I wouldn’t wish bedbugs on my mortal enemy

These creepy-crawlies are a nightmare.

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In a Nutshell I promise that this is NOT going to be one of those "when I studied abroad" stories. But, when I studied abroad in Paris, I brought bedbugs from a hostel into my host family's apartment. When I tell you that I was mortified, I mean, I was so emotionally distraught that I heavily considered abandoning the program and flying back to the United States. I meant what I said in today's subject line: I would never wish bedbugs upon a rival or enemy. And if I feel that way about people I have mild disdain for, then I definitely don't want this to happen to you, my (virtual) friends! I hope today's tips will protect you during your future travel excursions. • 7 tips for a prediabetes-friendly diet • 5 ways to use psychology to develop new habits • Simple food swaps that may help lower your inflammation levels Stay safe! Kenny Thapoung Managing Newsletter Editor

Written by Kenny Thapoung September 16, 2024 • 4 min read

️ what's got us buzzing You never want to deal with bedbugs — trust me I don't remember ever actually seeing bedbugs, but the telltale signs were there: red spots that formed a consistent line, itchiness, and blood stains on the sheets. At first, I assumed these were your run-of-the-mill bug bites. While many insect bites lead to similar symptoms, there are some subtle differences to be aware of if you're dealing with bedbugs specifically: Fleas tend to nibble on the lower body (feet, ankles) or warm moist areas (armpits, elbows, knees), whereas bedbugs feed on your face, neck, arms, and hands. The main difference between mosquito and bedbug bites is that bedbugs form some sort of pattern on your body — mosquitoes leave red bumps randomly. Spiders (eep!) rarely bite more than once. With bedbugs, you'll find their handy work in several places. Bedbugs are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide (your breath). They are most likely to live in places where many people are coming and going or living in close quarters (hotels, hospitals, college dorms). It's very difficult to find bedbugs with the naked eye unless you're professionally trained to do so. But before settling into your home away from home, consider checking a few common places where they like to hide during the day: mattresses bedsprings bed frames spaces under baseboards loose or peeling wallpaper electrical switch plates conduits for electrical cables sofas Even after a thorough investigation, you may not see the bugs themselves. So as an extra precaution to protect yourself — and your luggage — consider taking the following actions: While traveling: Use luggage racks to keep your clothes off the floor and away from furniture. Store your clothing in vacuum-sealed bags. Inspect secondhand furniture, linen, or clothing for signs. When you get home: Keep your suitcase away from your bed and run your clothes through a dryer cycle before putting them away. Seal items that can't be washed in a plastic bag for several weeks. Decontaminate luggage, clothes, and belongings by brushing, vacuuming, heating, washing, or freezing. So you made it this far? Let me take a moment to apologize if I skeeved you out. It took weeks for the bites all over my body to disappear and my embarrassment to subside. Thankfully the person whose home I was staying in was very kind and accommodating and helped de-bug all of the bedding and my clothes.️ Even if you try your best to avoid bedbugs, you'll never be 100% protected. Keep that in mind because you will blame yourself, which is a totally fair reaction. But if I can make it through the other side of this ordeal, so can you!️ PICTURES OF DIFFERENT BUG BITES

Great finds Suitcase essentials       Brodi Travel Vacuum Bags with Pump These tightly sealed packing bags can help protect your belongings from a bedbug infestation and conserve precious space in your luggage! This kit comes with a travel-friendly pump — handheld or electric. If I were you, I'd spend the extra money on the electric pump. It'll save you time and energy! SHOP NOW Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Store's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health.

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Bedbugs tried to ruin my love for Paris but failed! If anyone wants to swap stories about this magical city, let's talk at wellnesswire@healthline.com.

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