In a concerning trend, Bedford Borough Council’s pest control team has seen a dramatic increase in callouts to deal with bedbugs over the last four years. Figures obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request reveal that callouts have more than doubled from 119 in 2020/21 to an alarming 244 in 2023/24, marking a staggering 105 per cent rise.

Understanding the Increase

Paul Blackhurst, the technical academy head at Rentokil Pest Control, sheds light on this worrying development. He attributes the ongoing rise to increased international travel, which has inadvertently made it easier for bedbugs to spread across borders. "The ongoing rise of international travel has made it easier for bed bugs to hitch a ride across borders," Blackhurst explains.

It is crucial, he notes, for travellers to be vigilant about the common signs of these pests and take measures to prevent their further spread. "Bed bugs are prolific breeders, and once they attach themselves to clothing, luggage, or furniture, they can quickly infest a room, house, hotel, or even an aeroplane or bus," he warns.

The Nature of Bedbugs

Source: https://www.bedfordindependent.co.uk/bedford-bedbug-callouts-have-doubled-since-2020/

Bedbugs are notorious for their ability to hide in small, hard-to-detect places such as cracks, crevices, mattresses, behind wallpaper, under skirting boards, luggage, bed frames, and headboards. Their size makes them difficult to spot, complicating detection and eradication efforts.

Blackhurst offers practical advice for travellers to protect themselves against bedbugs. "Consider placing your luggage in the bath or shower instead of the bed when you arrive, so you can do a check of the room," he suggests. The rationale behind this advice is that hard surfaces make it more challenging for bedbugs to nestle in and hide. Additionally, hanging clothes in the wardrobe rather than using drawers and packing items in sealed plastic bags can provide extra protection.

The Importance of Swift Action

The rapid reproduction rate of bedbugs underscores the importance of early detection and prompt action. A single female bedbug can lay between one to ten eggs daily and produce up to 200 to 500 eggs over her lifetime. Hence, swift detection and effective action are paramount to controlling an infestation.

While some DIY measures may offer temporary relief, Blackhurst emphasises that bedbugs are notoriously resilient. Professional pest control services can provide effective solutions to eradicate the issue and offer advice on preventative measures to minimise the risk of recurrence.

Council’s Response

Bedford Borough Council was questioned about whether the increase in callouts for pests like cockroaches, bedbugs, ants, and rats could be attributed to either the promotion of its pest control services or external factors. There was also concern about whether the collection of food waste from the kerbside might lead to a rise in calls for rat control.

Unfortunately, the council did not respond to these queries at the time of publication. However, it is noted that their pest control service caters to both household and commercial premises. More information about these services can be found on the council’s official website, bedford.gov.uk.

For advice on dealing with bedbug infestations, the NHS provides resources on their website.