Unpacking Warning for Holidaymakers

Holidaymakers returning from their summer travels are being urged to avoid unpacking their suitcases on their beds. The team at MattressNextDay has issued this warning to help prevent bed bug infestations.

After a vacation, unpacking can feel like a tedious task. However, mattress expert Martin Seeley, CEO of MattressNextDay, stresses the importance of not unpacking in your bedroom. "Unpack on a hard floor and not in your bedroom. When you get home, unpack your luggage in another location apart from your bedroom. Even better if it's on hard flooring, as you won't be able to spot bed bugs on a carpet," Seeley advises.

To further protect against bed bugs, Seeley recommends thoroughly inspecting your suitcase. "Inspect your suitcase closely and use a flashlight or torch to look into the seams, folds, and pockets of your suitcase," he says. Additionally, he advises vacuum cleaning your suitcase before storing it away.

Bed bugs can hide in luggage and potentially infest your bed, curtains, or other soft furnishings. Tourists often make a crucial error when arriving at their holiday accommodation by placing their suitcase on the hotel bed. "Never put your suitcase on the hotel bed," Seeley warns. "By doing this, you're putting your luggage and clothes right onto the place where bed bugs are commonly found and giving them a free ticket home."

Instead, he suggests storing your suitcase near the hotel room door or on the luggage rack. Bed bugs are generally more attracted to dirty clothing, so bringing a spare bag for dirty laundry is advisable. Some hotels also offer laundry services to clean clothes during your stay.

To minimize the risk of bed bugs, always check the bed for signs of infestation before settling in. By following these precautions, holidaymakers can protect their homes from unwelcome bed bug guests.