Bedbug infestations in major European cities have been increasing by an estimated 20 to 25 percent annually, according to data from Valpas, a company specializing in monitoring and controlling these pests. The company’s technology, which includes bed legs designed to attract, trap, and monitor bedbugs, indicates the insects were found in approximately one out of every 42 hotel rooms inspected. Valpas CEO Martim Gois noted that the rise in bedbug cases appears to correlate closely with higher travel volumes.

In response to the growing problem, many hotels are turning to heat treatment methods to eradicate bedbugs, as some populations of the insects have developed resistance to traditional insecticides. This trend has been observed across numerous European cities, including in the United Kingdom, where several hotels have reported cases this year.

Among those affected, Hannah Stephenson, 31, described waking up at a Travelodge in Cambridge during July with more than a hundred bites on her body. Travelodge representatives stated that bedbug incidents are extremely rare within their hotels and emphasized their commitment to strict cleaning and prevention measures. Similarly, Ellie Davina, 22, reported finding around ten bedbugs on a pillowcase at a Premier Inn near Manchester airport. Premier Inn responded by reiterating that bedbug occurrences are uncommon in their properties and that they have robust protocols to prevent and address such issues swiftly.

Pest control services have also seen a marked increase in demand. James Gale, representing JG Pest Control, revealed the company experienced a 25 percent rise in callouts during the summer compared to the previous year, averaging about ten service requests per day so far this year. This increase reflects a broader challenge faced by businesses and institutions beyond hotels.

Last month, the staff at The Guardian newspaper in London were temporarily required to work from home after bedbugs were discovered at their headquarters in King’s Cross. In a separate incident, Southeastern Railways withdrew two trains from service after bedbugs were found in drivers’ cabins at its Hastings depot, highlighting that infestations are occurring in public transport settings as well.

While some organizations maintain that bedbug problems remain sporadic and controllable, the consistent reports and rising demand for pest control services suggest that bedbug infestations are a growing concern linked closely to increased travel and mobility in Europe.