Anyone arriving home from a holiday told ‘check all pockets your suitcase’

Many people will be making their way home today after a bank holiday weekend getaway. While holidaymakers typically take considerable care when packing, it’s common to rush through unpacking – often emptying the entire contents of a suitcase directly into the laundry basket.

Putting your clothes straight into the washing machine makes perfect sense. However, there’s another vital step that everyone should be taking when clearing out their luggage. Travellers are being urged to inspect their suitcases thoroughly for any evidence of uninvited visitors, particularly bed bugs.

The guidance comes James Rhoades, the founder of ThermoPest, a pest control firm specialising in bed bug treatment and registered with the British Pest Control Association. James recommends that frequent travellers incorporate a suitcase inspection into their standard routine after each trip, reports the Mirror.

The advice could prove valuable throughout the year, but it might be particularly beneficial for holidaymakers to adopt the habit now, in the run-up to the summer season. James said: “During hot weather, bed bugs become more active and need to feed more frequently.

“They get all their hydration from blood, so a warm, humid summer gives them the perfect opportunity to bite. With people wearing lighter sleepwear or using thinner sheets, there’s less of a barrier between the bugs and their food source – us.

“There’s also typically a rise in cases after holiday periods, as bed bugs can easily be brought back hidden in suitcases or laundry. Once inside, they spread quickly, so early detection and prevention are key.”

Thankfully, travel lovers can take a few steps to minimise the risk. “Hotels, guest houses, and short-term rentals can become hotspots for bed bugs during peak travel periods. Before unpacking, check the seams of the mattress, headboard, and upholstered furniture for telltale signs such as tiny rust-coloured spots or shed skins.

“Keep luggage elevated on racks rather than placing it directly on the floor to reduce the chance of bed bugs crawling into your belongings. You could also store clothes in sealed bags inside your suitcase for added protection and to make it harder for bugs to hitch a ride home,” says James.

He adds: “Returning home is one of the most common times for bed bugs to be introduced into your living space. As soon as you arrive back, unpack directly into the washing machine and wash everything on a hot cycle.

“Visually inspect your suitcase inside and out, paying close attention to pockets, seams, and linings for any signs of bed bugs such as dark spots, shed skins, or live insects. If you travel frequently, making this a routine step can help you spot potential issues early before they spread.”

James also set out some prevention measures people can try. He said: “Bed bugs like to stay hidden during the day and emerge at night to feed.

“The more cluttered your sleeping area is, the more places they have to conceal themselves. Keep floors, bedside tables, and the space around your bed clear of excess items to make it harder for them to find shelter.

“Vacuum regularly, especially along skirting boards, under furniture, and in mattress seams. This helps remove both insects and any eggs they may have laid. You could also use specially designed bed bug-proof covers on your mattress and pillows to add a layer of defence and block their access.”