A hotel employee shared a valuable tip that could help you avoid encountering hidden pests during your holiday stay. Turning off the lights briefly might seem odd, but it can save you from a nasty surprise later on. Known as @haleewithaflair on TikTok, Halee explained how bed bugs can greatly disrupt a guest’s experience and offered a simple method to detect them.
Instead of diving straight into your excitement about the accommodation, Halee suggested starting by switching off all lights and closing the curtains. She recounted a story of a couple who woke up covered in bites after their hotel stay, which inspired her to share her pre-unpacking room inspection technique.
She advised making the room as dark as possible and using your phone’s flashlight to aid in the search. Emphasizing the importance of checking the folds and edges of the bed, as these are common hiding spots for bed bugs, she also recommended lifting the mattress and inspecting underneath, looking for any unusual marks like blood stains that could indicate the presence of bugs.
To prevent bed bugs from hitching a ride in your suitcase, Halee recommended avoiding placing bags on the bed and opting for a luggage stand or near the entrance instead. Additionally, experts advise washing all clothes immediately upon returning home to eliminate any potential stowaways. Halee also highlighted the importance of checking ironing boards and curtains for these pesky critters.
Bedbug bites may appear as red, itchy marks typically in a line or cluster. Some individuals may have an allergic reaction to the bites. The bugs themselves can be dark yellow, red, or brown and are usually around 5mm long, while their eggs are generally white.
Next time you check into your hotel room, consider this tip to ensure a smooth and bug-free travel experience. It only takes a few extra minutes of your time, but the peace of mind is definitely worth it.
