Councils have reported a 35 per cent increase in bedbug infestations since 2022, while the NHS saw a 74 per cent rise in diagnosed scabies cases in hospitals last year
Brits jetting off on their summer holidays are being advised to perform a swift inspection before unpacking, as the UK sees an uptick in bedbug and scabies cases.
Shockingly, local councils have reported a 35 per cent surge in bedbug infestations since 2022, while NHS hospitals have experienced a 74 per cent increase in scabies diagnoses last year.
August and September, prime months for holidaymakers to head abroad, have also been identified as peak times for bedbug activity.
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With this in mind, Brits are being cautioned to be vigilant to avoid bringing back more than just holiday memories.
Martin Seeley, Chief Sleep Expert at MattressNextDay, is sounding the alarm that pests such as bedbugs and scabies can hitch a ride home with you from even the most luxurious hotels.
“Check mattress seams, bed frames, and behind headboards for signs of bedbugs before settling in and unpacking your belongings.
“Make sure to never place your bags directly on the hotel bed,” he recommends, reports the Mirror.
Simply placing your suitcase on the bed could be enough to trigger an infestation back at home.
Bedbugs are tiny, reddish-brown insects that thrive in fabric and bedding.
“If you suspect bed bugs, act quickly,” he urged. “Check for tell-tale signs like small reddish-brown spots on your sheets, moulted skins, or clusters of tiny bites on your skin, often in a line or zig-zag pattern.
“You’ll usually find bed bugs in the seams and folds of your mattress if they have decided to take residence,” Seeley instructs.
Scabies, on the other hand, are caused by mites that burrow into the skin and spread through contact, including bedding.
“Scabies infections cause intense itching due to being burrowed under the skin, which becomes particularly noticeable at night and can make it very difficult to sleep.”
He continues: “Common signs that you might be infected when trying to sleep include persistent itching (especially between your fingers, or around your wrists, elbows, waist, and genitals) and small red bumps or track-like burrows on your skin.”
How to protect yourself
“When staying in hotels or holiday rentals, a quick inspection can go a long way,” Seeley advises.
“Check mattress seams, bed frames, and behind headboards… Instead, keep your bags elevated on a chair or stool, and if you’re worried your hotel room isn’t as clean as you’d like, then only take out what you need and leave the rest of your clothes in your bag.”
If you do return home with bedbugs or scabies, swift action is crucial. “When attempting to eradicate bedbugs, begin by vacuuming thoroughly and remember to dispose of the collected dirt immediately in an outside bin.
“Wash and dry all bedding or clothes… and consider steam cleaning your sofa in case they’ve transferred there too.”
Scabies also necessitates thorough cleaning: “Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing in hot water (at least 60°C)…
“Any items that can’t be washed should be sealed in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours… You should also make sure that anyone in your household who may have been exposed is treated at the same time to prevent re-infestation.”
Tips for better sleep whilst treating symptoms
“Reactions to bedbug bites include itchiness, swelling and welts… The best course of action to alleviate itching and discomfort… is taking an antihistamine and keeping the room cool.
“To get better sleep while treating scabies, apply a prescribed topical treatment at bedtime… Itching can sometimes continue for weeks after being successfully treated, so… keeping the room cool and your bedding lightweight can help to ease irritation… trimming your nails can prevent you from scratching too hard in your sleep and causing an infection.”
Prevention is paramount
The expert advises: “Investing in a high-quality mattress protector is also a wise move… You should remove and wash your mattress protector regularly, hoover your bed frame, wipe down your headboard, and dust any areas around your bed frequently.”