With the recent bed bug scares on-board planes more passengers are more concern and fury of being a similar victim of bed bug invasion. The last thing you would expect on a would-be comfortable flight is to have your personal spaces intruded by these biting pests.
This might be scare you: bed bugs leave behind rows of small red itchy bites on your body. You may wonder there are so many people on the plane, but why me?
What attracts bed bugs?
Bed bugs are attracted to body heat and warm temperature, with female bed bugs having a need to bite for a blood meal to lay eggs – they soon find humans through heat detection to locate their preys. Therefore, if you have a relatively higher body temperature than others, you may make an easy prey.
While bed bug bites can be itchy, red, swelling and painful, what you need to know is that bed bug bites are harmless and it spreads no diseases. Some people may become allergic to the bites (in this case, the itchiness and redness). However, some other people do not develop any symptoms at all when bitten.
Why do planes carry bed bugs?
Typically, bed bugs infestation spread wide and easily through different mode of transportations. Airplane is definitely one of these easy transportations for signs of bed bugs.
This is because bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers! They are able to take a ride on your every single items such as your luggage, clothing and bags. Infestation from one place to another occurs easily with today’s modern development in travelling, transportation and accommodation.
How to avoid bed bugs on planes?
Although it is almost impossible to totally prevent bed bugs bites on plane, there are few things that might be useful for you to try during your next flight:
- Bring your own blankets and travel pillow on board, rather than using the one that airplane provides.
- Because bed bugs really like layover on your personal belongings like bags and/or luggage. Thus, it is very recommended to put all your belongings in the overhead storage compartment instead of putting it on the floor under the seat in front of you.
- If you do spot signs of bed bugs, immediately inform the flight crew and asks to change seats.
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