“We’re definitely seeing bedbugs spread again,” said entomologist Jeffrey White, owner of White Mantis Consultants. “Most experts will tell you they expect numbers to get back to where they were pre-COVID eventually.”
Bedbugs are not known to spread infectious diseases to humans, but the bites can cause severe skin reactions that itch.White has these tips to spot a major infestation. One, inspect the room: Check mattress seams, the headboard and the box spring for tiny-brownish-red stains or live bugs. “No matter how expensive a hotel may be, you can potentially encounter bedbugs,” White said. “We’ve seen bedbugs in five star hotels that can cost more than $1,000 a night type stuff.”Put it on a desk or bathroom counter to minimize the chances of bugs crawling into your belongings.
“Any time you can keep any personal belongings away from the bed, that’s always a good step,” White said.Four, once you get home, isolate your luggage and inspect it.“It’s all about what you do when you return home,” White said.Also, do not spray insect repellant on your luggage. It is not effective against bedbugs and may pose a health hazard.