Are bed bug infestations on the increase within Greater London

The objective of the study was to determine whether the number of properties infested with bed bugs in Greater London is increasing. Data sets for seven Boroughs within Greater London containing the number of telephone calls received by pest control teams from members of the public seeking treatment for bed bug and other major domestic pest infestations (cockroaches, fleas, mice, rats and Pharaoh’s ants), from January 2000 to June 2006, were analysed. The absolute increase of calls concerning bed bugs increased from 2000-2006 by an average of 28.5 (95%CI: 6.9-50.3) per annum and the proportion of calls concerning bed bugs, as opposed to other major domestic pests, increased by an average of 24.7% (95%CI: 17.2-32.7) p.a. Calls followed up during July across each of the seven boroughs confirmed bed bug infestations. Twenty two adult specimens were collected and identified as the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius. Monthly data obtained from six Boroughs identified the greatest number of bed bug calls in late summer (August and September) and cyclic peaks with periods of 12, 6 and 2 months were also identified. In conclusion, the number of calls concerning bed bugs increased in Greater London from 2000-2006. This reflects a trend found in other major national and international developed cities. Contributing factors are likely to be passive dispersal, due to a growth in international travel and second-hand furniture sales, lack of awareness of bed bug infestations, due to the crevice-dwelling behaviour of bed bugs, and ineffective control, due to bed bug resistance to insecticides and a move from broad-spectrum insecticides. Within the UK, there is a need for additional monitoring and a code of practice for the control of public health pests including bed bugs.