Holidaymakers should watch for 'apple pips' in hotel room when they check-in

Specialists have revealed warning signs that could indicate a bed bug invasion. The guidance might prove particularly valuable for holidaymakers checking into their accommodation, especially after reports of bed bug sightings overseas earlier this year.

According to one UK council, the problemof bed bugs is also growing nearer to home. Guidance issued by Stevenage Borough Council in July stated: "Bed bugs are becoming an increasing problem across the UK and Stevenage is no exception. Bed bugs do not spread diseases, but they are unpleasant, and their bites can, in some cases, cause severe irritation.

"Anyone can get bed bugs and their presence is not an indicator of poor hygiene." It comes after Brits are told to never put one banned item in garden bins as you could face punishment.

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The council went on to describe the creatures as "small, flat, reddish-coloured insects about 6mm long", reports Bristol Live. It observed that this is "the size and colour of an apple pip," adding: "Before moving into accommodation, you should check for signs of bed bug infestation."

Additional guidance from Bed Kingdom highlighted other indicators of bed bugs to look out for. Here's what you need to know...

Peculiar odour

Bed bugs produce a distinctive smell, and the specialists explained: "One of the early signs of bed bugs is a strange, musty scent lingering in your bedroom, despite there being no clear cause of it being there, such as a dirty pile of clothes.

"When bed bugs feel threatened, they emit what is called alarm pheromones which have a faint smell of raspberries, coriander or almonds - and in severe bed bug cases, this smell will be mixed with the odour of dead bugs and shell casings which creates a rust scent."

Bites

If you wake up with "red, itchy bites," this could be a sign of bed bugs. Bed bugs typically feed on blood throughout the night and bite arms, hands, and legs. They often appear in clusters but can sometimes show up as single bites.

According to the specialists, they are not usually dangerous, but some people can be allergic, so if you experience extreme swelling, seek help from a medical professional.

Eggs

Bed bug eggs can be hard to spot as they're tiny - just 1mm long - but they can be found by looking for anything that resembles small rice grains in the bed. They can be loosely stuck to different types of surfaces, typically the mattress seams and joints or behind the headboard.

Shell casings

The specialists explained: "Bed bugs shed several times during different lifecycle stages, meaning that their shell casings can come in different sizes - but you can spot them by their yellow, translucent appearance in the seams, folds and crevices of mattresses, or even other areas such as cracks in walls and furniture."

Blood stains

If you accidentally squash a bed bug after it has fed, the blood may seep out if you make sudden movements like rolling over in your sleep, so any unexplained marks could suggest the presence of bed bugs.

Dark brown marks

Tiny dark brown spots from bed bug droppings, about the size of a pen tip, might be found on mattresses, sheets, headboards, and even walls. These are smaller than blood stains and harder to spot, often accompanied by a faint, rusty odour that adds to the unpleasant smell.

Live bed bugs

Adult bed bugs tend to hide in various locations, not just in the bed but also nearby. In cases of severe infestation, they become more visible, making it possible to tackle the problem.