Creepy little bed bugs are truly having their moment. It’s their viral TikTok era.
The gross creatures have spread rapidly in Paris recently, having been spotted on public transport and being regarded as a ‘public health problem’ by the mayor.
And while you might think you’re cosy and safe from the little sh**s cuddled up in the warmth of your bed over in the UK, an expert is suggesting otherwise.
Yep, the UK could also be swarming with bed bugs.
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Speaking to Sky News, microbiologist and founder of Bed Bugs Ltd David Cain said: "I think there's probably a similar level of issue in London as there is in Paris at present.
"They're already on buses, trains, tubes, cinemas, doctor's surgeries, public spaces, hospitals."
Cain claims the difference is simply that the Parisians are raising the issue, where as in the UK, people are ‘trying to keep the whole thing quiet’.
It’d be pretty understandable if you’re now rushing to check your own sheets for bed bugs.
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And if you're unlucky enough to discover them lurking on your bed, there are several steps you can follow to get rid of them.
First might seem the obvious - wash your bedding, clothing (and even curtains if you want) in hot water and then dry them on the highest setting.
WebMD also recommends putting any items that can’t be washed into the dryer on high.
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Then, use a stiff brush to scrub the seams of your mattress to remove both the bugs and their eggs. Follow this up by vacuuming both your bed and area around it every day – then obviously get the vacuum bag outside in the bins afterwards.
WebMD also advises putting a ‘tightly woven, zippered cover on your mattress and box springs’ and to keep it on for at least a year.
You should also make sure any cracks in your plastering are repaired, otherwise bed bugs might find places to hide away.
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And as painful as it might sound, it’s probably a good time to tidy your room. Get rid of that pile of washing, put your cr*p away and make sure everything’s tidied up.
If you’re still paranoid, it’s probably a good idea to splash the cash and hire a professional exterminator to really get rid of them.
Cain also warned: “If you don't get into that disciplined practice of checking once a month, there will come a day when you tip your mattress up and there's going to be maybe 5,000 or 6,000 bed bugs looking back at you.
"Once they've been in your property for more than about 60 days, the population is doubling every 14 days."
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What a lovely thought...
Jess Battison