Flight attendant reveals 80p item for keeping bedbugs out of clothes in hotels

THERE’S only one thing you want all over your skin on holiday - a great tan.

But if you end up in a bed bug-infested hotel room, you’ll also be going home covered in itchy bites.

The little insects are also likely to hitchhike in your luggage, which risks your home becoming infected. 

One flight attendant has a simple way of packing that lessens the risk of bed bugs getting into his bag - and it involves those large plastic ziplock bags you can buy on that cost around 80p pet bag.

According to , the cabin crew member who goes by the nickname Tommygunz007 said on: “I went and got those giant Ziploc bags.

"They are great for putting smelly dirty clothes in, as well as clean clothes so all your stuff is separate.

"I still spray the outside of my bag for dust mites and bedbugs, but at least I know the stuff inside is clean and doesn't smell because it's in those giant Ziploc bags."

According to Vicki Sims, the founder of, there are a number of other ways to protect yourself and your luggage too. 

She told MattressNextDay the following tips: 

     1. Keep your suitcase off your hotel room bed

Vicki Sims said, “When people arrive in their hotel room, many place their suitcase straight onto the bed and start unpacking their clothes.

However, we would suggest keeping your suitcase off your bed as this is where bed bugs are most commonly found.

Depending on the star rating of your hotel, you may have a luggage rack which is where you should ideally store your suitcase. But if you don’t, keep your suitcase as close to the door as you can.”

  2. In your hotel room, store your clothes in the wardrobe not drawers

It is safer to hang your clothes in a wardrobe than in drawers (especially if they are the drawers of your bed), as bed bugs can’t fly, so they are less likely to be able to get to your clothes in a wardrobe.

3. Investigate the room for critters

Investigate your hotel bed for an infestation of bed bugs by pulling your bedding off, so that you can see the bare mattress.

Look for any signs of actual bed bugs, or their faeces.

Next, lift the mattress up and look for bed bugs underneath your mattresses.

Some common signs of bed bugs include rusty or reddish stains on the sheets or mattresses, dark spots, bed bug eggs or live bed bugs.

    4. Separate clean clothes from dirty

Bed bugs are more attracted to dirty clothes than to clean clothes.

When packing for a trip, make sure to take a spare plastic bag for your dirty clothing, and knot it each time you add to it.

5. Keep your room cool at night 

According to the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), the ideal temperature for an adult bed bug to thrive is between 21-32°C, so it’s best to keep your room cool at night-time.

6. If you wash your clothes on holiday, take extra caution 

If you share laundry facilities with others on holiday, take extra caution. When you transport your items to be washed, keep them in a plastic bag and once they are washed, remove them from the dryer and place them straight back in the bag. 

7. Once home, unpack your clothes away  from your bedroom 

When you arrive home from your holiday, unpack your bag in a location other than the bedroom. Ideally on a hard floor as you won’t be able to spot bed bugs in the carpet.

Next, inspect your suitcase closely and use a flashlight to revise the seams, folds, and pockets of your suitcase. You should then vacuum your suitcase before placing it back in storage.

8. Wash every single item of clothing – even those you did not wear

Once you arrive home, wash all your clothes, including those that you did not wear. If the washing labels of your clothes permit it, wash them in hot water.