Global travellers to blame for the rise of 'super' bedbugs resistant to common treatments - and they're causing a surge in bumps, blisters and blood spots

  • Travel is to blame for their increase as the bugs ride on clothing and bags
  • The number of bedbug call-outs increased by 108 per cent in London last year 
  • Scientists at Purdue University, Indiana found early bedbug resistance to two commonly used insecticides after seven days of treatment exposure 
  • Pest controllers may be forced to abandon chemical treatments and take up vacuuming, steam or heat cleaning, anti-bedbug mattresses and pest traps 
  • Check your mattress regularly for infestations and avoid secondhand furniture 

By Alexandra Thompson Health Reporter For Mailonline

Published: 11:07 EDT, 10 April 2017 | Updated: 11:09 EDT, 10 April 2017

Global travel is to blame for an astronomical rise in bedbugs, as the critters hitch a ride on traveller's clothing and bags.

The blood-sucking bugs are also becoming resistant to insecticides, further fueling their rising numbers. 

Scientists are warning pest controllers may have to rely less on chemical warfare to kill off the pests. 

Instead, they should try vacuuming, steam or heat cleaning, anti-bedbug mattress covers and pest traps.

A previous report claims the number of bedbugs call outs in London last year soared by 108 per cent. 

Bedbugs are oval-shaped, flat, up to 5mm long and yellow-brown in colour, like an apple seed

Bedbugs are oval-shaped, flat, up to 5mm long and yellow-brown in colour, like an apple seed

SPOT THE SIGNS 

Bedbug bites themselves are painless and do not spread disease.

Yet, a reaction can occur within minutes or as long as two weeks after you've been bitten.

Signs you've been bitten include:

  • Itchy, red bumps on the skin
  • Bumps on exposed areas such as the face and hands
  • Bumps that occur in a straight line
  • In severe cases, rashes or fluid-filled blisters
  • Blood spots on your sheets if you squash the bugs while sleeping
  • Your bedroom developing an unpleasant, musty smell

Source: NHS Choices

Scientists at Purdue University, Indiana found early signs of resistance among bedbugs to two commonly used insecticides - chlorfenapyr and bifenthrin. 

Out of 10 bedbug populations collected across the US, three showed significantly reduced susceptibility to chlorfenapyr and five responded poorly to bifenthrin after seven days of exposure.

Bedbugs have already shown significant resistance to other common insecticides including deltamethrin and other treatments of the same class. 

Bedbugs are oval-shaped, flat and up to 5mm long with a yellow-brown colour, causing them to resemble an apple seed.

Rather than living in beds, the bugs reside in nearby cracks and crevices and emerge at night to feast on their host's blood after being attracted to their heat and carbon dioxide emissions.  

If infested with bedbugs, dispose of, or thoroughly clean, your bedding and mattress

If infested with bedbugs, dispose of, or thoroughly clean, your bedding and mattress

REDUCE YOUR BEDBUG RISK ABROAD 

Richard Conroy of the holiday illness company SickHoliday.com has the following bedbug advice for holidaymakers:

'Firstly, don't assume that because you've booked into a swanky five-star resort that you're safe from bedbugs - you're not.

'When you get to the hotel, wherever it might be, use a torch to inspect the mattress and sheets. 

'Pay special attention to seams and crevices.

'Put your dirty laundry in a plastic bag and keep it away from the floor.

'If you suspect they've invaded your clothes, make sure you wash or dry clean them before you return home.' 

While it's vital homeowners are vigilant, it's a myth that bedbugs only infest unclean areas.

Ranjen Gohri, pest control expert at the insurer 24|7 Home Rescue, said: 'Bedbugs aren't attracted to dirt, so they're not a sign of an unclean home, but clearing up any clutter will reduce the number of places they can hide.

'Once in your home, bedbugs can quickly spread from room to room. Wait too long before you identify the problem and they could completely contaminate your home.

'Inspect your mattress and bed regularly for signs of an infestation. Avoid buying second-hand mattresses and carefully inspect secondhand furniture before bringing it into your home.' 

He said: 'If you suspect you've been infected, the first thing you need to do is strip your bed and wash the sheets and blankets in hot water, before tumble drying for at least 30 minutes.

'Better still get rid of them altogether by wrapping in bin bags and disposing in a bin.

'Make sure you either throw your mattress away, or thoroughly vacuum it, and your carpet under your bed. Then make sure you take the vacuum outside and dispose of the contents.

'Because 30 per cent of bedbugs live in your bed frame and headboard, it's vital that you clean those thoroughly, too.' 

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