Bonjour, fellow travelers! I'm Lotus Girl, your trusty travel companion, and today we need to have a serious talk about a pesky problem that's been plaguing the romantic streets of Paris lately: bed bugs.
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The Current Bed Bug Situation in Paris:
It's not all baguettes and croissants in Paris; there have been numerous reports of bed bug infestations in hotels, hostels, public transportation and even some Airbnb properties. These little critters can disrupt your dreamy Parisian escape if you're not careful. But with the right precautions, you can minimize the risk of encountering them. As Paris ramps up for the 2024 Summer Olympics social media footage of these pesky bugs have gone viral. In this blog, I'll share some essential tips on how to stay safe from bed bugs while enjoying the magic of Paris, or any destination, because bed bugs are unfortunate, but not all that uncommon, when traveling. I plan on heading to Paris for the Olympic games next summer and will use these precautions I've outlined below and hope that the government gets the outbreak a little more under control by then! In the meantime, here is how to avoid bed bugs in Paris and beyond!
How to Stay Safe from Bed Bugs When Traveling:
Research Your Accommodation: Check online reviews. Look for recent reviews that mention bed bugs. While not foolproof, they can be a good indicator of potential issues.
Inspect Your Room: Upon arrival, don't unpack immediately. Inspect your room for signs of bed bugs. Look in the seams, folds, and crevices of the mattress, box spring, and headboard for small, reddish-brown bug or tiny black fecal spots. Examine the luggage rack, closets, and any upholstered furniture.
Use Luggage Accessories: Keep your luggage off the floor and away from the bed. Use a luggage rack or even the bathroom counter. Consider using bed bug-proof luggage liners or covers for added protection.
Wash and Dry Your Clothes: After your stay, wash your clothes in hot water and tumble dry them on high heat. Bed bugs can't survive extreme temperatures.
Travel with Bed Bug Spray: Pack a travel-sized bed bug spray to treat your luggage and belongings as a precaution. I use this TSA Approved travel size bed bug spray you can get on Amazon here.
Seal Your Belongings: Use resealable plastic bags to store clothing, shoes, and other items inside your luggage. Packing cubes are great for this. These are the packing cubes I use, that you can also get on Amazon here.
Keep Clutter to a Minimum: Avoid clutter in your room, as bed bugs love to hide in cracks and crevices.
Be Cautious in Shared Spaces: If staying in a hostel or shared accommodation, be extra vigilant. Inspect your sleeping area and locker before unpacking.
Monitor & Report Bites: If you wake up with unexplained bites or rashes, notify the hotel or accommodation immediately. If you encounter bed bugs during your stay, report it to the management so they can take appropriate action.
DON'T BRING THEM HOME: This is key, do not bring your luggage into your home when you return from a trip. Bed bugs die in extreme heat, so put your clothes in the dryer first on high head for a full cycle.
Paris is a city of dreams, but even the dreamiest destinations can have their drawbacks. Bed bugs may be a nuisance, but with a little diligence and precaution, you can enjoy your travels bug-free. Remember, a memorable trip is one where you savor the sights, sounds, and flavors, not a trip spent scratching and worrying about bed bugs.
Stay vigilant. Au revoir!
Dorothy