Warning over bed bug explosion in UK – five signs they have invaded your home & shopping habit to avoid
A warning has been sent to Brits over a bed bug explosion in the UK – these are the five signs they’ve invaded your home.
The disgusting creatures can hide in many places around the house, including bed frames, mattresses, furniture, clothing, behind pictures and under loose pieces of wallpaper.
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As more and more households fall victim to the creepy crawlies, the number of cases has increased by 65 percent compared to the previous year.
They are also believed to become resistant to insecticides, and pest control professionals may need to make multiple visits to a property as treatments do not always work the first time.
Therefore, it is best to detect them early and prevent them from spreading.
And there are five telltale signs that you may have an infestation.
Experts also warned that a shopping habit could increase the risk of developing bed bugs.
Professor James Logan, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said people buying furniture on sites such as Facebook Marketplace and eBay could make a contribution.
Nic Shacklock told The Sun that there are five things to look out for:
1. blood on the sheets
When the beetles are crushed, they release a lot of blood.
“This particularly affects the seams of mattresses – that’s where they like to hide,” said Nic.
The longer these spots are present, the more they can take on a rusty color.
“Make sure both sides of the mattress are free of blood stains before hitting the hay,” he added.
2. Dark spots on the walls
Although less common, bed bugs can also leave stains on walls.
“If you notice dark spots, it could be bed bug droppings,” Nic explained.
“Be careful not to touch any affected areas and notify hotel or apartment staff immediately,” he added.
3. Beetle shell and eggs
Like many other creatures, bed bugs shed their skin and lay eggs.
“When trying to identify a mussel, you should look for small, shell-like spots that might crunch when crushed,” Nic said.
They are often found in fabrics. Be sure to check mattresses, headboards, sofas, and other upholstery.
Eggs can be a little harder to spot, but can also be found in furniture.
From a distance they might look like a collection of small white spots.
Nic said: “They are around 1mm wide and are often pale yellow in colour.
“If you find one of these eggs, it could mean the bed bugs are still very much alive and this should be reported immediately.”
4. Worn or aged upholstery
Old fabrics that may not have been thoroughly cleaned and may be used are often home to bed bugs.
“If the property you’re staying in is a bit older or has boutique-style decor, it’s always best to double-check the fabrics and furniture before settling in,” he warned.
5. Bites
If you don’t find any obvious signs of the critters in the hotel room, you may notice some spots on your body in the morning, which could be a good indication that the bugs are lurking between the sheets.
“The bites often form a straight line across one part of your body, which is a characteristic feature of bed bugs,” said Nic.
