Even the best vacation can end on a sour note if bed bugs decide to hitch a ride home in your luggage.
Here are some essential tips to keep the tiny stowaways out of your suitcase.
Never place your suitcase on the bed
When you arrive at your hotel, always keep your suitcase on a luggage rack or a tiled floor instead of placing it on the bed.
Bed bugs can easily crawl into your bag from the bedding.
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Keep clothes in sealed bags
Pack your clothes in plastic or vacuum-sealed bags while travelling. This makes it much harder for bed bugs to crawl in and hide in your clothes.
Avoid storage under the bed
Never store your suitcase under the bed, as bed bugs often hide in cracks and crevices there. Instead, use a suitcase stand or place it on a hard floor.
Inspect mattress seams
Always check the seams of the mattress and the underside of the bed for small black spots, which could be bed bug droppings.
If you spot any signs, ask for another room immediately.
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Wash clothes at high temperatures
When you return home, wash all clothes at a minimum of 60 degrees Celsius to kill any bed bugs or eggs. Heat is one of the most effective ways to eliminate them.
Use your freezer as a weapon
If you have clothes that can’t be washed hot, place them in the freezer for at least two days. Cold temperatures will kill bed bugs just like heat does.
Inform your landlord immediately
If you discover bed bugs in your home, inform your landlord right away.
As a tenant, you are obliged to do so and it can save you from having to cover huge expenses if the problem spreads.
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Know the risk in apartment buildings
If you live in an apartment building, the risk of spreading is higher.
Close living quarters make it easier for bed bugs to move from one apartment to another, so act fast if you suspect an infestation.
Check your blinds and curtains
Bed bugs don’t just hide around the bed; they also love places like blinds and curtains near your bed. Always inspect these areas, especially after travelling.
Prevention is the best defence
Bed bugs can survive for months without food, making them difficult to get rid of once they’re inside.
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The better you are at preventing an infestation, the lower the risk of bringing unwanted guests home.
Artiklen er baseret på informationer fra Via Ritzau.
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