2. Bed Bugs
The ultimate nightmare – and they’re becoming more common. Bed bugs are reddish-brown, flat, and hide during the day in mattress seams, behind picture frames, and in furniture cracks. At night they come out and bite – their saliva causes itchy skin irritations that can last over a week. Tiny black dots on your sheets or small blood stains are telltale signs.
How to get rid of them: Wash bedding and textiles at 60°C minimum, or put them in the freezer for several days. Bed bugs are often brought home from vacation – always check hotel beds carefully. Second-hand clothes and flea market finds should be washed thoroughly before storing. For serious infestations: call a professional exterminator, because bed bugs are increasingly resistant to insecticides.