Protect Yourself from Bedbugs While Traveling: What You Need to Know About These Hitchhiking Pests

Some travelers might come back from a trip with more than just souvenirs. A growing concern is the risk of bringing home bedbugs, tiny hitchhiking pests that can travel with passengers on planes and other forms of transportation.

The Growing Concern of Bedbugs on Flights

A recent report from The New York Times shared an alarming experience of a woman who spotted a bedbug crawling on her seat during a Turkish Airlines flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul. She expressed her concerns to the flight attendants, but they reportedly dismissed her worries. Later, the woman shared her encounter in a Facebook travel group, where other passengers mentioned similar experiences of spotting bedbugs on flights.

When contacted by Fox News Digital, Turkish Airlines responded by emphasizing its commitment to maintaining high safety and comfort standards. A spokesperson explained that while bedbugs can occasionally be found in public spaces like aircraft, the airline takes all complaints seriously and thoroughly investigates each report. They also assured that their aircraft are regularly cleaned and sanitized before every flight.

Bedbugs and Their Hitchhiking Abilities

Benjamin Hottel, an entomologist with Orkin based in Georgia, explained that travel is one of the main ways bedbugs spread. Bedbugs are blood-feeding insects that typically hide in dark crevices and cracks when not actively seeking food. They are attracted to humans by the carbon dioxide we exhale and the heat from our bodies.

“They often hitchhike on luggage, clothing, purses, and even gym bags, traveling unknowingly with travelers from one place to another,” Hottel said. This is why they can end up on airplanes, and why passengers may unknowingly bring them home.

The Risk of Bringing Bedbugs Home

In some cases, bedbugs may even follow passengers home, causing havoc. Reports of couples whose vacations were ruined by bedbugs that followed them home are not uncommon. The problem is that once bedbugs are introduced into a home, they can be difficult to get rid of without professional help.

Eric Braun, a board-certified entomologist and technical service manager at Terminix, suggests minimizing the risk by only unpacking essential items when staying in a hotel. Braun personally places his toiletries on the bathroom counter, hangs up clothes in the closet, and keeps his suitcase in the bathroom to reduce the chance of bedbugs infesting his belongings.

How to Detect Bedbugs

If you’re concerned that you might have been exposed to bedbugs, there are several signs to look for. Bedbugs are small, flat, oval-shaped, and typically brownish-red. Travelers should check their luggage and personal items for these bugs, as well as for discarded bedbug skin or feces. The feces often appear as small ink-like stains near seams of fabric or furniture.

Preventing Bedbugs from Coming Home

To prevent bedbugs from hitching a ride back home, Hottel recommends inspecting your belongings carefully before packing up. If you suspect exposure to bedbugs, take precautions immediately. Hottel advises travelers to put their clothing in a dryer for 30-45 minutes at the highest heat setting to kill any potential bugs. It’s also a good idea to vacuum your luggage thoroughly and seal the contents of the vacuum bag in a garbage bag.

If you think you’ve encountered bedbugs during your travels, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Take swift action to minimize the chances of bringing them into your home.

What Airlines and Hotels Are Doing About It

Airlines like Turkish Airlines are aware of the potential risks posed by bedbugs and are actively working to prevent them. In response to passenger complaints, the airline assures that all affected aircraft are thoroughly inspected and treated to prevent infestations. This proactive approach helps ensure the safety and comfort of future passengers.

Hotels and accommodations are also taking steps to combat bedbugs. Many now implement regular inspections and preventative treatments to minimize the chances of an infestation. Travelers are encouraged to inspect hotel rooms carefully upon arrival, checking for any signs of bedbugs in bedding, furniture, or other areas where they may hide.

Conclusion

While bedbugs are a growing concern for travelers, taking the right precautions can significantly reduce the risk of bringing them home. Be vigilant when traveling, inspect your belongings, and take immediate action if you suspect exposure. By staying informed and prepared, you can ensure that your next trip remains bug-free.

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