Health fears as bedbug infestations rise 66%
Entomologist Professor Michael F Potter is coming to Ireland next week to explain why bedbugs have become a “global epidemic” and to discuss ways of dealing with them.
Increased travel as well as a booming trade in second-hand goods are blamed for the spread of the pests, while climate change doesn’t escape the rap sheet either as the creatures flourish in warmer weather.
While bedbugs can live in virtually any crevice or protected location, they are most commonly found in the bed or couches. However, when an infestation gets bad, they can spread out into other places such as chairs and woodwork.
Prof Potter said yesterday that the problem is becoming “more serious” throughout Europe, as will be outlined by him at next week’s seminar in Dublin and at similar events in other European countries.
“Ordinary householders should learn more about this pest from the past so that they can become vigilant in ways to reduce the chances of encountering them during travel, renting accommodations, acquiring used or recycled furnishings, as children head off to university or summer camp, etc,” he said.
“Prevention is centred around re-teaching the public about bedbug detection and habits.”
According to pest control company Rentokil, who are organising the seminar, complaints about the problem are on the rise — there was a 64% increase in the amount of calls to Rentokil in the first six months of this year compared to all of 1998.
The most common location of outbreaks is within hotels and hostels where bedbugs and their eggs are carried in on travellers’ clothes and suitcases.
From here they then quickly spread from room to room and this has resulted in a greater risk for any organisation involved in hospitality, accommodation, and transportation or the long-term care of people, according to Rentokil’s technical manager, Dr Colm Moore.
