Bedsheets And The Best Temperature To Kill Bugs

Why is there suddenly a resurgence of bed bugs? 

With the recent reports of a global resurgence of bed bugs, many are panicking about bed bugs infesting their homes. There has been a flurry of headlines and social media posts documenting this worldwide breakout of bed bugs, but why are they seemingly everywhere all of a sudden?

According to pest control experts, the reason for the increase in reports of bed bugs is likely to be because of a spike in international travel post-pandemic alongside a rise in sales of second-hand furniture, a fall in people being able to afford pest control because of the cost-of-living crisis, and a hotter than usual October, as bed bugs thrive in warmer months. As well as this, bed bugs are becoming more resistant to insecticides traditionally used to exterminate them.

Data from the British Pest Control Association and pest control company Rentokil shows that British bed bug infestations have risen by 65% year-on-year, with roughly 12,000 bed bug-related callouts every year. This was before the Paris outbreak, too. Bed bugs have long been a problem in major cities across the world. In fact, Paris launched its anti-bed bug campaign three years ago after noticing an upturn in the insects.

How do bed bugs travel?

Reports of bed bugs usually rise in the summer as people travel more. Bed bugs latch onto humans, clothes, and suitcases and can travel from place to place this way. The bugs tend to come out at night, attracted to the heat and body odour of a person sleeping. They can sense where someone is by the carbon dioxide in their breath.

Bed bugs can spread rapidly, with female adult bed bugs laying up to 10 eggs a day and 200-500 in their lifetime. Despite their name, they are not only found in beds. They can often be found under cracks in skirting boards, behind wallpaper, in furniture, or even in electrical sockets and fittings. Unfortunately, they are becoming resistant to insecticides, so prevention is key.

How do I prevent a bed bug infestation?

If you keep your bedroom, bedsheets and mattress clean and hygienic, then you are less likely to suffer from an infestation. Follow the tips provided in this blog to clean your sheets effectively and protect your mattress from sweat, dirt and other bodily fluids.

If travelling, make sure you keep your suitcase off the bed and store it on a luggage rack, if one is provided. Check the mattress and sheets thoroughly for bed bugs before sleeping in it, and make sure you pack a spare bag to seal your dirty clothing in once you’ve worn them. If possible, it’s best to keep your room cool at night, too, as according to the British Pet Control Association (BPCA), “the ideal temperature for an adult bed bug to thrive is between 70-90°F.” Using hard-cased luggage where possible will also help prevent bed bugs from spreading, as it is more difficult for bedbugs to latch on hard materials.

Upon returning home from travelling, unpack your clothes away from your bedroom, ideally on hard floors, as you may not be able to see bed bugs on the carpet. Wash all your clothes, even those you didn’t wear, on the hottest cycle your clothes allow. Then, check your suitcase thoroughly for evidence of an infestation.