What to do if you find bed bugs in your hotel room
The best thing to do if you discover a problem is to alert the reception staff immediately and request to be moved to a different room. It’s up to the hotel to deal with a bed bug infestation but you have a right to make this request. Ideally, ask for a room that is on another floor or far away from your current one to lower the risk of finding bed bugs there too, as the bugs can travel between walls to surrounding rooms. If you have to move rooms for this or any other reason during your stay, it’s wise to start the inspection process again for the new room.
Signs of bed bugs
- Visible Bugs: While bedbugs are small, they are still visible to the naked eye. Adult bedbugs are about the size of an apple seed, and nymphs (young bedbugs) are smaller and lighter in colour.
- Reddish-Brown Stains: After feeding, bedbugs may leave behind small reddish-brown stains on sheets, mattresses, or other bedding. These stains are a result of their faeces or crushed bugs.
- Tiny Eggs and Eggshells: Bedbug eggs are tiny, white, and difficult to see without magnification. They are often found in cracks and crevices near the bed.
- Musty Odour: In severe infestations, bedbugs can produce a musty odour. If you notice an unusual smell in your hotel room, it could be a sign of a bedbug infestation.
- Bite Marks on Skin: Bedbug bites can cause itchy red welts on the skin, often arranged in a line or cluster. However, not everyone reacts to bedbug bites, so the absence of bites does not necessarily mean an absence of bedbugs.
How to prevent hitchhiking bed bugs
1
When you’re sure your room is pest-free, you can unpack and store your suitcase on the luggage rack, keeping it away from the bed. Avoid storing clothes on the bed or other upholstered surfaces during your stay and keep your belongings in sealed plastic bags if you want to be extra cautious.
2
When it’s time to pack up your suitcase again, double-check your bags and clothing for signs of bed bugs and try to keep dirty clothes separate in a plastic bag if possible.
3
Don’t assume that bed bugs will only be a problem in cheaper accommodation. Fancy hotels are just as likely to experience an issue as the blood-sucking pests will seek out anywhere that provides a food source and a safe place to hide. Hotels are the ideal spot for bed bugs as there are multiple hiding places and multiple food sources in the form of unsuspecting guests.
Contact us
If you’re looking for a professional and dependable pest control partner for your business, MJB Pest Control is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and find out how we can help keep your premises pest-free.
