I just traveled to bedbug-infested Paris – here are all of the things YOU need to do to avoid bringing the critters back to your home

A traveler who recently returned from bedbug-infested Paris shares her top tips on how to prevent the insects from spreading.

Chicago-based Alexis Nido-Russo took to TikTok to confess that, despite the outbreak, she ‘personally wouldn’t cancel a trip to the French capital.

Instead, the content creator urged visitors to ‘take precautions’ in an effort to avoid ‘bringing home any small animals’.

Her suggestions include not putting suitcases on beds, keeping clothes in bags, inspecting hotel rooms, checking for bites and quarantining luggage once home.

Chicago-based Alexis Nido-Russo took to TikTok to admit that despite the outbreak, she ‘personally wouldn’t cancel a trip to the French capital’

The content creator urged visitors to ‘take precautions’ in an effort to avoid ‘bringing home any small animals’

The avid traveler drew her attention to bed bug bites, saying they ‘appear in clusters’ (stock photo)

In the clip, which has so far been viewed more than 348,000 times, Alexis explains: ‘Number one, don’t put your suitcase on the bed. Don’t do it.

“Put your suitcase on a luggage rack – apparently bed bugs can’t climb metal – and when you’re not using your bag, keep it closed.”

‘If you can, get sealed plastic bags for all your clothes before you leave. Seal them in there and then just take things out one by one as you need them to protect everything else in your bag.’

She continued, “Number two, when you get to your room, inspect it fully.”

Alexis suggested bringing a black light, but added that she didn’t believe it was a foolproof method of spotting the critters.

“You’re supposed to inspect the entire bed.

“Take off the sheets, look all around the bed frame, look for their eggs and also look for little black streaks – you don’t want to know what they are, but if you see them, leave that room immediately,” added the intrepid traveler.

She turned her attention to bed bug bites and said they ‘appear in clusters’.

Alexis explained: ‘The last thing is when you get home, quarantine your luggage.

‘Keep your luggage outside. I didn’t, so it’s too late for me, but it’s not too late for you.

And other social media users were quick to flood the clip with comments, as many travel enthusiasts debated whether it was ‘worth it’ to go through all the precautions

‘When it comes time to wash your things, wash them on the highest heat possible.

“Apparently you’re actually supposed to dry it, then wash it, then dry it again.”

She said freezing luggage items for a week after you get back should also work – if it all fits in your freezer.

Summing up her recommendations, she said: ‘I hope this helps and please don’t cancel your trip as I think it’s highly unlikely that any of us will get bed bugs, but I always look on the bright side. “I’m looking for you.”

And other social media users were quick to flood the clip with comments, as many travel enthusiasts debated whether it was ‘worth it’ to go through all the precautions.

One person wrote: ‘Honestly, as someone who had bed bugs, I would cancel my trip. They are no joke.’

Another commenter agreed: ‘As someone who has had bed bugs, it’s not worth it. I mean if you already spent the money, go have fun. But they are no joke.’

A third chimed in about their positive experience, saying: ‘I’ve just come back from Paris. It was amazing and did not experience bed bugs. I did leave my luggage in the garage for a few days just in case.’

‘Just back from Paris. No bed bugs, don’t cancel, we had a fantastic time,’ added another.

People living in France have fallen victim to record levels of bed bug infestations in recent weeks.

The situation escalated to such an extent that residents of Paris were even forced to throw their mattresses on the street out of desperation.

The phenomenon has raised concerns that the mites could spread quickly with some already spotted on public transport in London.