Bedbugs thought to 'hitchhike' on dirty holiday laundry

Conclusion This experimental study suggests a likely way that bedbugs get into luggage and travel long distances to spread between countries. It found that bed bugs are more attracted to dirty laundry than clean laundry, highlighting that it is probably human body odour – regardless of whether a human is present or not – that is the magnet for bed bugs. The researchers suggest that worn clothing left out in the open – even just in an open suitcase – is likely to attract any bedbugs that may be present in a hotel room or hostel, and be transported back home by holidaymakers. But don't worry: a laundry bag in the average home probably isn't a cause for concern, where bed bugs are thankfully quite rare. While bedbugs aren't dangerous and don't spread disease, some people can experience a reaction to the bites. Signs of an infestation can include: small bugs or tiny white eggs in the crevices and joints of your mattress and furniture bites on your skin tiny black spots on your mattress or blood spots on your sheets mottled bedbug shells Keeping your laundry sealed in a bag the next time you're travelling is a simple measure that may reduce your chance of bringing home the unwelcome hitchhikers. Read more about bedbugs and how you can keep your home bug-free. Links To The Headlines Dirty laundry a powerful magnet for bedbugs, study finds. The Guardian, September 28 2017 Keeping dirty laundry in the bedroom allows bed bugs to thrive, say scientists. The Dail...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Lifestyle/exercise Source Type: news