Blood-Sucking Bed Bugs On The Rise

Cases of bed bug infestations in Lincoln have doubled in the past few years, according to experts.

And it's not just hotels and hospitals that are calling in the experts. Cases of infestation in Lincoln homes have also rocketed, with more people than ever needing the help of specialist firms to get rid of the nibbling monsters.

Experts say one of the main issues is that bed bugs are very resilient, living not just in mattresses, but furniture, clothing and even between cracks in skirting boards.

Pest control specialist Ian Spraggins from Eradicate Pest Control Specialists, based in Doddington Park, said: "Bed bugs are most certainly on the increase in Lincoln – we saw a 50 to 55 per cent increase last year and who knows what this year will bring?"

"One of the contributing factors is that more people are heading overseas on cut-price holidays where cleanliness might not be given as much attention. All it takes is a few to crawl into a suitcase, be carried back to the UK, then get nice and settled in your own home."

As well as private firms in the city, the City of Lincoln Council also has a dedicated pest control section. There were 19 cases reported to the council in 2009. But seven call outs have already taken place this year – which if continued at that level, could mean 28 plus cases by the end of the year.

The City of Lincoln Council's environmental team say the problem can't be tackled by residents.

Simon Colburn from the team said: "To eradicate the problem completely people must get professional help - bed bugs must be treated with a suitable insecticide."

Article provided by Eradicate Ltd