British Pest Control Association warns holidaymakers

The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has warned that the pests could return home with travellers in their luggage, and has issued advice to help prevent unwanted infestations.

Bed bugs are commonly found in multi-occupancy settings with high turnover, such as hostels, holiday camps, hotels, blocks of flats and student accommodation.

Niall Gallagher, technical manager at BPCA, said: “Bed bugs feed on blood and will thrive almost anywhere they can get a meal.

“They can survive in temperatures as low as 0°C and as high as 49°C, and are adept at concealment, meaning it’s entirely possible that they will infest luggage taken on holiday and travel with it back to the home.”

Mr Gallagher said bed bugs are not a sign of poor hygiene, but rather a matter of bad luck.

They often travel undetected in suitcases or clothing and can settle in furniture, behind skirting boards, and even inside plug sockets.

He advised: “We always advise checking for signs of bed bugs when checking into holiday accommodation and immediately reporting any signs of activity if they occur.

“Avoid putting your luggage directly on the bed or furniture as this is the easiest way for bed bugs to attach themselves to your belongings and give everything a thorough check on your return.”

Early signs of bed bug activity include red, itchy bites, small blood stains on bedding, dark faecal spots on mattresses or upholstery, and clusters of reddish-brown marks.

Other indicators may include shed skins, page-white eggs, empty eggshells, or sightings of the insects in and around the bedframe or sleeping area.

Mr Gallagher said: “There is a long-standing stigma around bed bugs, but it’s really important that action is taken at the first sign of bed bug activity.”

He warned that do-it-yourself pest control methods can make the problem worse by causing bed bugs to move into other rooms or neighbouring properties.

Mr Gallagher said: “We always recommend seeking advice from a pest professional to ensure an efficient, safe and legally compliant solution to the problem.

“A BPCA member will leave no stone unturned in looking for evidence of an infestation and will set out clearly the process and timeframe of any proposed treatment plan.”

BPCA members are trained to British Standard and have access to specialist products not available to the public.

The association represents organisations with a professional interest in the eradication of public health pests and aims to promote the highest standards of professionalism.