It’s not your imagination – bed bug infestations are on the rise across the UK, and nowhere is feeling the heat more than blocks of flats. Once associated with travel or low hygiene, bed bugs are now turning up in some of the most unexpected places.
So why are these pests making a comeback, and why are flats particularly vulnerable?
Bed Bugs Are Excellent Hitchhikers
Unlike other pests that enter through cracks or bins, bed bugs spread by travelling with us. They hitchhike on clothing, bags, suitcases, and furniture, making them incredibly hard to trace and contain.
In a block of flats, it only takes one unit to bring them in. From there, they can crawl through wall cavities, along pipes, and even via electrical fittings into neighbouring properties.
Climate Change Is Helping Them Thrive
Warmer, more stable indoor temperatures are allowing bed bugs to breed year-round. Previously, cold winters could reduce their numbers, but with modern heating and insulation, this natural drop-off has been eliminated.
Add to that rising summer heat, and you’ve got near-perfect breeding conditions — especially in densely populated housing blocks.
Second-Hand Furniture and Fast Turnarounds
With rising rents and the cost-of-living crisis, many people are turning to used furniture to save money. Unfortunately, second-hand beds, sofas or wardrobes can carry hidden infestations.
Flats with high tenant turnover, furnished rentals, or shared accommodation are particularly at risk. One unnoticed mattress can kickstart a building-wide issue.
Not Just a Hygiene Issue
One of the biggest myths about bed bugs is that they only infest dirty homes. The truth? Bed bugs don’t care how clean your flat is – they care about access to a warm body and a place to hide.
That means even spotless flats in modern buildings can fall victim. In fact, cleaner flats often help infestations go unnoticed longer.
Prevention Is Tough – But Not Impossible
Early detection is key. Look for signs like:
- Minor reddish-brown stains on sheets or mattresses
- Tiny shed skins or eggs in bed frames or cracks
- Itchy bites in rows or clusters, especially on arms or legs
Avoid picking up used mattresses or sofas from outside, and always thoroughly inspect second-hand items before bringing them indoors.
If you live in a block, speak to neighbours if you suspect bed bugs. Coordinated treatment is often the only way to resolve the issue fully.
Expert Help Is Often Needed
Because bed bugs spread quietly and hide in hard-to-reach places, DIY treatments rarely work in flats. Professional pest control teams can assess the full scope of an infestation and treat multiple units if needed.
For residents in London and Essex, bed bug treatment services from trusted local experts can help eliminate the problem discreetly and effectively.
