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Sydney declares war on bed bugs

(08 Sep 2005)

Going back-packing? – Get a great deal on travel insurance

Bedbugs may be small, but anyone who has been plagued by them will know they can be a big problem.

Now an Australian city has declared war on the blood sucking nemesis of backpackers everywhere.

The mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, has introduced legislation that states all new hostels must undertake measures to reduce the risk of bed bug infestations.

Mattress protectors and pillowcases must be provided and washed after each visitor. Dense foam must also be used on beds and carpets will be discouraged to make nesting more difficult.

A spokesperson for the mayor told the Sydney Morning Herald that bed bugs were a real and recurring problem.

Unfortunately the measures cannot be enforced on existing hostels, but the council hopes that the moves will "educate" hostel managers to follow suit.

The Youth Hostel Association supported the legislation, but said that the council needed to do more to crack down on the poorly run hostels in the city

Backpackers are the most lucrative tourist group in Australia and the city is keen to encourage them. The legislation will also extend the 28-day limit on hostel stays and remove three tier bunks.


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