BEWARE OF BEDBUGS WHILE TRAVELING !
Bedbugs are a nightmare for travelers ! These small and discreet insects, present worldwide, are hiding in beds and can easily invade your personal stuff and go home with you in your luggage. Be careful, as they cause unpleasant bites and are very hard to get rid of…
WHAT IS A BEDBUG ?
Also known as Cimex lectularius, bedbugs are tiny flightless insects. They are recognizable by their brown oval and flat body. An adult bedbug usually measures between 5 and 7 millimeters. These insects are widespread in temperate climates. They hide in beds and bedding during the day, and go out at night to feed on human blood. They are attracted by the heat and the carbon dioxide emitted by their victims. Note that they have difficulties climbing on metallic or hairy surfaces, and that they can not jump. Moreover, they are able to survive for several weeks without food.
HOW TO DETECT BEDBUGS ?
It can be difficult to detect bedbugs, as they are very skillful to hide in tiny corners. The only things which usually betray their presence are their feces and the little blood spots they leave behind them. When you enter your room, check it meticulously for bedbugs before using the bed. Look everywhere, especially under the sheets and the pillows, in the folds, in the seams and under the mattress, as well as behind the head bed, in the cracks of the wall and under the bedside table.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS IF YOU ARE BITTEN BY BEDBUGS ?
Everybody is reacting differently to bedbug bites. While some persons experience severe allergic reactions and painful skin rash, some others barely notice that they have been bitten. Bedbugs may bite any exposed area of the body, the face, arms and legs being often affected. Sometimes, the bites are grouped and cause skin lesions forming a line. These lesions can appear from minutes to days after the bite. They may cause itchiness, but you should not scratch them to avoid infections.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST BEDBUGS WHILE TRAVELING ?
As bedbugs may be present in any country and in any type of accommodation, you must always remain careful when you travel. To protect yourself, apply insect repellent and use bedbug traps whenever you suspect the presence of these naughty insects. Avoid leaving your luggage lying everywhere, and pack your belongings in separate plastic bags. Also, don’t leave your shoes under or near the bed. If you notice that bedbugs are present in your bed, immediately inform the staff of your accommodation and ask for another room, which is not in contact with the infected one.
