The larvae, smaller and translucent, also have their hiding spots: often near the folds of the bedding.
Prevention during your travels
To minimize risks, adopt preventive methods. Before unpacking your belongings, place your suitcases on a hard surface, like a table. Avoid putting them directly on the bed or the floor. Use airtight plastic bags to store your clothes to protect them from possible intrusions.
Also consider using a bedbug-proof cover to wrap your sheets, which provides an additional barrier against infestations. If you plan to stay for several days, consider washing your clothes quickly at 60°C to eliminate any potential contamination.
At the end of your stay
Your vigilance should not wane when leaving your accommodation. Before returning home, avoid placing your luggage on the bed. Ideally, unpack your belongings in a secure place and wash all clothes at 60°C.
Finally, if you suspect an infestation, do not hesitate to report the situation to your hotel or Airbnb host. They have an obligation to provide a healthy accommodation and can quickly intervene to address the infestation.
