Bed bug call-outs soar by more than 120 percent as pest controller issue damning plea

Bed bug callouts have surged in recent months, driven by concerns stemming from last year’s infestations in Paris, prompting pest controllers to urge members of the public to be “vigilant” and take precautions.

Widespread concern about the insects spiked after footage widely circulated on social media showed the bloodsuckers on trains, subways, hotels, and cinemas around the French capital.

Martin Gois, CEO Valpas, a Finnish company which offers a pesticide-free technique for eradicating the insects in luxury hotels, even suggested it would cost a whopping £250million to clean up France’s capital in advance of this summer’s Olympic Games.

After the panic, there were concerns about the idea of the creatures migrating to the UK – although as experts were quick to point out, they are already here.

Now Rentokil Pest Control has revealed it recorded a 122 percent increase year-on-year in confirmed bed bug activity in the final quarter of last year compared with the equivalent on year earlier.

Paul Blackhurst, Technical Academy Head at Rentokil Pest Control said: “Following the increase in bed bugs we reported last year, we have seen a continued rise in callouts, which has exceeded expected seasonal patterns.

“Whilst this is likely, at least in part, driven by increased awareness of these pests amongst the public, thankfully risk of encountering bed bugs in the home, and when visiting businesses like hotels, restaurants, and theatres remains relatively low.

“It is still however worth being vigilant and taking some easy precautions to help prevent a bed bug infestation from occurring in your home.”

Adult bed bugs typically measure between four and five millimetres in length, roughly the same size as a small apple seed.

However, after feeding they may grow even larger, making them easier to spot while alive.

Their presence is often indicated by telltale signs; including small, dark bloodstains resembling mildew on mattress edges, dark faecal pellets, shed skins, and a distinctively sweet, sickly odour.

Bed bug bites are generally found on exposed skin areas like the arms, legs, face, and neck, sometimes resulting in skin reactions such as painful rashes and allergic responses.

Infestations not only cause distress to individuals but can also pose a risk to the reputation and therefore profitability of businesses.

Contrary to their name, bed bugs are not just found in bedrooms – they are prolific breeders and will conceal themselves in inaccessible places, such as small cracks and crevices, behind wallpaper, and under skirting boards.

Additionally, they can seek refuge in upholstery such as sofas, curtains, and chairs, extending their presence to unexpected places such as the seats of planes, trains, and coaches.

They are also are adept hitchhikers, readily latching onto humans for transportation, driven by their attraction to body heat, CO2, and their insatiable need for their next blood meal.

What to do if you find bed bugs in your home:

While do-it-yourself treatment options can temporarily reduce their numbers, they are unlikely to completely eradicate the infestation. One female adult can lay between one and 10 eggs a day, and 200-500 eggs in their lifetime. DIY measures involve inspecting the room for live insects, washing infected textiles at high temperatures, exposing them to high heat in the dryer, and vacuuming the area.

However, vacuuming can only remove a small number of individual pests and does not ensure complete elimination. Additionally, finding and killing one or even a few bed bugs does not guarantee that the infestation has been completely addressed.

Anyone unfortunate enough to have a bed bug infestation should seek the help of professional pest controllers who can offer a range of non-toxic and effective solutions, including steam and heat treatments.