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With the arrival of the peak holiday season, a growing concern among travelers emerges: the risk of bringing bed bugs in their luggage. Pest control experts, such as those from Rentokil Initial, warn that an infestation can begin with just a single fertilized female. These small creatures, measuring between 4 and 7 millimeters, are elusive and have a remarkable ability to hide in seams, cracks, and folds, often within luggage.
Bed bugs are nocturnal insects that feed on human blood. Although they cannot fly or jump, they can be transported home without travelers realizing it. Jacinto Díez, communication director of Rentokil Initial, suggests being on the lookout for small signs of their presence after a trip, such as blood stains on sheets, pillows, or mattresses, as well as remnants of shed skin, which are the insect’s molts.
To avoid bringing bed bugs home, it is advisable to conduct checks upon arriving at a hotel or vacation rental. It is recommended to leave luggage in the bathroom before bringing it into the bedroom, meticulously check the bedding and mattress seams, and inspect headboards and nearby furniture. Upon returning home, it is best to take the suitcase to the bathroom or terrace, rather than placing it on the bed or sofa. If there is suspicion of infestation, luggage can be sprayed with household insecticide and clothes washed at a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius when possible.
In the days following a trip, it is crucial to remain alert for possible signs of bites. These can go unnoticed at first due to a local anesthetic that bed bugs inject, but they usually appear as red welts, often clustered in exposed areas during sleep.
If bed bugs are detected, it is wise to contact a specialized company for a thorough inspection. This pest has been on the rise in recent years, influenced more by globalization and climate change than by hygiene issues. Modern heat treatments are effective and typically require only one application, avoiding the use of chemicals.
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Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
