Bedbug infestations are on the rise globally, with travelers frequently encountering and subsequently spreading the pests. Cases like that of Rhona Hutchinson, who returned from France with bedbugs that continue to infest her home months later, highlight the growing problem.
Bedbugs are small, blood-feeding insects that are active at night, emerging from hiding places to feed on humans. Bites typically appear as small, intensely itchy red bumps, often in clusters or lines, which dermatologists describe as classically appearing in a pattern of three or four, referred to as 'breakfast, lunch and dinner.' These bites can resemble severe mosquito bites with significant swelling and inflammation. While the physical irritation can last for weeks, the psychological impact, including anxiety and insomnia, often persists even after the bites have healed.
Dr. Sidra Khan, a consultant dermatologist, explained that the skin's reaction is an immune response to proteins in the bedbug's saliva. Repeated exposure can lead to faster and more severe reactions, though approximately one-third of people show no visible reaction to bites. Children often exhibit stronger reactions due to their developing immune systems. While bedbugs do not spread diseases, excessive scratching can lead to secondary bacterial infections such as impetigo or cellulitis.
The increase in bedbug activity is attributed to several factors. Warmer weather patterns contribute to their proliferation, and longer warm spells mean their numbers are increasing, according to Dr. Richard Naylor, an entomologist and founder of the Bedbug Foundation CIC. Additionally, high levels of resistance to pyrethroids, the insecticides commonly used to combat them, have rendered these treatments less effective. Modern bedbugs can survive prolonged exposure to these chemicals.
Increased international travel, the growing popularity of purchasing second-hand furniture, and the decline of routine public pest control services have also contributed to the surge in bedbug populations in areas like the UK.
Travelers can take precautions to avoid bringing bedbugs home. Placing luggage on stands rather than directly on beds in hotels or accommodations is recommended. Upon returning home, it is advisable to keep suitcases outside and immediately wash all clothing at high temperatures, such as 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit), and tumble dry on a hot setting.
Eradicating bedbugs can be challenging. Washing and drying bedding at high temperatures are effective measures. Vacuuming can remove some insects, and DIY insecticide sprays are available. However, infestations that have spread across multiple rooms often require professional treatment. Pest control services may use more extensive insecticide application or heat treatment methods that are lethal to bedbugs. Sarah Spratt, a pest controller, advises against moving to other rooms in an infested home, as the bedbugs will likely follow.
Rhona Hutchinson's experience illustrates the persistent nature of infestations, as initial exterminator treatments were not entirely successful, requiring ongoing efforts. The psychological toll of dealing with bedbugs, as experienced by Hutchinson and others like Erin Paige, who suffered weeks of anxiety after an encounter in Paris, underscores the significant distress these pests can cause. Paige reported finding adult bedbugs and hundreds of eggs in her hotel room and had to discard belongings due to her fear of infestation.
Bedbugs can be found in various high-traffic public places, including public transport, taxis, cinemas, and hospitals, not just hotels. They typically hide in seams, bed bases, behind headboards, and in screw holes. A hungry bedbug might crawl into luggage that is left in proximity to its hiding place near a feeding site.