April 6th 2024.
As the summer season approaches, there are growing concerns that the already existing crisis of bedbug infestations in Europe may worsen. The upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics have raised the possibility of these tiny, blood-sucking creatures spreading across the continent as tourists flock to the city. In fact, last year alone, there was a 23% increase in complaints to councils about bedbugs, with a total of 14,587 reported cases. These pests have a tendency to infest furniture and bedding, making it difficult to get rid of them once they have settled in. And with their ability to hitch a ride on suitcases and clothes, there is a fear that their spread may become more rampant as people travel across Europe.
James Logan, a scientist and CEO of Arctech Innovation, expressed his concerns about the upcoming Olympics and its potential impact on the spread of bedbugs. He explained that when there are large events like this, people tend to travel more frequently, which could result in a higher risk of transporting bedbugs. Additionally, the UK is also facing an increase in infestations, which is partially attributed to the effects of global warming. Logan pointed out that with warmer temperatures, insects tend to breed at a faster rate, and they are more likely to survive the journey to a new location.
Last year, there were 8,864 reported cases of bedbugs infesting homes in London alone. And according to a study by Spotta, there has been a 278% increase in bedbug infestations in hotels since 2021. Kenneth F. Haynes, a professor of entomology, noted that while it may be more challenging for an infestation to start in a bus or train, it is still possible. This is because bedbugs can easily latch onto any place where there is an existing infestation, and they can quickly spread to new locations.
The NHS has listed some signs to look out for if you suspect a bedbug infestation in your home. These include bites on exposed areas of skin while sleeping, spots of blood on your bedding, and small brown spots on your bedding or furniture. The rise in bedbug infestations is not just limited to Europe, as the UK has also seen a significant increase in recent months. Experts believe that this is due to the pests hiding in secondhand furniture and the rise in travel after the pandemic.
According to Natalie Bungay, the technical manager at the British Pest Control Association, bedbugs are known for their ability to travel and migrate. They can easily hitch a ride on luggage, clothing, and even secondhand furniture, and this is how they can end up in your home. Bungay also highlighted that bedbugs can also be transported through public transportation, such as buses and trains, and can even be brought home from vacations.
The situation in France is also a cause for concern, as one in ten households has reported experiencing a bedbug infestation between 2017 and 2022, according to ANSES, a government agency responsible for assessing health risks. With the Olympics and other major events taking place in France next year, officials are taking measures to control the spread of bedbugs. In a report published in July, the agency stated that the increasing resistance of bedbugs to insecticides, coupled with the rise in travel, has contributed to the upsurge in infestations in recent years.
If you suspect a bedbug infestation in your home, it is recommended to call a pest control service. In the meantime, there are some steps you can take to try and keep the pests at bay. These include washing affected bedding and clothing on a hot wash and tumble drying on a high setting for at least 30 minutes. You can also put affected clothing and bedding in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer for three to four days. While these methods may not completely eradicate the infestation, they can help reduce the number of bedbugs in your home.
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