![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/uk-invaded-by-blood-sucking-bed-bugs/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/0_woman-has-dry-skin.jpg&description=Holidaymakers have unwittingly brought an infestation into Britain, leading to a shocking 23 per cent upsurge in calls - and here's what you can do to protect yourselfItching in bed can be a sign of bed bugs.Blood-sucking bed bugs are on the rampage - with UK calls about the pesky critters soaring by a staggering 23 per cent. This is the biggest upsurge since before the Covid pandemic - but why? Experts believe the current wave of brazen blighters hopped into Britain in holidaymakers' luggage - as the bugs can hide in many places including on bed frames, mattresses, clothing, furniture, behind pictures and under loose wallpaper. These tiny bugs, around the size of an apple seed, gorge on blood every five to ten days. Signs of a bedbug infestation often include small brown spots on bedding or furniture - which is the bed bug poo. Other red flags include bites – often on skin exposed while sleeping, like the face, neck and arms. and spots of blood on your bedding – from the bites or from squashing a bedbug. Paul Blackhurst, of Rentokil, said: 'Many of us will never have seen a bed bug but they are relatively common overseas. Now that international travel has resumed, we've seen an increase in potential infestations. People should avoid unpacking on beds." Want to get the latest health news direct to your inbox? Sign up for the Mirror Health newsletter HERE Don't worry, bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed! ( Getty Images) The NHS says signs of bed bugs include: Bites – often on exposed skin while sleeping, usually the face, neck and arms Tiny spots of blood on your bedding – from the bites or from squashing a bed bug Small brown spots on bedding or furniture (bedbug poo) On white skin, bed bug bites will usually look red. On black or brown skin, they may look purple and may be harder to see Some people have a reaction to the bites. They can be very itchy and there may be painful swelling. A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is possible but extremely rare.){kind=link}
Holidaymakers have unwittingly brought an infestation into Britain, leading to a shocking 23 per cent upsurge in calls – and here’s what you can do to protect yourself
Blood-sucking bed bugs are on the rampage – with UK calls about the pesky critters soaring by a staggering 23 per cent.
This is the biggest upsurge since before the Covid pandemic – but why?
Experts believe the current wave of brazen blighters hopped into Britain in holidaymakers’ luggage – as the bugs can hide in many places including on bed frames, mattresses, clothing, furniture, behind pictures and under loose wallpaper.
These tiny bugs, around the size of an apple seed, gorge on blood every five to ten days.