Brits on holiday abroad told 'check' luggage before unpacking
Brits heading abroad this summer are being urged to inspect hotel beds before unpacking, as bedbug infestations and scabies cases continue to surge across the UK with August and September being peak months
Holidaymakers heading abroad this summer are being urged to carry out a quick check before unpacking, as cases of bedbugs and scabies are rising across the UK.
Alarmingly, councils have reported a 35 per cent increase in bedbug infestations since 2022, while the NHS saw a 74 per cent rise in diagnosed scabies cases in hospitals last year.
August and September have been recorded as the peak months for bedbugs, a time when many travel lovers will be jetting off overseas. With this in mind, Brits are being told to stay alert or risk bringing home more than a suitcase of laundry.
Check the bed
Martin Seeley, Senior Sleep Expert at MattressNextDay, is warning that pests like bedbugs and scabies can easily travel back with you from a hotel, no matter how fancy it seems.
'Check mattress seams, bed frames, and behind headboards for signs of bedbugs before settling in and unpacking your belongings. Make sure to never place your bags directly on the hotel bed,' he advises.
Putting your suitcase on your bed could be all it takes to bring an infestation home.
What to look for
Bedbugs are small, reddish-brown insects that live in fabric and bedding. 'If you suspect bed bugs, act quickly. Check for tell-tale signs like small reddish-brown spots on your sheets, moulted skins, or clusters of tiny bites on your skin, often in a line or zig-zag pattern. You'll usually find bed bugs in the seams and folds of your mattress if they have decided to take residence,' says Seeley.
Scabies, meanwhile, are caused by mites that burrow into your skin and spread through contact, including bedding. 'Scabies infections cause intense itching due to being burrowed under the skin, which becomes particularly noticeable at night and can make it very difficult to sleep.'
He adds: 'Common signs that you might be infected when trying to sleep include persistent itching (especially between your fingers, or around your wrists, elbows, waist, and genitals) and small red bumps or track-like burrows on your skin.'
How to stay protected
'When staying in hotels or holiday rentals, a quick inspection can go a long way,' Seeley says. 'Check mattress seams, bed frames, and behind headboards… Instead, keep your bags elevated on a chair or stool, and if you're worried your hotel room isn't as clean as you'd like, then only take out what you need and leave the rest of your clothes in your bag.'
If you do return home with bedbugs or scabies, fast action is essential. 'When attempting to eradicate bedbugs, begin by vacuuming thoroughly and remember to dispose of the collected dirt immediately in an outside bin. Wash and dry all bedding or clothes… and consider steam cleaning your sofa in case they've transferred there too.'
Scabies also requires deep cleaning: 'Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing in hot water (at least 60°C)… Any items that can't be washed should be sealed in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours… You should also make sure that anyone in your household who may have been exposed is treated at the same time to prevent re-infestation.'
Tips for sleeping better while treating symptoms
'Reactions to bedbug bites include itchiness, swelling and welts… The best course of action to relieve itching and discomfort… is taking an antihistamine and keeping the room cool.'
'To get better sleep while treating scabies, apply a prescribed topical treatment at bedtime… Itching can sometimes continue for weeks after being successfully treated, so… keeping the room cool and your bedding lightweight can help to ease irritation… trimming your nails can prevent you from scratching too hard in your sleep and causing an infection.'
Prevention is key
The expert says: 'Investing in a high-quality mattress protector is also a wise move… You should remove and wash your mattress protector regularly, hoover your bed frame, wipe down your headboard, and dust any areas around your bed frequently.'
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