Prague

The passengers left for Slovakia on the night of May 3 at 9:52 p.m. They were looking forward to rest and a pleasant trip. “We turned off the lights, laid down on the sunbeds and watched the series. After about two hours of driving, my partner’s hand began to itch. After turning on the light, we noticed that he had large red bites on his arms and legs.” Vojtěch B. described the whole situation for Blesk.cz

The pair discovered bed bugs hiding in the bedding and upholstery of the coupe. They told the conductor about the problem, who moved them to another car. “We have noted this case and are currently actively looking into it,” the PR manager of RegioJet Alexandra Janoušek Kostřicová answered the question of the server iROZHLAS.cz.

Resentment from communication

Although both passengers got their money back in the form of credit in the application, communication with the carrier disappointed them. They reported the problem immediately after arrival both in writing and via the information line.

„After arriving in Slovakia, I filled out the online complaint form during the morning of the working day, and to make sure that someone would deal with the matter, I also called the carrier’s phone line. After there was no answer and I didn’t notice Regiojet pointing this out even on social networks, I called the line again. Here, I was only told that the ‘complaint’ had been submitted and was part of the standard statutory thirty-day period that the carrier has to respond,” further explains Vojtěch B.

Eliminating an unpleasant parasite is quite difficult and it definitely needs to be done at a professional level. “We carry out regular disinfection and disinsection on the trains. If an occurrence is reported, we take immediate action, the car is shut down and disinfection and disinfestation is carried out outside the planned schedule,” says Janoušek Kostřicová.

Warning from experts

The occurrence of bed bugs is not one of the mandatory reported events in the Czech Republic, but last fall, disinfectant companies reported a 15% increase in demand for the extermination of these parasites. The State Institute of Health also appeals for increased caution when traveling or on vacation.

“Even if you didn’t notice the presence of bed bugs during your entire stay, and you didn’t even notice any reactions to insect bites on your skin, the bugs could still have gotten into your luggage. Prevention is therefore important even after returning. After all, if you bring home even one fertilized female, a new population can be established.” experts explain.