A new study shows that most Danes do not check for bedbugs when traveling, despite rising infestations with bedbugs in Denmark and abroad. Pest control experts are warning travelers ahead of the autumn vacation season.
Bedbugs in Denmark on the Rise
As international travel resumes to pre-pandemic levels, pest control companies across Denmark are seeing a resurgence of bedbug infestations, not only in foreign hotels but also in Danish homes and accommodations. The Danish Pest Control Association reports that the nationwide prevalence of the blood-sucking insects is slightly higher now than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. More people in Denmark experience them at home.
Experts link the recent rise in bedbug cases to increased travel activity, especially to and from areas where infestations are already a known problem. Once inside a hotel or rental, bedbugs easily cling to luggage, clothing, and fabrics, with travelers unwittingly bringing them home. Travel makes it easy for bedbugs to spread.
Seven Out of 10 Travelers Don’t Check for Bedbugs
A recent survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Gjensidige and Gouda Travel Insurance found that seven out of ten Danish travelers (71%) never check their hotel room for bedbugs while on vacation. The survey included 1,009 respondents and highlights a general lack of awareness about bedbugs in Denmark.
Though the likelihood of encountering bedbugs in Denmark remains relatively low in many popular tourist destinations, pest control professionals stress the importance of being vigilant. Those who have previously experienced an infestation are significantly more likely to inspect their accommodations in the future, based on anecdotal reports.
Tips for Detecting and Avoiding Bedbugs
With the Danish autumn vacation fast approaching, when many families travel abroad or to domestic rentals, the risk of bringing home unwanted pests increases.
Pest control organizations recommend the following steps for travelers concerned about bedbugs in Denmark:
Upon Arrival
- Carefully inspect mattress seams, especially near the edges.
- Look for small black dots, which are typically bedbug droppings.
- Check behind the headboard and around bed frames for signs of insects or eggs.
- Avoid placing luggage directly on beds or upholstered furniture, use luggage racks or hard-surface floors.
After Returning Home
- Immediately wash or tumble-dry all clothes on high heat (above 120°F or 49°C), even unused items.
- Seal your suitcase in a plastic garbage bag and place it outdoors during cold weather or in a freezer for several days, as bedbugs cannot survive extreme low temperatures.
- Inspect your suitcase with a flashlight before storing it away to catch any lingering insects.
The reason for such caution is that bedbugs are exceptionally good at hiding and spreading unnoticed. They often travel as “blind passengers” in suitcases, clothing, and other travel gear, and they are especially drawn to solid, padded surfaces.
Consequences of an Infestation
Encountering bedbugs can cause serious stress and discomfort. Their bites typically lead to red, itchy, and swollen skin reactions. Eliminating an infestation from a home can be both expensive and time-consuming, often requiring professional treatment and days spent laundering every piece of linen and clothing.
Homeowners and renters dealing with infestations report not only physical discomfort, but also psychological distress in the form of sleep disruption and anxiety. Despite these consequences, most people don’t consider bedbugs when planning or embarking on a trip.
Pest Control Industry Responds
Pest control companies across Denmark are working overtime to manage a growing number of bedbug-related calls. Industry sources say that treatments for bedbugs have increased steadily over the past two years, with numbers now exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
In response, companies are stepping up public education efforts and cooperating with insurance providers to inform travelers of the risks and prevention methods. Gouda Travel Insurance in Denmark encourages their policyholders to routinely examine hotel rooms, knowing that avoiding bedbugs is far easier than removing them from a home.
A Call for Awareness
With seasonal travel just around the corner, experts urge the public to be proactive. While no traveler wishes to return home with bedbugs in their luggage, few take the basic steps needed to prevent this possibility.
Both professionals and insurers agree: a simple inspection upon arrival could prevent weeks of frustration, and potentially significant pest control bills, later on.
