Southeastern trains operating from the West Marina train depot near Hastings in East Sussex have reportedly been taken out of service in October due to bedbugs. This follows a bedbug outbreak that also led to the cancellation of a Qantas flight from Italy to Australia, which required a "deep clean" of the aircraft.
Bedbugs are described as small, wingless insects with oval, flat bodies that feed on animal and human blood. They typically bite the head, arms, and legs in a zig-zag pattern, causing itchy red bites that are unlikely to cause other health problems.
A bedbug monitoring company has stated that cases of bedbugs are increasing by approximately 20 per cent annually in London and other major European cities. Frequent travel and insecticide resistance are predicted to be contributing to the escalating problem.
Dr. Cassie Krejci, from pest management company Forshaw, noted that bedbugs are a concern for all travellers, regardless of destination, and are not a symptom of uncleanliness. She advised that visitors should be concerned about bringing bedbugs home from any trip, particularly those to cities experiencing a notable increase in reported infestations.