Scientist Volunteers as Human Host for 60,000 Bedbugs to Test Products

Entomologist Dr. Richard Naylor has been voluntarily hosting an infestation of approximately 60,000 bedbugs for the past five years as part of his work to test pest control products. Naylor, who runs the non-profit Bed Bug Foundation from his garden in Gloucestershire, England, has become accustomed to the insect bites, stating they no longer bother him.

Twice a week, Dr. Naylor dedicates time to what he calls 'feeding days,' where he straps bedbugs to his arm to allow them to feed. He then spends nights in bed with the insects to test new devices and repellents. He explained that without a host present, the bedbugs remain dormant, necessitating his direct involvement for effective testing.

Dr. Naylor's research facility is a self-contained laboratory within his home, where he assists businesses in evaluating products before they reach the market. The bedbugs bred by his organization are also distributed globally to assist canine detection teams in identifying infestations, particularly in hotels.

According to Dr. Naylor, bedbugs have a significant emotional and psychological impact on people, sometimes leading to PTSD-like symptoms. This work comes at a time when experts are reporting a substantial increase in bedbug infestations, a phenomenon some are calling 'peak bedbug.'

The resilience of these insects has led to resistance against common insecticide sprays, making eradication challenging. Pest control companies like Rentokil have reported a 44% year-on-year increase in confirmed bedbug activity in the UK between 2023 and 2025. Similarly, JG Pest Control has conducted over 5,000 bedbug-related visits in the past year.

Recent months have seen outbreaks affecting various modes of transport and public spaces. In one instance, several train services were canceled due to suspected bedbug sightings. Scientific reports suggest that bedbugs possess distinct genetic profiles based on their origin, contributing to their survival and evolving resistance. Increased travel frequency also facilitates their spread, as they 'hitchhike' on clothing and luggage, lodging in places with high transient populations like hotels, trains, and planes.

Beyond travel hubs, bedbugs are increasingly being found in offices, workplaces, and even pubs. Some offices have implemented remote work policies or provided staff with home monitoring devices in response to infestations. Rising global temperatures are also cited as a factor contributing to favorable conditions for bedbugs.

Experts note that bedbugs can quickly multiply if left untreated, often hiding in mattress seams, bed frames, and upholstered furniture. They are commonly transported into new environments via luggage and clothing, where they can establish new colonies. The ease with which they can spread and their resistance to conventional treatments underscore the ongoing need for effective control products and research.