Bedbugs Swarm France: How To Spot The Insects In Hotel Rooms

France, known for its rich history, culture, and culinary delights, is unfortunately gaining another reputation—as a hotbed for bedbug infestations. The bedbug epidemic in France is a growing concern affecting residents and tourists alike.

The bedbug epidemic in France can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, France's status as a sought-after tourist destination has increased international travel, providing bedbugs with ample opportunities to hitch a ride on luggage, clothing, or furniture, thus facilitating their spread. Additionally, the development of resistance to commonly used pesticides has made these bloodsucking insects more resilient, necessitating the exploration of alternative methods by pest control professionals. Moreover, a lack of awareness among the public regarding the signs of a bedbug infestation has resulted in delayed detection and treatment. Lastly, the high population density and urbanization prevalent in many areas of France have created ideal conditions for bedbugs to thrive, as they can effortlessly traverse between apartments and buildings, exacerbating the problem.

If you are planning to visit France in the near future, here are some handy tips to spot the bloodsucking insects in hotels.

Inspect Your Room Thoroughly

When you're in a hotel, avoid placing your suitcase on the bed or floor to prevent bed bugs. Instead, use a luggage rack or a hard surface like a table. Start by checking your bed for signs of bed bugs, including bloodstains, live bugs, and tiny white eggs near the mattress seams, zippers, and under the mattress. Lift all four corners of the bed and inspect carefully to be thorough.

Examine The Tight Spots

Make sure to expand your inspection beyond just the bed. Check for the signs of bed bugs on the zippers and covers of sofas and chairs in the room. Bed bugs can hide in tight spots, so examine along seams on the furniture. Look around the edges where the carpet meets the walls, and before you unpack and hang your clothes, scrutinize the closets and drawers. 

Use Protective Covers

Consider using bedbug-proof mattresses and pillow covers, which can help prevent bedbugs from getting into your bedding. Store your luggage off the floor and away from walls. Bedbugs often hide in cracks and crevices near the floor.

Wash Clothes After Travel

To avoid bringing bedbugs home after travelling, wash all your clothes in hot water and dry them on a hot setting in a dryer. If an item can't be washed, use a hot dryer or seal it in a plastic bag in a very hot or cold place for a few months. Moreover, use a hand steamer on your luggage, as it can effectively eliminate bedbugs and their eggs.

Arm Yourself

Consider investing in travel-sized bedbug sprays designed to repel these pests from your luggage and gear as a precautionary measure. Secondly, opt for bedbug repellent sprays for your clothing and belongings to deter bedbugs from making unwanted contact. Lastly, include diatomaceous earth in your bedbug prevention kit; this natural powder can be applied to potential hiding spots, like cracks and crevices, to help dry out and eliminate bedbugs.