Bed bug warning as infection explodes in UK amid travel boom

13 September 2023 , 08:50

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Bed bug warning as infection explodes in UK amid travel boom

Brits have been warned to protect their homes from bed bugs as the UK has been hit with an increase in infestations.

It comes as pest control company Rentokil reported a 65% rise in the amount of call-outs for pests in recent years - with experts linking the increase to travel and the cost of living crisis. The burst of warm weather has also attracted insects, which are more common in the UK in August and September. A previous study revealed that the pests were becoming resistant to pesticides.

Professor James Logan, of London School of Tropical Medicine, suggested the rise could be due to travel returning to pre-pandemic levels. "It's very likely that there will be bed bugs on the move much more again and travelling in people’s suitcases," he told The Telegraph.

Rentokil reported a 65% increase in the number of call-outs in the UK (Getty Images)

The pests, which can hibernate for up to a year and remain dormant, could also be appearing more due to the rise in second-hand sales online. Homeowners have been urged to be careful when travelling on public transport and moving around luggage and soft furnishings. John Horsley, technical officer at the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) told the I Paper : “Bedbugs love to migrate. They latch onto items such as luggage, clothing and second-hand furniture, and will be transported into your home.”

The association has listed common indicators of infection as small reddish-brown clusters which can be spotted on the bed frame or upholstery of the mattress. Another sign to look out for is tiny blood smears on the headboard, as they survive by feeding on blood. Horsley added: “If you’re staying in a hotel, motel or bed and breakfast, double check the mattress and other soft furnishings for signs of bed bugs, especially before putting your luggage on the bed or chairs. Do the same with second-hand furniture."

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Cimex lectularius, which is the most common bed bug to find in the UK, can survive on pets and rodents. They tend to reside within eight feet of where people sleep. Bites can show up as red or irritable spots on the skin and can spark an allergic reaction in some severe cases. People have been advised to cover the affected area with something cool to help reduce the symptoms. The NHS has urged homeowners to alert their local council or to contact pest control.

Monica Charsley