Latest illegal immigrant problem - coming to a bed near you

Travellers staying in New Zealand hotels and hostels this summer should not be surprised if they end up sharing their beds with illegal immigrants.

The Ministry of Tourism says foreign bedbugs coming into the country -- by stowing away in tourist's luggage and jumping into hotel and hostel beds once suitcases are stored -- are becoming a real "bugbear" for the hotel industry.

And no class of accommodation seems to be spared from the infestation.

Last month a Wellington businesswoman staying in a five-star lodge in Auckland found herself victim to the blood-sucking pests after they attacked her in her sleep.

It was a hot night and the woman woke about 3am to get a drink and open the window.

"When I got back I saw a big splot of blood in the bed ," she told NZPA.

The woman's first reaction was the lodge had not changed the sheets, "but on closer inspection I noticed all these things running around in the bed".

The bugs had bitten the woman on her shoulder and buttocks, but she said the bites were not too bad.

"It's just the gross factor that really upset me."

The plump flightless insects (Cimex lectularius) grow up to 5mm in length and are most often found in beds and bedding.

They feed at night on the blood of warm blooded animals, including humans. During the day they hide in cracks and crevices escaping detection.

Ministry of Tourism general manager Ray Salter said the issue was not unique to New Zealand.

"With the increased frequency of travel and better international links we're seeing it as a global issue. Given that we get nearly two and a half million visitors a year, we're part of having to deal with it."

He said they were preparing to educate the hotel industry on how to manage any infestation they may come across.

"We're putting some advice out next year on the issue in terms of pest management and hygiene management is probably the critical thing."

He said the advice included how to properly wash bedding and how to perform careful mattress checks.

Pest control company Rentokil said it was a nationwide issue, with most callouts coming from Auckland and Christchurch.

Service manager Tony Hill said the bugs were very difficult to get rid of.

"It's a very thorough treatment that involves taking off the actual bed headboards and in some cases dismantling skirting boards and pulling out light switches.

"I've known infestations to be so heavy that they're actually inside the hotel room TV, behind pictures and mirrors."

Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) spokeswoman Olwyn Green said it was unlikely the bedbugs would be detected on their trip into the country.

Luggage does not automatically get sprayed, and although each piece of luggage is checked by trained sniffer dogs, they would not pick up the bug's scent.

And for those who find the pesky critters have worked their way into your home, pest controllers say the only solution is professional extermination, and in some extreme cases to replace infected furniture.

- NZPA