Foreign Pests You Might Encounter Abroad

Pests are an issue no matter where you go. Even if you visited Antarctica, it’s likely that you’d somehow find pests. The point is that, you need to be aware of this problem no matter where you go. In fact, foreign pests are actually quite a big problem. If you’re going overseas here are some things that you need to watch out for.

Foreign pests that you should be on the lookout for 

The first, and most serious of foreign pests are mosquitoes. These pests are not a serious problem in the UK. In other countries they are deadly. What you have to understand is that this is because of malaria. This disease is caused by a parasite which is found in mosquitoes. When these mosquitoes bite humans, we become infected.

This disease causes a wide variety of truly horrific symptoms. This includes pain in the abdomen, chills, fatigue, fever, nights sweats, and shivering. You may also experience diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. If this condition is not treated quickly, it can lead to kidney failure, seizures, mental confusion, coma  and even death.

That being said, malaria only occurs in a limited zone around the world. This mostly includes areas around the equator in South America, Africa, and the Far East. If you are visiting these areas then be aware of this, and take anti-malaria tablets before departing.

Pests you can pick up on your travels

Other foreign pests that are a huge headache are bed bugs. These pests infected countless hotels and backpackers in foreign countries, so you will want to spot them. If you’re staying in one of these places, it’s extremely easy to pick up these bugs.

What usually happens is that they crawl into your luggage or clothing. They may also hide in other objects such as your toiletry bag. You then return home and transport the bugs back with you. The best way to avoid this is by thoroughly checking your clothing and luggage before leaving.

When packing use a torch to inspect every part of your bag. Do the same with your clothing. Try to do this as close to your departure time as possible. For example, avoid packing your bag the night before. This might give bed bugs a chance to crawl into your luggage. Also once you’ve finished packing, leave your bag in the bathroom. This will also prevent bed bugs from getting into your bag. DIY bed bug tips like this can save you from a lot of hassle in the long term.

Something else you should watch out for are cockroaches in hotel rooms. These foreign pests are everywhere, no matter where you go. The problem with these pests is the same as with bed bugs. They get into your luggage and then you bring them back how. To avoid this and incurring cockroach problems, you need to check for cockroaches when arriving at your accommodation.

The way to do this is by looking for the signs of cockroaches. This might include faeces, which look like dark grains of coffee. Also look for discarded skin and eggs shells, as well as dead cockroaches. If you do spot these signs, immediately request a new room.