The headlines about extensive bedbugs infestations in Paris might just have you reeling, shuddering, itching (insert appropriate horrified reaction here) – and possibly wondering, are we next?!
That's right – as if we didn't have enough to contend with in the world right now, bedbugs are apparently ‘sweeping’ the city of Paris, France. Videos of the critters crawling over seats on public transport and within hotel bedsheets have been circulating on social media – and, well, bug phobia or not, most people are pretty grossed out.
The ‘infestation’ is widespread enough to cause French transport minister Clement Beaune to announce he will be working with transport operators to “undertake further action” and to “reassure and protect” the public, while deputy mayor of Paris Emmanuel Gregoire has said the bedbug problem is “widespread” – while acknowledging the reality: “you can catch bedbugs anywhere and bring them home.”
But horror headlines aside, should we be concerned about a possible bedbug crisis here in the UK – or even across the world?
Okay, so the bad news first. Bedbugs are on the rise in the UK – as much as 65%, according to pest control company Rentokil. Like the situation in Paris, it's thought that increased travel since the pandemic has brought about more movement of bedbugs – with people bringing them home in suitcases and bags.
Another theory is that bedbug numbers could be increasing because of the popularity of buying second-hand furniture, and that the little suckers could be lurking in the headboards, bed frames and mattresses of your pre-loved home buys. Nice.
It's worth noting that while they might make you shudder, bedbugs are generally not particularly harmful – according to the NHS, their bites might itch but it's very rare that they cause any more serious reactions. But in any case, no one wants a swarm of hungry bugs sharing their bed at night.
So knowledge is power, right? Here's what you can do to protect yourself getting your own bedbug infestation, and help to stop the creepy-crawly invasion…
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How to reduce the risk of transporting bedbugs while travelling
- Check your hotel bed for any signs of bed bugs
According to mattress retailer MattressNextDay, you should always start by checking the bare mattress, so pull off the bedding first. Adult bedbugs have flat bodies and are a similar size and colour to an apple pip, depending on their age.
When checking the mattress, look out for red, rust, or dark-coloured stains, and tiny eggs or eggshells that are about 1mm in size. These are hard to spot, but they do tend to come in clusters making them easier to see. Make sure to also check the underside, any bed drawers, and between the gap of the headboard and the wall itself.
- Don't put your suitcase on the hotel bed
By doing this, you’re putting your luggage and clothes right onto the place where bedbugs are commonly found and giving them a free ticket home. If you can, store your suitcase as close to the room door as possible.
- Store your clothes in a wardrobe, not drawers
Although bed bugs can’t fly, they can crawl, and putting your clothes into bedside drawers may give them easier access.
- Unpack outside your bedroom
When you get home, unpack your luggage in another location away from your bedroom. Even better if it's on hard flooring, as you won’t be able to spot bed bugs on a carpet. Inspect your suitcase closely and use a flashlight or torch to look into the seams, folds, and pockets of your suitcase. Always vacuum-clean your suitcase before putting it in storage.
- Wash everything!
It may seem overkill, but make sure you wash every single item of clothing you took on holiday with you, even those that are clean or you didn’t wear. If bed bugs have crawled into your suitcase, they won’t discriminate between items of clothing.
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What to do if you find bedbugs in your home
Unfortunately, bedbugs can be pretty hard to get rid of – so the NHS advises that you get in touch with your local council or pest control service if you find any.
You can also try washing your sheets on a hot wash (60 degrees celcius), and tumble drying them on a hot setting for at least 30 minutes – as well as thoroughly vacuuming your bedroom and mattress.
