According to the London Daily, London is experiencing a major resurgence in bed bug infestations, with cases up 65% in the last three years. These pests are no longer confined to neglected properties. Bed bugs are turning up in luxury apartments, Victorian homes, and new developments across the city, from Kensington to Hackney.
The surge is linked to increased international travel, short-term rentals, and growing resistance to common pesticides. Treatments that were effective years ago often fail against today’s more resilient bed bugs.
Signs of Infestation
Bed bugs leave behind several clues, including:
- Black or rust-colored spots on sheets and mattresses
- A musty, sweet odor in infested rooms
- Blood stains on bedding
- Shed skins or live bugs near seams, fixtures, or furniture
They don’t only hide in beds. Infestations are often found in picture frames, electrical outlets, upholstered furniture, and along carpet edges
The DIY Problem
London’s architecture and housing density make it difficult to treat infestations without professional help. Older properties have floorboards and wall cavities that are hard to access. Bed bugs can also move between flats through shared pipes or walls. Most over-the-counter sprays contain pyrethroids, which many bed bugs in London are now resistant to.
Waiting Costs More
A single female bed bug can lay up to 500 eggs. In just weeks, a minor issue can grow into a major infestation. Delays can turn a £300 ($408) treatment into thousands in costs, including:
- Over £1,500 ($2040) for severe infestations
- Replacing contaminated furniture
- Possible relocation expenses
- Sleep issues and stress
It’s London, What About Us?
Check the Orkin list to see if your city ranks among the top Bed Bug Cities in the United States. In California, we have three cities in the top 50: Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego.
Prevention goes a long way. So, inspect that secondhand furniture, checking luggage after travel, sealing cracks, and scheduling regular inspections.
