Experts are sounding the alarm over a potential bedbug epidemic in the UK, with infestations already on the rise across the Channel. The upcoming Paris Olympics is expected to exacerbate the situation, as millions flock to the city, potentially bringing back the pesky critters in their luggage.
Last summer saw a 23% increase in pest control callouts for bedbugs in the UK, and this year could be worse. James Logan, CEO of Arctech Innovation, warned in an interview with the i newspaper: “This year is the Olympics in Paris. Big events like that mean people are travelling more than normal, so we might see more transportation of bedbugs. There is also likely to be a continued increase in infestations in the UK this summer.”
The surge in bedbug cases is attributed to increased global travel and rising temperatures due to climate change, which aid in the breeding and spread of bedbugs.
According to the i, research indicates that hotel infestations have skyrocketed by 278% since 2021.
Not only do bedbugs leave victims with irritating bites, but they can also burn a hole in your wallet, with extermination costs reaching up to £300. Professor Logan cautioned: “You can go from having one pregnant female bug in your home to having tens of thousands of bugs within a matter of weeks.”, reports Wales Online.
Bedbugs are human and animal blood-sucking insects that typically feed while their victims sleep. Adult bedbugs are like apple seeds in size, have a flat, oval-shaped body and have a reddish-brown colouration.
While incapable of flight, these pests can speedily navigate across surfaces like floors, walls, and ceilings.
Signs You Have Bedbugs
Bites: Small, red, itchy bites on the skin, often in a line or cluster. Bites are commonly found on areas of the body exposed during sleep, such as the face, neck, arms, and hands.
Rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses caused by crushed bedbugs.
Dark spots which are bedbug excrement and may bleed on the fabric like a marker would.
Eggs and eggshells , which are tiny (about 1mm) and pale yellow skins that nymphs shed as they grow larger.
Live bedbugs , although they are nocturnal and usually hide during the day, they may be found in the seams of mattresses, bed frames, headboards, and other nooks and crannies.
Smell: A musty odour, often described as a “buggy” smell, may be present in heavily infested areas.
How to Prevent Bedbugs
Inspect Secondhand Furniture:
Carefully inspect used furniture, especially mattresses and upholstered items, before bringing them into your home.
Check Hotel Rooms:
When travelling, inspect the bed and furniture for signs of bedbugs. Keep luggage off the bed and floor and use a luggage rack.
Be Cautious with Shared Laundry:
Be vigilant when using shared laundry facilities. Transport your items in plastic bags and fold them at home if possible.
Encasements:
Use mattress and box spring encasements that are bedbug-proof to prevent them from getting into your bed.
Reduce Clutter:
Minimize clutter in your home to eliminate hiding places for bedbugs.
Regular Cleaning:
Vacuum regularly, especially in areas around the bed, and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to capture bedbugs and their eggs.
Seal Entry Points:
Seal cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and around windows and doors to prevent bedbugs from entering.
Monitor:
Regularly check bed and furniture for signs of bedbugs. Consider using bedbug interceptors under bedposts to catch any bedbugs before they reach you.
