Bed bug infestations on the rise
07/04/2011
Bed bugs are becoming a growing problem in the UK, with one company revealing that it has dealt with more cases over the past year.
Rentokil has tackled 38 per cent more infestations than it did 12 months ago, with more than half of these in people's homes.
Speculation suggests that the problem may be attributed to a rise in people heading abroad, who then unwittingly bring the bugs back on their clothes and luggage.
Rentokil technical director Savvas Othon told the Daily Express: "[They] are able to get behind headboards, light switches and behind peeling wallpaper as well as under carpets and skirting boards."
He emphasised that "high levels of hygiene and deep cleaning" would help eliminate bed bugs from the UK, with bed linen best washed at a minimum of 60 degrees C.
Many people often neglect to give their bedding a thorough wash as part of their spring cleaning routine, perhaps because they do not appreciate how dirty it is.
Posted by Michael Ewing
