As more people cross borders in the post-COVID era, it appears that another type of traveler is on the move: bedbugs.
Over the past few months, infestations have been afflicting mattresses and sofas worldwide, from Paris to Japan's neighbors such as South Korea and China.
No cases have so far been reported in Japan, but experts caution that it may only be a matter of time, given that the number of travelers going in and out of the country is quickly rising in the post-pandemic era.
Bedbugs are a type of blood-sucking insect that lives indoors. During daylight hours, they hide in the cracks of walls, underneath tatami mats or inside furniture, leaving behind brownish stains known as blood feces, as well as behind posters, books or clothing.
While bedbug bites cause itching that can make sleep difficult, they are not known to carry diseases. Symptoms may also vary from person to person, with some breaking out in a rash, while others exhibit no symptoms.
Masaru Natsuaki, a professor well-versed in dermatitis from insect bites at Hyogo Medical University Hospital, said there had been a rise in reported cases abroad since around May due to the uptick in travel.
“The same thing is likely to happen in Japan in the future,” Natsuaki said, adding that infestations are already occurring in Japan, although they have not been reported yet.
It’s only a matter of time before “it becomes clear that the number of bedbugs is increasing in many places."
In fact, over the past decade, bedbugs have been garnering more attention around the globe — including in Japan.
According to the Japan Pest Control Association, consultations regarding bedbugs reached a peak in the fiscal year from April 2019, at 706. There were only 130 cases in fiscal 2009.
Consultations then declined to 534 cases during the pandemic, and gradually increased again to 683 in fiscal 2022.
Currently, there is not much the health ministry can do, so it has taken a wait-and-see approach. The Japan Tourism Agency, meanwhile, has said that it may alert the travel industry and related organizations, if such a request is made from the health ministry.
Natsuaki also believes that it is almost impossible for the country to comprehensively prevent bedbug infestations, as the insect is difficult to detect and people are constantly on the move.
“Each individual carries bedbugs in their suitcases, carry-on bags and clothes when traveling. They could stay at hotels with bedbugs, and, with their clothes infested, transfer it to the next destination," Natsuaki said.
“Even if the government takes some action, it won’t necessarily stop the spread,” he said.
Travelers should also be aware that bedbug infestations can happen regardless of the cleanliness or hygiene level of the hotel, and that they should not blame their accommodation.
“If they are accidentally brought in, it doesn't matter if it's a luxury hotel or a top-notch inn — bedbugs will inevitably appear,” Natsuaki said.
Travelers should inform the hotel and ask them to clean the room, he said, instead of demanding compensation and shaming the hotel, which impedes transparency on such issues.
“It's important to explain to the hotel staff, perhaps to the manager, that if such a situation arises, proper cleaning and pest control measures should be taken in the room. Making a big fuss about it will actually suppress the information.”
Five bedbugs tips for travelers:
- Look for signs of bedbugs — such as blood stains, shed skin and droppings — in your room. Places to look include beneath the mattress and pillows, as well as upholstered furniture.
- Don’t leave your clothes, books and other belongings scattered across the floor or near the bed.
- If you want to be extra careful, place your belongings in your suitcase and place it somewhere far from the bed. Putting belongings in a sealed plastic bag is also effective.
- Since bedbugs are nocturnal, these measures need to be taken before you go to bed.
- If your belongings are infested, wash the clothes from your trip when you return home and put them in a hot dryer.
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