For the third year in a row, Norwegian insurance company Storebrand is helping travelers at Oslo Airport (OSL) with an ever-increasing problem – bed bugs. This year, the campaign offers a new and exciting twist: “The Horror Bed” (Skrekksenga).
The horror bed is an installation with a bed infested with live bedbugs, located in the departure area at OSL.
“This exhibition is a little scary, but very informative. It shows travelers what to look for when they check in at the accommodation and what precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of bringing stowaways home in their luggage,” says marketing director at Storebrand Camilla Haveland.
She praises her own employees who, together with the advertising agency Per Høj, have further developed the bed bug campaign which won the PR prize European Excellence awards last year.
Among other things, the installation has a camera where you can clearly see the bed bugs crawling around. At the same time, travelers get good tips for what is smart to do to avoid coming into close contact with bed bugs:
- Inspect the room when you arrive and pay particular attention to the bed. Use a flashlight on your mobile and look for dark excrement stains and animals.
- If you suspect bed bugs, you should not move in. Ask for another room or choose another hotel.
- Feel free to take precautions even if you do not find bed bugs. Place the luggage at some distance from the bed and up from the floor.
- Do not unpack and keep the suitcase or bag closed.
- Do not leave dirty laundry on the floor or leave the day’s clothes outside the bed.
*****************************************
Related: Emergency App for Norwegian Travelers
*****************************************
Why Scarecrow?
“Bed bugs are a growing problem for travelers all over the world. By showing what these small pests look like, as well as what traces you should look for when you check in to accommodation, Storebrand wants to increase people’s awareness and reduce the risk of travelers bringing bed bugs home,” explains Haveland.
***************************************
Related: Prioritizing Health and Safety on Your Next Scandinavian Vacation
***************************************
Past success
“Storebrand has had bed bug control at OSL for the past two years and welcomed travelers when they come home from holiday,” says Marianne Solheim, marketing manager for insurance at Storebrand, who has also led the work this year.
With the help of specially trained dogs, returning tourists have been given the opportunity to check their luggage for bed bugs. Upon discovery, Storebrand has offered free freezing of the infected luggage.
“This measure has been very popular among travelers, and many have received useful help. Our bed bug control will of course be in place this summer as well,” concludes Solheim.
Travelers can find the Horror Bed in Pir Nord at gate D3 from 1 July to 4 August. The bed bug control will be present on arrival from 29 July to 4 August.
The “Horror Bed” at Oslo Airport, based on a press release from Storebrand.