Nothing gets your skin crawling and imagination rolling like the thought of some unwelcome visitors in your coziest spot. But, bed bugs are not only common and widespread, but predicted to be even more of a nuisance and concern in 2024, according to a new report.
Research from smart pest monitoring company Spotta has predicted the unfortunate news, which compiled data from 2.5 million stays in hotels across the UK over the last two years, where there has already been a 278 percent increase in bed bug instances.
Travelers and residents in popular tourist destinations like Paris have had to contend with serious bed bug outbreaks, such as one in October 2023, that carried that additional threat of carrying the creatures back home and further spreading them, Conde Nast Traveler reported. (1) And while people might expect to be cautious of them in places like the movie theater, trains, or hospitals, there’s something even worse about the potential for bedbugs in hotels on vacations meant for relaxation. Microbiologists also raised concerns about bed bug numbers in London in recent months as well, Yahoo News UK reports. (2)
In the U.S., Orkin research shows multiple cities should be seriously concerned by bed bugs, including top ranking Chicago (for the fourth year in a row), followed by New York, Philadelphia, and Cleveland. Three Michigan cities also made the top 25 spots. (3)
So, what can we learn from outbreaks like the one in Paris, to keep ourselves safe going into a year of even more bed bugs? First, some basic education about the risks of bed bugs is a must. You can use bed bug mattress covers on your own bed, and ask hotels if they also use this preventative product. Also, you can familiarize yourself with what the nasty little creatures look like, so you can recognize them while you are traveling, should you happen upon some. They are reddish brown and very, very small, close to the size of an appleseed. They can’t fly, so that will help prevent confusing them with other tiny bugs. Like other annoying pests, they prefer nooks and crannies, piles of clutter, box springs, luggage, bed frames, and even books.
Worst of all, of course, they feed on human blood, making them dangerous for our skin. Some people might notice a rash or bites on their skin before even realizing they were there. These bites turn into red welts and are exceptionally itchy. But what’s worse is that they are quite difficult to eradicate. People fighting against a bedbug invasion can take three key steps: vacuum, using extreme heat and cold on clothing, and using insecticides.
With a bit of knowledge and preventative measures, travelers and residents alike can take on the year of the bed bugs with a bit more confidence.
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Sources
1. Morelli, Olivia; Hobbs, Charlie; “The Bedbugs in Paris: Here’s What We Know So Far,” Condé Nast Traveler; https://www.cntraveler.com/story/bedbugs-are-taking-paris-heres-what-you-need-to-know; October 13, 2023.
2. Glover, Patrick; “UK hotels to see ‘worst levels yet’ of bed bugs in 2024 research shows,” Yahoo! News; https://uk.news.yahoo.com/uk-hotels-see-worst-levels-000100257.html; March 23, 2024.
3. Haddad, Ken; “Detroit, 2 other Michigan cities ranked among worst for bed bugs,” Click On Detroit; https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/michigan/2024/01/29/detroit-3-other-michigan-cities-ranked-among-worst-for-bed-bugs/; January 29, 2024.
