The ultimate guide to avoiding bed bugs this Autumn as Europe hits 'peak' infestation rates: Experts reveal how often you should REALLY wash your sheets and hoover your mattress

From public transport to hotel stays and even in the comfort of your own home, it has seemingly never been harder to avoid bloodsucking bed bugs.

Cases are at an all-time high, with new research, led by hospitality technology company Valpas, uncovering an increase of between 20 and 25 per cent across big European cities.

According to Martim Gois, co-founder and chief executive of the company, Europe is 'at peak bed bug', with an unprecedented 'surge' in numbers observed in hotel rooms.

This summer, 31-year-old Hannah Stephenson woke up with more than 100 bed bug bites after one night in a Cambridge Travelodge and discovered blood spots and bed bugs in her sheets.

The tiny insects can hide in mattress seams, bed frames and upholstered furniture and are often transported into homes through luggage, clothing and unwashed second-hand clothes.

According to Hannah Shore, head of sleep science at leading bed retailer MattressOnline, bed bugs can quickly multiply if they are left untreated in 'soft furnishings' such as bedding, carpets and curtains.

She told the Daily Mail: 'Bed bugs are most commonly found in beds due to the easy access to food (blood), but during the day, they walk around in search of food, which may take them further afield.

'They often attach themselves to suitcases or climb into suitcases, meaning you then take them home with you and, if left untreated, they start a new colony there.'

From how often you should really change your bedding to managing your mattress, read on to discover how best to avoid bed bugs during the 'peak' season...

Cases of bed bugs are at an all-time high, with new research uncovering an increase of between 20 and 25 per cent across big European cities

1. Be aware of the early signs, including smells and stains

According to Sharon Robson, MattressOnline's head of communication, the best way to overcome bed bugs is to be aware of the telltale signs of an infestation.

She explained: 'Firstly, be wary of sweet, musty smells, which are a sign of a very large infestation.

'Keep an eye out for black or rust-coloured stains on bedding and mattresses. Lastly, look for empty, brown shells or flat, oval brown shapes, which may be the bugs themselves.'

Meanwhile, Luke Arnel-Cameron, founder of cleaning brand Yass Clean, explained that catching bed bugs is particularly difficult as they are 'small, excellent at hiding and can easily go unnoticed until an infestation becomes established'.

'Your bedroom is where you want to feel most comfortable, so knowing what to look for and taking a few preventative steps can make a real difference,' he said.

He noted that checking for bed bugs 'regularly' can help you spot an infestation in its early stages, before the problem escalates.

'Bed bugs tend to hide in small, dark crevices, making mattress seams, headboards, bed frame joints and screw holes some of the key places to inspect,' he said.

'Look out for live insects, tiny pale eggs, shed skins and small dark spotting on the fabric or surrounding surfaces. Checking these areas regularly can help you identify a potential problem early.'

Although clutter itself cannot cause a bed bug infestation, carpeted surfaces in particular offer plenty of cover for the insects to hide.

Luke notes that it can become 'easy for the space underneath a bed to become a storage area for bags, boxes and spare bedding, but keeping it tidy makes it easier to inspect and clean'.

He added: 'Avoid leaving piles of clothing or bedding on the floor, and vacuum around the bed frame and skirting boards regularly.

'While clutter itself doesn't cause bed bugs, reducing hiding places can make signs of an infestation easier to spot.'

Meanwhile, Lynsey Crombie, the UK's No1 home expert and also known as the 'Queen of Clean', advised keeping your suitcase downstairs after travelling.

'This keeps your luggage away from bedding, carpets and upholstered furniture while you inspect and empty it.

'A hard floor is also easier to check and clean afterwards. It isn’t a barrier that bed bugs cannot cross, but it makes a much more sensible unpacking area than your bed.

'If you know your accommodation had bed bugs, inspect and contain your luggage before bringing it indoors.'

3. Vacuum your mattress to give bed bugs fewer places to hide

Lynsey advises vacuuming your mattress 'every other week' as an additional precaution to avoid bed bugs.

She added: 'A fully zipped, bedbug-proof mattress encasement can reduce hiding places and make signs easier to spot. It is different from a standard mattress protector, which may leave the sides and underside exposed.

'Choose one designed specifically for bed bugs, with a secure zip, and check regularly for tears. Remember that it protects the mattress: it does not stop bed bugs hiding elsewhere in the bed frame or room.'

Luke noted: 'Pay particular attention to the seams, piping, buttons and crevices around the bed frame, as these are places where bed bugs can hide.

'If you do suspect bed bugs, use the vacuum carefully and seal and dispose of its contents immediately in an outdoor bin.

'Contact a professional pest control service rather than relying on cleaning alone to tackle the problem.'

Hannah said: 'Vacuum your mattress and base, ensuring to take extra care around the hard-to-reach places such as the seams; you may also want to scrub in these areas to remove any bugs and eggs.'

If you find yourself noticing an unwelcome visitor while sat on a packed train or in the corner of your bedroom, Sharon suggests using a credit card and phone torch to get to the bottom of things.

She explained: 'A credit card acts as a handy probing tool to get into these tight spaces like mattress piping, corners of the bedframe, and any cracks.

'Gently press the card and scrape along creases to check for bugs and eggs.'

Hannah added: 'Bed bugs are tiny in size, so finding them might be difficult. Be sure to look in hard-to-reach places such as mattress piping and tight corners of the bed frame.

'Also check yourself for any bites. They are similar to other bug bites and will be on areas of skin that were exposed throughout the night.