UK bedbug reports rise as travel spreads infestations and resistance grows
Bedbug infestations appear to be rising in the UK, with reports of the insects in hotels, trains and planes, as well as some workplaces. Experts say increased travel helps them spread, while growing resistance to insecticides makes them harder to eradicate.
Rentokil recorded a 44 per cent rise in confirmed UK bedbug activity between 2023 and 2025, and JG Pest Control made more than 5,000 bedbug-related visits in the past year. A traveller described developing more than 100 itchy welts after an overnight stay in a Cambridge hotel; experts advise checking bedframes and bedding for live bugs, shed skins and dark faecal marks.
- UK bedbug activity rose 44 per cent between 2023 and 2025.
- Experts link the spread to travel and insecticide resistance.
- Check bedframes and bedding for bugs, shed skins and dark marks.
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Bedbugs are small insects that feed on human blood, usually at night. They can hide in mattress seams, bedframes, luggage and furniture, and their bites can cause itchy marks, although bites alone do not confirm an infestation.
They can travel between places in bags, clothing and other belongings, so hotels and public transport can be affected as well as homes. Pest-control firms treat infestations, but some bedbugs are becoming less affected by common insecticides, which can make treatment more difficult.
An infestation is not a sign that a place is dirty: bedbugs can be carried into clean rooms. Checking beds and luggage can help spot signs early, while confirmed infestations may need professional treatment.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Why bedbugs have infested trains, planes and hotels, here’s how to spot them – and what to do to stop your blood from getting sucked!”.