JERSEY’S public health director has advised Islanders to contact a pest control service or speak to their landlord if they think they have bedbugs – following an increase in reports of local infestations.
Professor Peter Bradley said that, while he was not aware of any “serious” issues involving the insects in the Island, “this does not mean that what is being seen further afield will not be experienced here”.
France has been battling a significant outbreak of bedbugs recently, while pest control company Rentokil has said it saw a 65% jump in cases of bedbugs across the UK in the second quarter of 2023 compared with a year earlier.
The developments have also prompted public health officials in Guernsey to offer advice to islanders there on how to spot the bloodsucking insects, which often live on furniture or bedding.
Professor Bradley said that pest controllers had seen an increase in bedbug reports this year. “We are not aware of any serious issues in Jersey. However, this does not mean that what is being seen further afield will not be experienced here,” he said.
“Bedbugs often live in bedding or on furniture. Their bites can be itchy, but do not usually cause health problems and usually clear up in a week.
“If you think that you have bedbugs, you should contact a pest control service or your landlord.
The government does not offer a pest control service for bedbugs, but the Environmental and Consumer Protection team can offer advice, and help with any concerns, through environmentalhealth@gov.je.”
