The bedbugs are launching a full-blown invasion. Following an unprecedented outbreak in France, experts have warned that it won’t be long before they make their way to the UK. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan expressed his concern about the spread of bedbugs and reached out to French officials for advice on how to slow down the parasites. To add to the alarm, videos circulating on social media, which have been viewed by millions, purportedly show the tiny red bugs crawling on seats and clothing in the London Underground. Additionally, Luton Council has reported an alarming number of calls regarding bedbugs, raising concerns that these apple seed-sized insects are entering the UK through airports and train stations.
The bedbug situation in France has gone from bad to worse. Infestations have led to school closures, while residents in Marseille have resorted to dumping mattresses on the streets in a desperate attempt to get rid of the pests. Could similar scenes occur in Britain? Specialists believe that the UK is undoubtedly facing a growing bedbug problem. However, all hope is not lost. There are still numerous effective techniques to prevent infestations, detect them early, and eliminate them for good. We asked experts to share their insights.
Q: Can you get bedbugs from places other than beds? Is anywhere safe?
A: Firstly, the risk of catching bedbugs while using public transport is low. Despite viral social media videos claiming to show them crawling on seats and clothing in the London Underground, French pest control expert Nicolas Roux de Bezieux says, “Bedbugs are not skilled at clinging onto clothes.” These insects, which feed on blood, have six thin legs with claws that allow them to climb rough surfaces. However, they cannot hold on to moving objects or smooth surfaces. Mr. Roux de Bezieux, who also runs the pest control website badbugs.fr, says, “The majority of infestations occur after someone has stayed in a hotel or rental property. If the room is infested, the bugs can get into your bags or pockets. Then, when you return home, you unwittingly bring them back with you.”
Q: If bedbugs aren’t good at clinging onto things, how are they spreading?
A: Experts believe that bedbugs primarily spread through bags and clothing with deep pockets, such as coats and jackets. “The majority of infestations occur after someone has stayed in a hotel or rental property,” says Mr. Roux de Bezieux. “If the room is infested, the bugs can get into your bags or pockets. Then, when you return home, you bring them back with you.” Bug scientists predict that the infestation in France will lead to an increase in infestations in the UK since bedbugs are highly skilled hitchhikers. In Marseille, residents have even resorted to discarding bedding and clothing on the streets due to fears of infestation.
Q: Should the UK close its borders with France?
A: While experts believe that the outbreak in France could lead to more infestations in the UK, they argue that the UK already has its own bedbug problem. According to Rentokil, there has been a 65% rise in infestations in the past year, predating the French invasion. “Bedbug infestations are becoming more common,” says Professor James Logan from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and chief executive of research firm Arctech Innovation. “They have become more resistant to insecticides over the past two decades, resulting in an increasing number of bedbugs. Additionally, the unseasonably warm autumn weather has raised the risk as the bugs live longer and breed more in warm conditions.” Experts emphasize that while bedbugs can be bothersome and costly to eliminate, they do not pose a health hazard. Studies suggest that these parasites do not carry diseases, although in rare cases, they can cause allergic reactions.
Q: I have a holiday to Paris scheduled. Should I cancel?
A: It is safe to travel to Paris, as thousands of people have already made the trip for the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals. However, precautions should be taken. “Check the reviews of your accommodation,” suggests Professor Logan. “If someone has recently encountered bedbugs there, they are likely to have left a review complaining about it. If that’s the case, it’s best to find another place to stay. It’s not worth the risk.”
Q: What else can I do to avoid unknowingly picking up bedbugs?
A: Storing your clothes and bags correctly is key to avoiding bedbugs in a hotel. “Don’t put your clothes in the drawers, as bedbugs tend to hide in these warm, dark, enclosed spaces,” advises Professor Logan. “Also, don’t leave your bag open on the floor of a hotel, as bedbugs can crawl into it. Keep your clothes in a zippered bag on a shelf. If you need to leave clothes out, hang them up instead.”
Q: Will insect repellent prevent bedbugs from biting me?
A: Insect sprays are relatively ineffective against bedbugs. “Using repellents against them is pointless,” says Professor Logan. “They may stay away for a few hours, but that doesn’t help much when you’re asleep.”
Q: What should I do if I wake up with what appears to be bedbug bites?
A: Bedbug bites typically appear red and itchy, similar to other insect bites, and are usually no larger than a penny. The distinctive characteristic is the pattern of where the bites appear on the body. Often, bites will be grouped together or in a line on areas of the skin that were exposed while sleeping, such as the face, neck, and arms. “Bedbugs are opportunistic. They want blood as quickly as possible, so they go for exposed areas where the skin is thinnest,” explains Professor Logan. “That could be on the back, arms, legs, or around the wrists.” Another sign of bedbugs is the presence of small brown spots, which are their feces, on your bedding and furniture.
To be certain, you need to find the bugs. The most common location is in the seams of a mattress, so carefully inspect the mattress by turning back the edges and removing the sheets. Additionally, thoroughly examine the bed frame, paying close attention to the corners and behind the headboard. “Bedbugs are attracted to oxygen, so they like to nest near your head,” adds Mr. Roux de Bezieux. They also tend to gather in plug sockets and under skirting boards.
Q: If I discover that I’ve been bitten, what should I do when I return home?
A: According to Mr. Roux de Bezieux, “Before entering the house, place all your items in sealed ziplock bags and freeze them for five days. This ensures any bugs are dead.” For certain items, the washing machine can also effectively kill bedbugs. “If you have clothes that can handle a hot wash of 60 degrees, wash them in it. The heat will kill any bedbugs, as they are highly sensitive to it,” recommends Professor Logan. A vacuum cleaner is another useful tool. “When bedbugs first arrive, it’s often hard to spot them in the first few weeks because they haven’t laid more eggs,” says Mr. Roux de Bezieux. “But this means there’s…”
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