Before calling room service, turning on your favorite TV channel, or falling asleep, remember that the first thing to do is check for bed bugs.

Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed on human blood. They often hide on beds and nearby items, where they can easily access people during sleep. Their bites typically cause redness and itching. Bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, large enough to be seen with the naked eye, and often hide in cracks in furniture, floors, or walls, according to guidelines from the New York Department of Health (US).

Bed bugs often cling to sofas and bed sheets. *Photo: Belledorm*

These pests cling to guests' luggage or clothing and then reproduce in the room, attracted by human body temperature, blood, and breath (CO2). This can occur anywhere, from budget hotels to 5-star establishments. Paris, for instance, made headlines when numerous hotels were infested with bed bugs, and the "City of Light" is not alone in facing this issue. A 2017 study revealed that 8 out of 10 hotels had to deal with bed bugs.

"They love upholstery, mattresses, sofas, and bed sheets. Just pull back a corner of the bed sheet, check the seams, headboard, and chair coverings. If you don't see anything, you can be 99% confident," said Caroline Bologna, a senior editor at HuffPost. This quick and simple check can save you from a month of itching and costly bed bug extermination later.

Most hotel rooms are carpeted. Therefore, place your luggage or bags in non-carpeted areas, such as the bathroom. You can also use bed bug-resistant luggage racks in the room. Carry zip bags for dirty laundry to prevent bed bugs from spreading. Another option is to wrap your belongings in plastic bags, as bed bugs do not cling to plastic. If you find bed bugs in your room, report it to hotel management and request a different room if available.

Tam Anh (according to HuffPost)