Bed bug infestations have been increasing throughout the UK during the last two decades.
As many people travel for business, holidays, or immigration, bed bugs also come along for the ride. Bugs can cling onto clothing, or hide in the seams and folds of luggage. Whether your home is super clean or not, it doesn’t deter bed bugs from taking up residence.
Why are bed bugs more prevalent in the summer?
It’s the time of year most people jet off on their holidays, and they often stay in accommodations that are already infested with bed bugs. As many other people have stayed in the same bedroom, there is an increased risk of infestations. Also, bed bugs tend to breed more in the summer when temperatures are higher.
How do you know if there is an infestation?
The first thing you may notice is bite marks on your skin. Bite marks appear in clusters, as they like to bite many times, and may show up as small red marks. You may notice small dried blood stains on bed sheets or black sticky faeces on the seams of mattresses or around the buttons.
Bed bugs hide in the cracks and crevices of bed frames and furniture, inside the plaster of ceilings and walls, or behind wallpaper. They also hide in electric sockets, air vents, lights, and smoke detectors.
How do you remove bed bugs?
Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to get rid of. They’re very adaptable and can withstand extremely cold temperatures and fumigation with CO2. Therefore, to remove bed bugs professionally, two types of treatment are available: insecticide and heat. And, the right preparation must be adhered to for these treatments to work.
How does the insecticide work?
An insecticide is sprayed onto walls, carpets, ceilings, bed frames, mattresses, and furniture – anywhere the bugs love to hide and breed.
When the bugs crawl over the surfaces after treatment, their bodies absorb the insecticide. However, they don’t die instantly; instead, the occupants must still sleep within the room. Normally, two treatments of insecticide are necessary for success, and it can take up to two weeks to see results.
How does the heat treatment work?
Compared to the insecticide solution, a heat treatment is a very quick method. Steam is applied under pressure, creating enough heat to kill the bugs instantly. Afterwards, an insecticide is applied to the same areas to kill any surviving bugs.
If you think you have an infestation, call a bed bug expert to obtain further advice on how you should proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do bed bugs spread faster in summer?
Bed bugs tend to spread faster in summer because travel increases, people move between homes more frequently, and warmer temperatures can speed up their breeding cycle and activity levels.
Does hot weather kill bed bugs?
No, typical summer temperatures are not high enough to kill bed bugs. They thrive in indoor environments and are protected from outdoor heat once inside homes and buildings.
How does travel in summer increase bed bug infestations?
Summer holidays lead to more hotel stays, shared accommodation, and luggage movement, which increases the chances of bed bugs hitchhiking into new environments.
Do bed bugs reproduce faster in warm weather?
Yes, warmer conditions can speed up their life cycle, allowing eggs to hatch more quickly and nymphs to develop into adults in a shorter period.
Where do bed bugs spread to during an infestation?
They often move from beds to nearby furniture, sofas, skirting boards, and cracks in walls, especially as populations grow and competition for hiding spaces increases.
How can you reduce the risk of bed bugs spreading in summer?
Regular inspections, careful luggage handling during travel, and early treatment of any suspected infestation are the most effective ways to prevent widespread spread during summer months.