Brief
Travelers warned of rising bedbug risk after airline and train disruptions
Experts cite a 20% annual rise in bedbug cases and urge travelers to inspect rooms and luggage.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Bedbug infestations are prompting travel disruptions across Europe and beyond, with a Qantas flight from Italy to Australia grounded for a deep clean and Southeastern trains in East Sussex taken out of service, Independent reports.
What happened
In October, a Qantas aircraft bound for Australia was cancelled after bedbugs were detected, requiring a thorough cleaning before the plane could return to service. Around the same time, Southeastern trains operating from the West Marina depot near Hastings were withdrawn after similar pest sightings. The Independent notes that the pests have also been found in hotel rooms, with monitoring firm Valpas reporting one in every 42 rooms inspected.
What the report adds
The article highlights a 20 % yearly increase in bedbug cases in London and other major European cities, according to a monitoring company. It also points to the role of frequent travel and insecticide resistance in accelerating the problem. Dr Cassie Krejci, vice‑president of transformation at pest‑management firm Forshaw, is quoted emphasizing that bedbugs are not a sign of uncleanliness but a consequence of the insect’s adaptability.
What was said
Dr Krejsi told Independent, “Bedbugs are a problem for all travellers, regardless of destination. They are not a symptom of uncleanliness or bad habits otherwise, but rather the consequence of an insect’s success.” She added, “Visitors should worry about bringing bed bugs home from any trip, particularly those in cities where we are seeing a notable increase in the number of infestations reported.”
How it came about
Rising travel volumes this autumn, combined with the pests’ resistance to common insecticides, have led to increased sightings on transport and in accommodation. The Independent’s guide echoes earlier Felo coverage that advised travelers to roll suitcases on tiled surfaces and use a torch to spot bugs, underscoring the growing need for vigilance.
Key facts
- A Qantas flight from Italy to Australia was cancelled for a deep clean after a bedbug outbreak. (independent.co.uk)
- Southeastern trains from West Marina depot in East Sussex were taken out of service due to bedbugs. (independent.co.uk)
- Bedbug cases are rising by about 20 % a year in London and other major European cities. (independent.co.uk)
- Valpas found bedbugs in one in every 42 hotel rooms it inspected. (independent.co.uk)
- Dr Cassie Krejci of Forshaw advises travelers to roll suitcases on tiled areas and use a torch to spot bugs. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “These are the signs you have bedbugs in your hotel room”
