How to deal with bed bugs

With so many of us travelling during the summer, it's always worth being a little mindful of what we might accidentally bring home with us.

Now, don't panic! This isn't about worrying or turning your holiday into a cleaning mission. It's simply about a few sensible habits that can help keep your home feeling clean, fresh and pest-free.

A couple of simple checks and a good post-holiday routine can make all the difference.

So before you unpack everything and settle back into normal life, here are a few easy things I always recommend doing when you get home from holiday.

The Suitcase Protocol

The moment you walk through the door after a trip is when it really matters. This is your first line of defence and it’s a simple one.

Avoid putting your suitcase on the bed or carpet. Instead, keep it on a hard floor, in the hallway, kitchen, or even the garage if you have one.

Unpack straight away and pop everything into the washing machine on a 60°C wash. Adding a laundry cleanser or a splash of white vinegar will help freshen everything up, but it’s the heat that really does the hard work here.

High temperatures are key they’re the most effective way to deal with anything unwanted that may have travelled home with you.

Luggage Care

Once the clothes are sorted, don’t forget about the suitcase!

Give it a really good vacuum, paying particular attention to the seams, zips and corners basically all those little places where unwanted guests could hide. A handheld vacuum is perfect for getting into those tricky areas.

Start by giving it a really good vacuum, focusing on seams, zips, and corners this is where anything unwanted likes to hide. A handheld vacuum is perfect for this.

For soft-shell suitcases, I always recommend using a handheld steam cleaner on the lining. Heat is incredibly effective here and gives you that extra level of reassurance.

And finally, give the wheels and handles a good wipe down with a suitable disinfectant. They’ve been all over the place while you’ve been travelling, so they definitely deserve a little attention!

The Hygiene Barrier

Prevention is always better than cure, and your bedroom is where you want to feel safest.

A zipped, bed bug-proof mattress encasement is such a good investment it creates a protective barrier and gives real peace of mind.

I also recommend switching fabric laundry baskets for clear plastic storage bins where possible. They’re much easier to clean and don’t give pests anywhere to hide.

My Top Hygiene Tips 💡

• Always keep your suitcase off carpets during unpacking at home and in ho

• Lightly mist the area with a vinegar-water spray

• Treat any suspicious marks quickly

• Check hotel headboards before unpacking

• Keep clothes stored in sealed bags inside your suitcase while travelling

Linen Hygiene & Ongoing Maintenance

Your bedroom should always feel like a clean, safe space and a few simple habits will keep it that way.

Wash your bedding, including pillow protectors, on a hot wash every week to maintain a high level of hygiene.

When staying in hotels, take a quick moment to check behind the headboard and around the mattress seams before unpacking. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.

Keeping up with these simple cleaning routines means you’re not just reacting you’re preventing.

If you do discover bed bugs

Don’t panic but do act quickly. Start by keeping the affected items contained and avoid moving bedding, clothes or luggage into other rooms, as this can spread them. Wash and dry bedding and clothing on the hottest temperature the fabric allows, and vacuum around the bed, mattress seams and nearby furniture thoroughly. Bed bugs can be difficult to completely get rid of, so if you’re sure you have an infestation, contact a professional pest controller for advice and treatment rather than trying to tackle a larger infestation yourself.

Travelling should be exciting not stressful. And with a few simple habits in place, you can enjoy your trip knowing your home is protected when you return.

It’s all about being mindful, staying consistent, and having a routine that works for you.

Clean home, clear mind… and safe travels every time ✨