British hotels are stepping up the fight against bedbugs for a bite-free festive season with a ‘smart’ gadget that has rid Paris of the creepy crawlies

NEVER PUT YOUR SUITCASE ON THE HOTEL BED

“When you first arrive at your hotel, you can immediately put your suitcase on the bed without checking for bugs and start unpacking,” says Martin Seeley of MattressNextDay.

However, he notes that by doing this, “you’re putting your luggage and clothing exactly where bed bugs are common and giving them a free ticket home.”

With this in mind, he recommends “storing your suitcase as close to the room door as possible.”

ALWAYS STORE YOUR CLOTHES IN A DRESS, NOT IN DRAWERS

After a long day of traveling to your destination, you might be tempted to quickly throw what you’re carrying into the conveniently placed bedside tables – but Martin calls this move a “big mistake.”

Why? He explains, “Although bedbugs can’t fly, they can crawl, and putting your clothes in bedside tables gives them the perfect opportunity to do so.”

TAKE A SPARE PLASTIC BAG FOR DIRTY CLOTHING

Martin says: ‘Bed bugs are more attracted to dirty clothes, so make sure you take a spare bag for your dirty laundry in your suitcase and tie the bag with a knot so that it is completely sealed.’

UNPACKING ON A HARD FLOOR AND NOT IN YOUR BEDROOM

There are even more preventive measures you can take when you return from holiday, says Martin.

The mattress expert says: ‘When you get home, unpack your luggage in a place other than your bedroom. It’s even better if it’s on a hard floor, because you won’t see bed bugs on a carpet.’

He continues, “Inspect your suitcase carefully and use a flashlight or flashlight to look in the seams, folds and pockets of your suitcase. Always vacuum your suitcase before putting it away.’

WASH EVERYTHING YOU TOOK, EVEN CLEAN CLOTHING

Finally, even though it may seem like “overkill,” Martin recommends “washing every piece of clothing you bring on vacation, even if it’s clean or hasn’t been worn.”

He explains: ‘If bed bugs have crawled into your suitcase, they don’t distinguish between items of clothing.’