Bed Bugs – Advice and reassurance for your ski chalet holiday in France

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are excellent at hiding, multiply rapidly and have pestered humans since prehistoric times. They have become more of an issue in recent years due to a combination of factors – people travelling more, high density housing and the insects’ resistance to pest control treatments. While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans, their bites can cause various reactions in individuals, including itchiness and swelling.

Why you should sleep peacefully in an AliKats’ ski chalet

Proactive measures AliKats are taking to reduce the risk of bed bugs occurring in our properties:

Mattress encasements

We will be using bed-bug proof encasements for all mattresses.

Training and inspections

Our chalet staff are trained on bed bug identification, early signs of infestation, and proper prevention procedures.

Impeccable housekeeping

Our dedicated housekeeping staff follow stringent cleaning and maintenance protocols to keep our chalets spotless. Cleanliness is essential in preventing bed bugs, and we take this responsibility very seriously. All linens, bedding, and mattresses are thoroughly cleaned at high temperatures and maintained regularly to ensure your comfort and peace of mind.

Bag storage

We suggest you don’t place your luggage on beds when unpacking to avoid possible transference. All our bedrooms have enough space to put your bag on the floor whilst you are unpacking.

What you can do

For peace of mind, here are our top tips for travellers to avoid bed bug encounters:

Inspect Your Belongings

Before leaving, carefully inspect your luggage and belongings to ensure you are not inadvertently carrying any unwanted guests with you.

Seal Your Luggage

Consider using luggage liners or large ziplock bags to encase your belongings, making it harder for bed bugs to hitch a ride.

Take care on public transport

Be mindful of where you store your luggage when using public transportation. Avoid placing it on seats or carpeted floors that may be infested.

Wash Your Clothes

When returning home, launder your clothes and luggage liners using hot water and high heat to kill any potential bed bugs.

Report Any Issues

If you have a worry concerning bed bugs in any accommodation you stay in, report it immediately. In the unlikely event that a guest reports a concern related to bed bugs, our team is trained to investigate and address any potential issues immediately

While it’s a good idea to be aware of bed bugs while travelling, you don’t need to be worried about coming to Morzine, or staying in an AliKats’ ski chalet. Rest assured we are being proactive, training our staff, inspecting our properties, and maintaining strict hygiene measures. So go ahead, hit the slopes, and enjoy the beauty of the French Alps, with the knowledge that you can count on a beautiful night’s sleep in one of our luxury chalets.

For a relaxing ski holiday in the French Alps, browse our collection of luxury chalets.