The Paris Olympics could spark another mass bed bug invasion in the UK, according to experts.
Thousands of Brits are expected to travel to the games which are being held in the French capital next month. But pest controllers have warned that people could bring back more than memories from the games this summer.
They fear a bed bug epidemic that is even worse than last year’s outbreak could take place if travellers are not vigilant. Paul Blackhurst, technical academy head at Rentokil, said: “Bed bugs can spread very rapidly.
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“One female bed bug can lay 1-10 eggs a day and up to 200-500 eggs in her lifetime, so swift detection and effective action are essential to control an infestation.
“International travel makes it easier for bed bugs to hitch a ride across borders.
“Once they attach themselves to clothing, luggage, or furniture, they can very quickly infest a room, house, hotel, bus, train, or even an airplane.
“With last year’s outbreak in Paris, and this year’s Olympic Games taking place in the French capital, travellers need to be aware of the common signs of these pests.
“They are prolific breeders, and if not promptly and professionally treated, they can quickly reach epidemic levels. It is important to know how to mitigate the risk of them spreading to the UK, should there be another outbreak.”
He added: “Due to their size, bed bugs can hide in places where they are difficult-to-spot such as small cracks and crevices, making mattresses, behind wallpaper, under skirting boards, luggage, bed frames and headboards perfect hiding places, so it’s crucial to be vigilant.”
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They said travellers should place luggage in the bath or shower and check rooms before unpacking, they also advised hanging clothes in wardrobes instead of using drawers.
Last year armies of the insects came over to the UK, with many spotted on trains and buses, after an outbreak in France in September.
The pests were believed to have hitchhiked from France where they had infested public transport, cafes, hotels, cinemas and homes.
Rentokil said since then they have been using highly trained dogs to sniff out the critters after a huge rise in bed bug callouts.
Their Bed Bug Dog Detect service uses breeds such as Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Beagles, and Belgian Shepherds.
The dogs, who have been exposed to the scent of the pests, are used in hotels and large buildings where they can hunt down the bugs before they get a chance to spread.
Bed bugs feed on blood by biting people, they create wounds that can be itchy but do not usually cause other health problems.
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