Last week, British tabloids such as the Daily Mail and The Sun published claims from British tourists warning of a bedbug infestation in hotels located in southern Tenerife. Specific hotel complexes were named, and reports hinted at potential legal action being taken by those affected.
This is not the first time such a controversy has surfaced. Interestingly, a familiar pattern seems to be repeating itself: tourists lodge complaints, often under the guidance of legal firms. In 2017, certain British law firms even went mobile, setting up shop in tourist-heavy areas in the Canary Islands to encourage tourists to file claims on the spot.
Are bedbug infestations on the rise?
Jorge Galván, director of the National Association of Environmental Health Companies (ANECPLA), sheds light on the question: are bedbug infestations indeed becoming more common? According to Galván, the answer is both yes and no. “We are seeing a greater proliferation of arthropods, including bedbugs, due to climate change and increasing global travel,” Galván explains.
“Bedbugs are the pests that ‘travel the most’, often unknowingly carried in luggage and clothing,” Galván explains. “It has nothing to do with poor cleanliness. Even if you stay in a five-star hotel, you could bring bedbugs if you’ve recently travelled to another part of the world. It’s not about hygiene or culture.” He further emphasises that media coverage sometimes amplifies the perception of infestations, creating a greater sense of alarm than reality warrants.
Suspicions of a fraudulent trend
The accusations of bedbug infestations come with a hint of déjà vu. In 2016, the magazine Interviú exposed cases where British tourists were encouraged by mobile law firms to file false claims against Spanish hotels, often for financial gain. Reports highlighted a 700% increase in claims, all linked to British holidaymakers.
Galván stresses that these incidents must not go unpunished, given their significant impact on Spain’s crucial tourism sector. He underscores that the Canary Islands maintain some of the highest hygiene and health standards globally, supported by strict public and private checks.
How to check your hotel bed for bedbugs?
When checking into a hotel, it is wise to inspect your bed for signs of bedbugs before settling in. Start by carefully pulling back the bed sheets and checking the mattress seams, particularly around the edges, for small rust-coloured stains or dark spots, which could indicate bedbug droppings. Use a flashlight or the torch feature on your phone for better visibility. Inspect the headboard, bed frame, and any nearby furniture, paying close attention to cracks, crevices, and joints. If you notice any signs of bedbugs, report them immediately to hotel management and request a room change, preferably in a different area of the hotel.
How to eliminate bedbugs?
According to a guide by Faycanes, effective bedbug elimination starts with a thorough inspection of affected areas, focusing on beds, furniture, and any nearby cracks or crevices. Key methods include the use of professional insecticides, steam treatments, and, if necessary, heat chambers for infested items. Prevention is also crucial: frequent checks and maintaining high hygiene standards can help prevent re-infestation.