Bedbugs have been in the UK for centuries and the recent infestation in France should not cause panic, according to experts. Although they were believed to have diminished after the introduction of new insecticides in the post-World War Two period, they made a resurgence in the 1990s and the early years of the 21st century. Dr Richard Naylor, an entomologist who specialises in bedbug biology and behaviour, states that Covid lockdowns were a factor in curbing their numbers. Despite this, bedbugs remain an issue in apartment blocks and sheltered housing complexes.
Natalie Bungay from the British Pest Control Association states that bedbugs are a global problem and are thriving “anywhere there is high human population density”. While they are not a significant risk to human health, some people may experience itchy bites or painful swelling. A severe allergic reaction is also possible but rare. Although bedbugs are difficult to get rid of, regular cleaning, careful examination of second-hand furniture, and avoiding putting luggage directly on beds can prevent their presence. If bedbugs have spread to multiple beds in a property, professionals may need to be called to help.
Mike Jones, a resident in Sheffield, admits to being a reluctant expert on bedbugs who has dealt with them for the past two years. He believes that he may have received them from second-hand furniture from a neighbour, and despite trying various measures such as hiring pest controllers and using insecticides and sprays, the bedbugs persist. The bites, in particular, are an irritant and he refuses to stay at other people’s houses or hotels, instead carrying all his items in thick plastic bags to avoid spreading the infestation.
The term “bedbug” is currently misleading, as they can be found on clothes, furniture, plane seats, and cinema seats – anywhere people sit still for hours. They mainly come out at night to forage for food, and then find somewhere to hide nearby. They also produce a pheromone to help them find each other, making them difficult to get rid of. While bedbugs can be viewed as a “minor inconvenience”, it is important to take precautions, warns Mike Jones, such as not leaving clutter under beds and remaining alert to their potential presence
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