There is a skin-crawling reason why you should never immediately switch the lights on when entering a hotel room for the first time, an expert has warned.
For Brits who are planning to escape the UK’s miserable weather for some winter sunshine, make sure you read this crucial travel tip before you dive into your escapade.
While sinking into the comfort of your hotel bed after enduring a long flight or a tiresome coach journey may be the first thing on your mind, travel expert Halee who has over 15 years experience in hotel sales, strongly advises against it, the Mirror reports.
In her latest TikTok video to her 127k followers, Halee grabbed the attention of holidaymakers as she urged guests to resist turning on the lights upon entering their hotel room and many were horrified when they found out why.
The expert claims that turning on the lights immediately allows any lurking bed bugs to remain hidden, which will ruin both your skin and clothes.
Halee suggests conducting a thorough inspection of the bed, including under the mattress protector, for any signs of these unwelcome guests.
She advised: “The first thing you’re going to do is make sure your room is dark. Turn off lights [or keep them turned off], close any shades and use the flashlight on your phone…
“Also pay attention if there’s a mattress pad too. Even if you don’t see bugs, make sure you check for spots – like blood spots – cause that’s not a good sign either.”
Thousands of horrified viewers swamped the comments section to express their thoughts, with several explaining that they routinely seek out bed bugs before settling down in a new hotel room.
One user commented: “I work as a housekeeper at an IHG hotel and I check every bed when I go into a room and I clean from top to bottom.”
Another echoed this sentiment, saying: “Bed bugs do not discriminate! I’ve been made fun of for checking everywhere I go but if you ever get them, you KNOW! ”
A third shared how a fear of bed bugs impacts their choice of accommodations, by stating: “I also always go on every review site and search ‘bugs’ in the reviews for any hotel before I stay”.
A fourth chimed in: “I had bedbugs years ago and now I’m THAT person who ferociously checks every hotel and Airbnb.”
Many commenters also highlighted how crucial it is to keep luggage sealed and away from the bed until after completing your inspection, warning that if bed bugs invade your suitcase, chances are you’ll end up having to ditch all your clothes.
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