A musty smell and 5 other signs of bed bugs to look for when you first check into your hotel room
"SLEEP tight, don't let the bed bugs bite," is a phrase many of us will recognise.
But when it comes down to it, you don't really have much choice in the matter.
The pesky critters can often be difficult to spot at first, meaning your first encounter with one might be when it's too late.
Last year, Britain experienced an explosion of the blood-suckers as international travel returned after the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns eased.
They were thought to be getting into holidaymakers’ luggage.
Hotels are also hot spots for bed bug infestations because of the constant stream of people coming and going.
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The critters are notorious for hopping a ride from place to place.
If they’ve attached themselves to someone’s luggage or their jacket, once they’ve reached their hotel destination they can easily jump from their mode of transportation to the nearest bed.
Luckily there are a few key indicators that could suggest you holidaymakers that they may not have the bed to themselves.
Nic Shacklock from, said: “We recommend checking both your bed and your room on arrival at your hotel when going abroad to make sure everything is clean and up to your standards."
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He said a musty odour can suggest some beg bugs are present.
Hotel rooms always have their own unique smell - some more pleasant than others.
A "strange"; smell can often be a sign of bed bugs, the Nic said.
He added: "If the bedroom area has a strong, musty and unpleasant odour this could possibly come from a bed bug’s scent glands.
"It’s strongest when there are large amounts of bugs present.
"Always err on the side of caution when it comes to a smelly room and check for other signs too."
Here are some other signs to look out for:
1. Blood on the sheets
When the bugs get squashed they release a lot of blood.
"This is especially around the seams of mattresses – which is where they tend to hide," Nic said.
These spots can start to look a rusty colour the longer they have been there.
"Ensure both sides of the mattress are free from any blood stains before hitting the hay," he added.
2. Dark spots on walls
Although this is slightly less common, bed bugs can also leave stains on walls too.
"If you do notice any dark spots this could be bed bug excrement," Nic explained.
"Make sure not to touch any of the affected areas and notify the hotel or apartment staff straight away," he added.
3. Bug shell and eggs
Much like many other creatures, bed bugs shed their skin and lay eggs.
"When trying to identify a shell you should look for small, husk-like specks that may crunch if squashed," Nic said.
They are often found amongst fabric, so make sure to check mattresses, headboards, sofas and any other upholstery.
Eggs can be a little harder to spot, but can also be found in furniture.
From far away, they could look like a bunches of small white spots.
Nic said: "They are about 1mm wide and are often a pale yellow colour.
"If you do find any of these eggs, it could mean the bed bugs are still very much alive and this should be reported immediately."
4. Worn or aged upholstery
Old fabrics that may not have been cleaned thoroughly and could be second hand can often home families of bed bugs.
"If the place you’re staying is of a slightly older nature or a boutique style, it’s always best to double-check the fabric and furnishings before settling in," he warned.
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5. Bites
If you can't find any obvious signs of the critters in the hotel room, you might notice some spots on your body in the morning which could be a good indicator the bugs are lurking between the sheets.
"The bites will often form a straight line across a part of your body, this is a hallmark bed bug trait," Nic said.