Bed bug infestation hits Britain: Cases surge by 62% as critters hitch rides into properties on baggage and clothes
Britain has been hit with an infestation of bed bugs, experts at Rentokil Pest Control have warned.
Since April, callouts for bed bug infestations across the UK have increased by 62 per cent.
And with travel set to spike over the festive period, things could get even worse, the experts predict.
Paul Blackhurst, Head of Technical Academy at Rentokil Pest Control said: ‘Bed bugs can quickly spread when travel peaks, and our data shows they are an increasing concern at this time of year.
‘While they are small and often hard to detect, the impact of an infestation can be significant for households.
‘Early awareness is key, and we encourage anyone who is concerned to seek professional support promptly.
‘With the right treatment, bed bugs can be eliminated effectively, helping people enjoy a more comfortable and stress-free festive season.’
The warning comes just two years after bed bug panic hit Britain, following an invasion of the pests from France.
Britain has been hit with an infestation of bed bugs, experts at Rentokil Pest Control have warned
With millions of Brits set to visit their family and friends over the next few weeks, bed bug infestations are expected to skyrocket.
Bed bugs are apple seed-sized critters, which are small enough to hitch a ride on luggage and clothing.
If they do manage to make into your home, they can then hide away in mattresses, bed frames, bedside furniture, and even cracks in walls as thin as a credit card.
What’s more, they reproduce quickly, meaning infestations can quickly escalate.
‘A single female bed bug can rapidly lead to a large infestation – which are notoriously challenging to get rid of without professional help,’ Rentokil warned.
Given this heightened risk, Brits are being urged to identify infestations early, and to act quickly to prevent frurther spread.
‘[Ignore] popular myths like the risk of heated blankets or hot water bottles exposing infestations’ Rentokil advised.
‘In reality, our body heat and CO2 alone is enough to stimulate female bed bug laying.’
Is your city on the list? This map reveals which of the UK’s 20 largest cities have the worst bed bug infestations for their population size
If you’re travelling over the next few weeks, Rentokil has provided three key tips to limit the spread of bed bugs.
Firstly, make sure you inspect any new mattresses for signs of infection, including dark stains on bedding, a sweet unpleasant odour, shed skins, or even live insects.
Next, keep your luggage off the floor to ensure no rogue critters can get in.
Finally, straight after travelling, run your clothes through the laundry on a hot wash cycle.
‘If travellers spot any signs of an infestation, they should contact pest control immediately,’ Rentokil added.
‘The technicians will conduct a survey of the rooms and will purpose a suitable treatment which may include heat, chemical and non-chemical steam.’
What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs can run up to 100 feet per hour, meaning they can easily travel from room to room to find a host to feed on.
Their almost paper-thin bodies mean that they are able to fit into the smallest cracks of furniture like the headboard of a bed, making them very difficult to spot.
Bed bugs travel by hiding in clothing or luggage so that when a human hops in the car or on a train the bugs hitch a ride too.
They primarily come out at night to feed and hide during the day.
Using their sharp senses they track the CO2 coming from our breath to find someone to feed on even in pitch darkness.
A female bed bug generally lays one egg a day but can lay up to seven under the right conditions.
Eggs look like grains of sand and take around 10-15 days to hatch into a new bed bug.
The best way to find bed bugs is by using a specially trained dog which can sniff out the bugs communication pheromones.
Bed bugs can run up to 100 feet per hour, meaning they can easily travel from room to room to find a host to feed on
