Bed bugs feed on human blood, especially at night. These little insects are on the increase, particularly in hotels, vacation homes and large cities. If you travel regularly, you need to take preventive measures, and here are a few tips to avoid bringing these pests or even just their eggs home with you.
Find out about the hotel or accommodation before you book
Before you book your accommodation, make sure you research the hotel or apartment you’re renting. Look for reviews from previous guests to see if they’ve potentially encountered bed bug problems during their stay. You can also contact the hotel directly to ask if they’ve had any bed bug infestations recently. That said, chances are the establishment will answer in the negative to limit bad publicity!
Check your room as soon as you arrive
Once you’ve arrived in your room, examine the bed: mainly the mattress under the sheets and the box springs. If you notice any signs of infestation (black spots, etc.), report it immediately to reception and ask for a new room! In any case, always place your suitcase on a table or luggage rack rather than on the floor or bed, and lock it up at night.
Use a bed bug repellent spray and a bed bug cover for your mattress.
Use a bed bug repellent spray like Sereni-d’s SHIELD spray. Spray it on your suitcases and clothes to prevent bed bugs from getting into your belongings and laying eggs. Without being paranoid, prevention is the best way to deal with the bed bugs scourge.
It’s also a good idea to isolate your belongings in airtight bags inside your luggage, and not to mix clean and worn items.
When you’re traveling, it’s a bit cumbersome and not necessarily suitable for every type of trip, but it might be a good idea to bring along a bed bugs cover for your mattress. This can help prevent bed bug infestation by keeping these insects from nesting in your bed. If you use a cover, make sure you install it correctly and don’t remove it during your stay.
Wash your clothes immediately on your return
If you think you’ve been exposed to bed bugs during your trip, wash your clothes as soon as you get home. Wash them in very hot water (min. 60°C) to kill any bed bugs and eggs. You can also put your clothes in the tumble-dryer at high temperature for at least 60 minutes, or place them in the freezer for around 4 days. You can also treat your belongings with Sereni-d’s SOS Bedbugs spray. In all cases, empty your suitcase into a tiled area such as a bathroom, or even better, into a white bathtub, so you can detect directly whether a bed bug is falling out of your belongings.
Act when in doubt about the presence of bed bugs
If you think you’ve brought bed bugs into your home, it’s essential to start treating your belongings as soon as possible. Bed bugs are very difficult to eliminate, and it’s best to act at the first sign of doubt to treat your home and prevent a major infestation. SOS Sereni-d bed bug spray will be your best natural ally in the fight against bed bugs.
By following these practical tips, you can considerably reduce the risk of bed bug infestation when you travel. Remember, prevention is the best way to protect against bed bugs. Sereni-d has developed unique natural formulas made from essential oils, plants and water, both preventive and curative, to help you deal with the bed bugs scourge without poisoning yourself.