Bed Bug Infestations Spike Across Europe, Experts Offer Prevention Tips

Cases of bed bugs have surged across Europe, with a 20 to 25 percent increase observed in major cities, according to research by bed monitoring company Valpa. Martim Gois, co-founder and CEO of Valpa, described the situation as Europe being "at peak bedbug," noting a significant rise in infestations in hotel rooms.

One traveler, Hannah Stephenson, reported waking up with over 100 bites after a single night at a Travelodge in Cambridge, discovering blood spots and the insects in her bedding. Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that can conceal themselves in mattress seams, bed frames, and upholstered furniture. They are often transported via luggage and clothing, particularly from second-hand purchases.

Experts emphasize the importance of recognizing early signs of infestation, which can include a faint, musty odor and rust-colored stains on bedding and mattresses. Other indicators are empty brown shells or visible flat, oval brown bugs. Luke Arnel-Cameron, founder of Yass Clean, noted that bed bugs are difficult to detect due to their small size and ability to hide effectively until an infestation is established. Regular checks in crevices, mattress seams, headboards, and bed frame joints are recommended.

Preventative measures include maintaining tidy spaces, especially under the bed, as clutter can provide hiding places. Keeping luggage downstairs after travel and unpacking on a hard floor allows for easier inspection and cleaning. For those concerned about accommodation potentially harboring bed bugs, inspecting and containing luggage before bringing it indoors is advised.

Regular cleaning of mattresses, such as vacuuming every other week, can help reduce hiding spots. Bedbug-proof mattress encasements with secure zips are recommended, though they only protect the mattress itself and not other parts of the bed or room. When vacuuming, attention should be paid to seams, piping, and crevices, with the vacuum contents sealed and disposed of immediately outdoors.

To check for the presence of bed bugs, experts suggest using a credit card to probe tight spaces like mattress piping and bed frame corners, along with a phone flashlight. Bites from bed bugs, often appearing in clusters or lines on exposed skin, can resemble other insect bites and may show slight bleeding.

Changing bed sheets weekly can aid in early detection. While not a sign of poor hygiene, frequent sheet changes offer opportunities to inspect the mattress, bed frame, and headboard for signs of infestation. If an infestation is suspected, washing and drying bedding on the hottest settings permissible by care labels is recommended.

Caution is advised when purchasing second-hand clothing, as bed bugs can hide in folds, pockets, and seams. Washing these items before wearing and using a hot tumble dryer, if the fabric allows, can help eliminate any potential hitchhikers. Heat treatment is crucial, as low-temperature washing may not kill the bugs or their eggs.

High heat and steam are effective in killing live bugs and eggs, as bed bugs struggle to survive in temperatures they cannot regulate. Hot wash cycles followed by high-heat drying for 30 to 60 minutes are recommended, especially after travel. Steam can also be used on suitable soft-shell suitcases, but care must be taken to ensure the steam reaches the bugs.

When traveling, opting for hard-shell suitcases is suggested, as their smooth surfaces offer fewer grip opportunities for bed bugs compared to soft-sided luggage. Hard-shell cases are also easier to inspect and disinfect. Similar care should be given to luggage after a trip, including vacuuming seams, pockets, and zips. Cleaning hard-shell cases with a suitable product, along with wiping down wheels and handles, is also important.

Bed bugs can also be found beyond the bedroom, necessitating checks of laundry baskets and stored clothing. Items stored in affected luggage can carry bugs, so shoes, bags, and other belongings should be inspected in their seams and folds. If exposure is suspected, items should be sealed in plastic bags until they can be treated with heat. Laundry containers should also be inspected, with clear plastic containers with lids being easier to manage.