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Oct 4, 20232 min read

On the Rise: Bed Bug Infestations Surge in the UK

Simply Science 13


In recent years, the United Kingdom has witnessed an alarming and unsettling trend—a surge in bed bug infestations. Once considered a rarity in British households, these tiny, bloodsucking pests have made an unwelcome comeback, leaving homeowners, renters, and businesses grappling with an increasingly pervasive problem.


bed bear

"I can't bear bed bugs"


In this article, I want to explore the factors contributing to this rise in bed bug infestations, their impact on individuals and communities, and crucial strategies for prevention and management.


Unveiling the Culprits: Bed Bug Basics


Bed bugs, scientifically known as Cimex lectularius, are tiny parasitic insects with a liking for blood, specifically human blood. They're flat, oval-shaped, and reddish-brown with sizes ranging from 1 to 7 millimetres, depending on their life stage.


Bed bugs are primarily active at night, making them elusive during the day. They're known for their remarkable ability to hide in cracks and crevices, particularly in and around beds.


The Entry Points: How Bed Bugs Hitchhike


Bed bugs can find their way into your home through various means:

  • They can hitch a ride on luggage, clothing, or personal items when you travel and stay in infested hotels, motels, or vacation rentals.

  • Used furniture, especially mattresses and upholstered items, can introduce bed bugs into your living space if not carefully inspected and treated before bringing the items into your home.

  • Guests or visitors who unknowingly carry bed bugs in their belongings can inadvertently infest your home.

  • Purchasing, or receiving, used clothing or bedding that has been in contact with bed bugs can lead to an infestation.

  • Bed bugs are adaptable and can infest shared spaces such as public transportation, movie theatres, and offices. They might hitch a ride on your belongings from these places.


The Dark Habits: Bed Bug Behaviour


Once bed bugs infiltrate your living space, they remain hidden during the day and emerge at night to feed on your blood. Their preferred hiding spots include the seams of mattresses, box springs, headboards, and bed frames. However, they can also lurk in other furniture, wall voids, and behind wallpaper!


Dealing with Infestations


Bed bug infestations can be distressing, but they're not insurmountable. Here are some essential steps to consider:


  1. Prevention: Inspect second-hand items thoroughly before bringing them home. Be cautious when travelling and take preventive measures to minimize the risk of infestation, such as using protective covers on mattresses and regularly cleaning and decluttering your living space.

  2. Early Detection: Early detection is crucial for managing bed bug infestations. Regularly inspect your sleeping and resting areas for signs of bed bugs, including bites, bloodstains, faeces, shed skins, and live bugs.

  3. Professional Help: If you suspect a bed bug infestation, it's wise to seek professional pest control services. Bed bugs can multiply rapidly, and experts have the knowledge and tools to eliminate them effectively.


While bed bugs are a nuisance, they are not inevitable for everyone. Understanding their behaviour and how they may get into your home will help you to prevent infestations.


Bye for now… sweet dreams and don’t let the bed bugs bite.


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