04/07/2026
Travelling this summer? Don’t let bed bugs come home with you.
Whether you’re staying in a hotel, holiday apartment or Airbnb, bed bugs can hitch a lift home in your luggage. They don’t discriminate between budget accommodation and luxury hotels, so taking a few simple precautions can help prevent an infestation.
Before unpacking, inspect the mattress, headboard and nearby furniture. Pay close attention to mattress seams, bed frames and bedside units for black spotting (bed bug droppings), shed skins or live bed bugs. Spotting the signs early could stop you bringing them home.
Keep your suitcase off the bed and upholstered furniture. Store it on a luggage rack or on the opposite side of the room to reduce the risk of bed bugs getting into your belongings.
If you notice bites, live bed bugs or any evidence during your stay, report it to reception immediately and request a room change.
When you return home, keep dirty laundry in a sealed bag and wash clothing, bedding and other washable items at 60°C where possible. Vacuum your suitcase thoroughly, paying attention to seams, pockets and zips before storing it away.
Signs of bed bugs include:
• Black spotting on bed frames, mattresses, headboards and nearby furniture.
• Blood spots on bedding.
• Shed skins from developing nymphs.
• Live bed bugs hiding in cracks, crevices and fabric seams.
• Bites, often on exposed areas of the body, although some people show little or no reaction.
If you think you’ve brought bed bugs home, avoid using supermarket insecticides. These products can cause bed bugs to spread into other areas, making treatment more difficult.
Professional treatments may include residual insecticides, high-temperature steam or specialist whole-room heat treatments to eliminate bed bugs at every stage of their life cycle.
At Summit Pest Control, our experienced technicians provide professional inspections, tailored treatment plans and expert advice to resolve infestations quickly and effectively.
For professional help or advice contact Summit Pest Control.
0800 414 8007
www.summitpestcontrol.co.uk