A woman named Halee or @haleewithaflair on TikTok shared informative videos for hotel guests. The reason? To teach them how to look for those pesky, repulsive creatures we call bed bugs.
It doesn’t matter if you’re staying at a budget roadside motel or a 7-star resort. Bed bugs make themselves comfortable anytime, anywhere.
According to Time Out, “Bed bugs invade new properties by clinging to clothing or hiding in someone’s belongings. They are resistant to most commercial pesticides, so the only way to remove them is by traps, vacuums, or heat treatments. And once a bed bug has been fed, it can live anywhere from 135 to 277 days and generally up to 2 to 16 months without a meal. Female bed bugs can lay five to eight eggs a week.”
Why did Halee post the videos?
According to the Daily Express, she was inspired to share “after seeing footage of a couple covered in scars from bedbug bites at the hotel.”
According to an article published by the University of Minnesota, “If you’re staying in a hotel, it’s a good idea to check your room for bed bugs as soon as you arrive. Never place your suitcase, clothing or personal items on the bed as this is the most common way bed bugs are acquired and brought into your home.”
What did she recommend?
“The first thing you should do is make sure your room is dark,” Halee said. “Turn off the lights, close all the blinds and use the flashlight on your phone.”
“As long as everything is switched off, you can get under the covers here.”
Approaching a hotel bed, she said, “This one has a mattress topper, but you’ll check under all the folds.”
Wait until you have thoroughly checked the room before unpacking.
And don’t put your suitcase on the bed. Keep it by the door or on a luggage rack.
When you are at home, be sure to wash all your clothes “to kill stowaways”.
Check for blood stains
Just because you don’t spot bed bugs doesn’t mean they aren’t there.
The story goes on
Halee said, “Even if you don’t see any bugs, be sure to check for stains like blood stains because that doesn’t bode well either.”
Additionally, “dark spots could be bed bug feces and bleed onto the fabric like a marker pen would.”
Check the hotel furniture
In addition to bed linen and towels, bed bugs can also be found on ironing boards and curtains. Be sure to check these as well.
Check the seams of sofas and chairs.
The Daily Express reported: “Bed bugs are nocturnal, so turning off lights can make them come out sooner to look for prey.”
