Brits warned they could be bringing French bedbugs home

Brits travelling to France for the Rugby World Cup are being urged to look out for unwanted creepy crawlies they may have latched onto them.

The interior experts at Online-Bedrooms.co.uk are helping Britons identify whether or not their homes could be infested with bed bugs.

This comes after the French capital announced they are currently dealing with a bed bug issue after spotting them in homes, cinemas, hospitals and trains.

The critters can latch onto unsuspecting travellers which can lead to an infestation at home.

Unfortunately, these tiny creatures don’t just reside in the mattresses and covers but also in carpets and other upholstery too.

Nic Shacklock from Online-Bedrooms said: “Nothing would ruin your trip more than finding out you’ve brought home unwelcome guests.

“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.

“The same also goes for public transport, it’s worth standing up when possible and to check for any tiny dark specks that indicate their presence.

“There are a few telltale signs to look out for that can indicate there are some bed bugs lurking around your room.

“Dark patches on the wall and blood spots on the sheets are signs that they may have followed you home.”

Seven signs there may be bed bugs in your home:

1. Blood

When the bugs get squashed they release a lot of blood, especially around the seams of mattresses – which is where they tend to hide. 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. 

2. Eggs

It may sound obvious that spotting eggs would be a telltale sign of a bug infestation but they’re not always hiding in plain sight. The eggs are tiny and can be found in numerous places, not just on the mattress. They are about 1mm wide and are often a pale yellow colour.

3. Musty odour

You may have been to a hotel that smells a little strange before but the odour excreted by bed bugs is certainly distinguishable. 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.

4. 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.

5. Bug shells

Much like many other creatures, bugs shed their skin once they begin to grow. When trying to identify a shell you should look for small, husk-like specks that may crunch if squashed. They are primarily found amongst fabric, so check mattresses, headboards, sofas and any other upholstery.

6. White spots on furniture

Bed bugs also like to lay their eggs in furniture as well as mattresses, especially sofas. These will look like bunches of small white spots from a distance, but on closer inspection, this can be where the bugs have decided to keep their eggs.

7. Bites

If you haven’t spotted any of these signs but have woken up with small, red, itchy spots on your skin, this could be down to the creepy critters. The bites will often form a straight line across a part of your body, this is a hallmark bed bug trait. Mosquitoes and fleas don’t bite in this formation, so if you do notice these red spots it is best to seek medical advice.