Attention, Hollywood A-listers! As Paris Fashion Week comes to a close and the glamorous attendees prepare to head back to the United States, there is one unwelcome souvenir that may have joined them on their journey home: bed bugs. The National Pest Management Association, an organization specializing in pest control, is issuing a stern warning to all celebrities who were in Paris, urging them to take precautionary measures to prevent bringing these pesky critters back into their homes.
Key Takeaway
The National Pest Management Association is advising celebrities who attended Paris Fashion Week to thoroughly inspect their luggage and bedding for any signs of bed bugs. They should store their luggage outside of bedrooms during their trips and inspect their suitcases before returning home. Additionally, washing and drying clothes on a high heat setting is recommended, and dry cleaning can be considered as an extra precaution.
Inspect, Inspect, Inspect!
Dr. Jim Fredericks, a board-certified entomologist and senior public affairs VP at the National Pest Management Association, emphasizes the importance of thorough inspections. Whether they attended fashion shows or stayed in luxurious hotels, celebrities need to be vigilant in checking their luggage and bedding for any signs of bed bugs. These blood-sucking insects are highly capable hitchhikers, disregarding the star rating of a hotel and infiltrating any setting.
Indicators of a bed bug problem include live bugs, exoskeletons, and fecal spots. To prevent the pests from infesting their belongings, it is recommended that celebs store their luggage outside of bedrooms during their trips. Furthermore, before catching a flight back home, a comprehensive inspection of suitcases and backpacks is advised.
Wash and Dry with Care
Even if travelers are confident that their belongings are bed bug-free, Dr. Fredericks advises anyone who has visited Paris to wash all their clothes thoroughly. Drying the garments on a high heat setting will help eliminate any unseen bed bugs. As an extra precaution, dry cleaning can also be considered upon returning to the United States.
Preventing an Unwanted Infestation
While bed bugs do not pose a risk of spreading diseases, they can be a major nuisance once they’ve found a new home. The inconvenience and expense of eliminating a bed bug infestation can be avoided by taking preemptive action. By following these simple steps, celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike can ensure that their glamorous experience at Paris Fashion Week remains bug-free, allowing them to focus on the latest fashion trends rather than unwanted bedfellows.
