Brought Bed Bugs Home from Holiday? Here’s What to Do
Returning from a trip should leave you with memories – not a bed bug infestation. Unfortunately, it’s common to unknowingly bring bed bugs home from hotels, hostels or even suitcases. If you’re in Reading and suspect this has happened, don’t panic – Pest Services Berkshire is here to help.
How Bed Bugs Travel Home With You
Bed bugs don’t fly or jump, but they’re expert hitchhikers. They can crawl into:
- Suitcases and travel bags
- Folded clothes and shoes
- Backpacks or laptop cases
- Even books or fabric items
Once inside your home, they can quickly spread through bedrooms, sofas, carpets and even electrical sockets.
Early Signs You’ve Brought Bed Bugs Home
- Waking up with itchy bites
- Small blood marks on bedding
- Black spots (faeces) near the bed frame or mattress seams
- A musty or sweet odour in the bedroom
What To Do Immediately
- Wash all clothes from your trip at 60°C and tumble dry on high heat
- Vacuum your suitcase thoroughly (dispose of the bag or clean the canister)
- Inspect your mattress, headboard, and bed frame for signs of activity
- Contact a professional pest controller immediately if you find any signs
At Pest Services Berkshire, we provide discreet, fast and effective bed bug treatments across Reading. We offer both chemical and heat-based solutions to eliminate all life stages – from eggs to adults.
Click here to contact us and book a same-day or next-day inspection.
How We Help
- Rapid response across Reading and Berkshire
- Unmarked vehicles for complete discretion
- Safe, family-friendly treatments
- Helpful advice to prevent reinfestation
Prevent Future Infestations When Travelling
- Inspect the hotel mattress before unpacking
- Keep luggage off the bed or floor – use a suitcase stand
- Use zip-lock bags for clothes and shoes
- Wash travel items as soon as you return
Don’t let your holiday end with a pest nightmare. Reach out to Pest Services Berkshire and let our experts take care of the problem before it spreads.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after a holiday do bed bugs appear?
They can become noticeable within a week or two if eggs hatch and bugs begin feeding.
Will washing my clothes remove all bed bugs?
Washing at 60°C and tumble drying on high heat is effective. But bed bugs hidden in your luggage or mattress may survive.
Can bed bugs live in suitcases?
Yes – they love dark, undisturbed spaces like suitcase linings, pockets and folds.
Is it possible to prevent bringing bed bugs home?
It’s not always possible, but taking precautions when travelling (like bagging clothes) greatly reduces the risk.
What’s the fastest way to get rid of bed bugs?
Professional pest control is always the most effective route. Use our contact form to get started quickly.
