Signs to watch out for that may indicate that your hotel room is infested with bed bugs – Irish Mirror

Unfortunately, there is always a small chance that you could be sharing a hotel bed with some unwanted guests.

Knowing how to spot a bed bug can help you avoid them, though.

Experts from MattressNextDay have shared what to watch out for when it comes to bed bugs.

If you do suspect there might be some unwanted guests in your holiday bed there are a few things you can look out for to be sure of the situation before you take it up with the hotel manager, a spokesperson said.

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Its important to spot the signs early so that it doesnt ruin your holiday and ultimately it doesnt affect your health.

If you do spot signs of bed bugs when you arrive at your hotel or apartment then it is best to notify the appropriate staff immediately.

Wed advise anyone who is genuinely worried about bed bugs to take a small bug spray with them in their suitcase.

Blood

One of the first signs there might be an unwanted guest in a hotel bed is spots of blood on the bed.

The spokesperson said: Unfortunately, this is as gruesome as it sounds. When the bugs get squashed they release a lot of blood, especially around the seams of mattresses, which is where they tend to hide.

These spots can start to look a rusty colour the longer they have been there. Ensure both sides of the mattress are free from any blood stains before hitting the hay.

If you do find any of the eggs, it could mean the bed bugs are still very much alive and this should be reported immediately.

Musty Odour

You may have been to a hotel that smells a little strange before but the odour excreted by bed bugs is certainly distinguishable.

If the bedroom area has a strong, rusty and unpleasant odour, this could possibly come from a bed bugs scent glands and it is strongest when there are large amounts of bugs present.

Always err on the side of caution when it comes to a smelly room and check for other signs too.

Dark spots on walls

Although this is slightly less common, bed bugs can leave stains on walls too. If you do notice any dark spots this could be bed bug excrement.

Make sure not to touch any of the affected areas and notify the hotel or apartment staff straight away.

Bug shells

Much like many other creatures, bugs shed their skin once they begin to grow. When trying to identify a shell you should look for small, husk-like specks that may crunch if squashed.

Worn or aged upholstery

Old fabrics that may not have been cleaned thoroughly or are possibly second hand could house a family of bed bugs. If the place youre staying in is of a slightly older nature or a boutique style, its always best to double-check the fabric and furnishings before settling in.

White spots on furniture

Bed bugs also like to lay their eggs in furniture as well as mattresses. These will look like bunches of small white spots from a distance.

Bites

If you havent spotted any of these signs but have woken up with small, red, itchy spots on your skin, this could be down to the creepy critters. The bites will often form a straight line across a part of your body.

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Signs to watch out for that may indicate that your hotel room is infested with bed bugs - Irish Mirror