[Infographic] How to check your hotel rooms for bed bugs in 5 easy steps
Due to our ever-growing passion for travelling, there has been a drastic increase in bed bug infestations across the world in the last few decades. Bed bugs are impossible to prevent as they are bought into properties – including hotel rooms – by people's clothing and luggage. However, you can protect yourself from these bugs by looking out for signs to help discover whether your room might be infested. Pest control experts Rentokil.com have created an infographic that shows keen travellers how to protect themselves from bringing back these unintended souvenirs from their next holiday. The main signs to look out for are live bed bugs. They are roughly the size of an apple seed, red/brown in colour and oval and flattened in shape. Bed bug eggs might also give a clear indication that bed bugs have checked into your hotel room. They are 1mm and pearly white. Blood smears, shed skin and excretion (black marks) are also signs that your room might be infested. If you think you've got bed bugs in your room, immediately report your suspicions to the hotel staff and ask for a room change. Ask for a room that is not directly beside, above or below the infested room as bed bugs can travel between rooms. Finally, request for the hotel to seek professional bed bug treatment.