Bed Bugs
I don't think a travel blog is complete without a discussion about bed bugs. These blood suckers don't discriminate and are in all classes of hotels in most every country. They can jump on you and follow you home and take over your life. If you receive a few bites from staying a night or two at a hostel, you most likely will be perfectly fine.
Don't freak out, but don't take them home as a souvenir. They are very difficult to eradicate.
- Check the mattress for evidence of bed bugs. It is likely there are bed bugs if you notice dark peppered spots on the mattress or if it looks like it has black mold. Roundish blood stains on the bedding often indicate evidence of bed bugs at some point in time.
- If you wake up and have fresh blots of blood on your sheets, there is a chance you've been bitten. They typically bite in lines. They love the stomach!
- Once again you can choose to spray your bag with Permethrin. I do. I'm not sure if it helps prevent bed bugs from coming home with me, but so far so good.
- Store your clothing in plastic bags. This is a great protective barrier.
- Don't put your bag on the bed. Bed bugs don't care for tile, so storing your luggage in the bathroom (if possible) is a good idea.
- When you return from your trip, empty your bag(s) outdoors. Take your clothes/towels directly to a washing machine. Wash with HOT water. I like to either hang clothes out in the sun or put in a hot dryer.
Please note that I rarely use bug repellent. I do take B1 supplements and that is basically all I need. It bothers me that most of the options I share are not environmentally friendly, but I only use them in extreme cases and would never advise to use them otherwise.
Do you have any experience with bed bugs?