An English council has issued guidance on what people should do about an infestation of bedbugs.
Luton Council warned that successful treatment “can be a lengthy process” and that the council does not have “limitless resources to counter this pest”.
It said it had received an “alarming number” of reports about bedbugs.
In a statement on its website, the council said: “Whilst the bedbug is not known to be a carrier of disease, the Council does recognise the bedbug as being an obnoxious pest with which to have to share a home and for that reason control in the domestic property is not free.”
The council said anyone who has a pest control problem needs to ensure their home is ready for treatment by stripping off bedcovers, emptying wardrobes and bookcases and removing pictures and posters from walls.
London mayor Sadiq Khan has raised concerns over the possibility that France’s recent bedbug outbreak could spread to London’s public transport.
An outbreak has swept across Paris, with reports of the insects being found in apartments, hotels and hospitals.
Mr Khan warned that the possibility of bedbugs on the capital’s public transport is “a real source of concern”.
Officials at Transport for London (TfL) are said to be monitoring the situation and have a rigorous cleaning protocol that involves daily seat cleaning.
Asked about the threat of bedbugs, Mr Khan told the PoliticsJoe website: “This is a real source of concern. People are worried about these bugs in Paris causing a problem in London.”
“I want to reassure those listening that TfL has the best regimes to clean our assets on a nightly basis.
“We are speaking to our friends in Paris to see if there are any lessons to be learnt but for a variety of reasons we don’t think those issues will arise in London; but there is no complacency from TfL," Mr Khan said
The NHS says that signs of bedbugs are bites on skin that is exposed. Most people are bitten in their sleep so will have marks on their face and arms.
