Bedbugs - How to identify and deal with potential issues

Are Bedbugs spreading?

Data from the pest control company Rentokil in September showed that from 2022 to 2023, the UK had a 65% increase in bedbug infestations.

What are bedbugs?

Bedbugs are small insects that often live on furniture or bedding. Their bites can be itchy, but do not usually cause other health problems.

Where do bedbugs come from?

They can come from other infested areas or from used furniture. 

They can hitch a ride in luggage, purses, backpacks, or other items placed on soft or upholstered surfaces. 

They can travel between rooms in multi-unit buildings, such as apartment complexes and hotels.

Advice for Hosts

If you suspect bedbugs, please check if it is bedbugs. A bedbug on the end of a cotton bud with a ruler underneath shows the bedbug is under 1cm long. (Please refer to the photo on the NHS site). Bedbugs can be dark yellow, red or brown. Adults are around 5mm long.

If you are sure that you have an infestation of bedbugs the best advice is to please cancel any upcoming bookings on the website within the recommended treatment time (2-4 treatment sessions over a period of 3-6 weeks) and then proceed to rectify the issue. Only those Guests that might have been affected prior to the discovery of the Bedbugs need contacting.

If you think you have bedbugs, you should contact your local council or report a pest problem.

It's very difficult to get rid of bedbugs yourself because they can be hard to find and may be resistant to some insecticides.

There are some things you can try yourself, but these are unlikely to get rid of bedbugs completely 

 Do:

• wash affected bedding and clothing on a hot wash (60C) and tumble dry on a hot setting for at least 30 minutes
• put affected clothing and bedding in a sealed plastic bag and put it in the freezer for 3 or 4 days
• clean and vacuum regularly - bedbugs are found in both clean and dirty places, but regular cleaning will help you spot them early.

Don't:

• keep clutter around your bed
• bring second hand furniture indoors without carefully checking it first
• take luggage or clothing indoors without checking it carefully if you have come from somewhere where you know there were bedbugs.
  

• Please check your own baggage and clothing before departure to your Digs destination in case you are bringing the bedbugs into the property with you.
• When you arrive at your Digs keep your luggage off the floor and zipped up until you have had a chance to check for bedbugs, or hang your clothes in the wardrobe if possible. 
• If you think you can see bedbugs then inform your Host to further assess the matter.

Some of the advice for Hosts and Guests has been sourced from this article in the Guardian written by James Logan who is professor of medical entomology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

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