EXCLUSIVE: Bed bug infestations are soaring in the UK thanks to hot weather and an increase in travel, with experts warning that the current batch have mutated to resist pest control10:38, 08 Jul 2026As temperatures soar across the UK, residents are being warned that their beds could be housing 'mutant' bugs.‌Experts say Britain has been hit by a plague of insecticide-resistant bugs that have hitched rides home in holiday luggage and are now thriving thanks to a series of heatwaves.‌The tiny blood-sucking insects have become one of the UK's fastest-growing household pests, with professionals saying the problem has worsened almost every year over the past decade.‌And it's not just the number of bed bugs increasing. Experts say the insects have evolved over generations to become far more resistant to traditional insecticides, making infestations harder to eliminate than ever before. Blago Manov, Managing Director of Bed Bug Hunters, has spent 14 years tackling infestations across the country and says the rising temperatures and the UK's growing love of international travel is one of the biggest reasons behind the surge."There has been a gradual increase over the past 10 years or so," he said. "I started this business from zero 14 years ago and there's been an increase almost every year."‌According to Blago, airports, hotels and holiday accommodation have become major hotspots where the insects spread from one traveller to another."It's primarily the fact there are so many people travelling in and out of the country on a regular basis," he explained. "In my opinion, airport luggage departments are causing the highest risk of cross-contamination, as well as hotels, hostels and Airbnbs. It's a constant ongoing thing."Unlike many household pests, bed bugs don't fly or jump. Instead, they rely on humans to transport them from place to place. The insects are remarkably adept hitchhikers, clinging to luggage, clothing and personal belongings before quietly establishing themselves inside homes.‌"Bed bugs recognise objects," Blago explained. "They know the difference between us and the luggage. When they are being introduced to a property, they deliberately drop off the object and settle into the furniture."When they don't have access to a blood meal, they instinctively begin searching for transport. "When they don't have a blood source to feed on, they are naturally looking for transport - for a lift," he said. "So at some point they try to spread. They hitchhike the luggage. They go for our clothes."‌The insects can remain unnoticed for weeks because infestations develop relatively slowly. "It takes a full month or even two months for them to form a nest," Blago said."Usually they're unnoticed in the beginning. It's very difficult to find them in the early stages, so people receive bites but they can't find or see anything, and they call us to inspect."Experts say today's bed bugs are much tougher than the ones previous generations encountered. Rather than being wiped out by conventional insecticides, many populations have gradually developed resistance after decades of exposure.‌"Bed bugs have built up some resistance," Blago said. "They've developed this over the past century. Some people call it bed bug evolution - an adaptation."He explained that the more resilient insects have now spread around the world through international travel. "Bed bugs that are already evolved have started spreading across the whole world, so it's a global problem."With the rising temperatures, they reproduce more rapidly, and people travel for holidays in the summer months, so typically there is a rise in the call-outs."‌Blago says a few simple checks while travelling can significantly reduce the chances of bringing unwanted guests home."When I travel, I always inspect my Airbnb or hotel room," he said. "Inspect the bed frame because the headboards are the most common areas where they hide."Travellers should also pay close attention to their luggage before returning home. "Take the luggage from the luggage belt and inspect it," he advised. Hard-shell suitcases are also less attractive to the insects.‌"If you have a hard suitcase, it's more unlikely they will settle. If there are fewer pockets, seams or folds, it'll be harder for them to attach themselves."Once bed bugs become established, getting rid of them can be extremely difficult without professional help. Blago says many people waste valuable time trying shop-bought products that simply aren't strong enough to eliminate an infestation."Some people try to get rid of bed bugs themselves," he said. "The best DIY insecticides contain only 0.3 percent active ingredients, which is not enough to sufficiently poison the bed bugs."‌By comparison, professional treatments use products with dramatically higher concentrations. "The professional insecticides contain 40 percent active ingredients, so it's an immense difference."His company now combines heat-based treatments with insecticides rather than relying on chemicals alone. "We don't do spray-only because it's outdated," he explained. "We combine steam and spray, or hot air and spray."Steam instantly kills bugs and their eggs through thermal shock, while heated air eradicates infestations over several hours before insecticides provide lasting protection.Article continues belowAccording to Blago, combining hot air and spray achieves a success rate of around 97 percent, although it comes at a cost.Steam and spray treatments start at around £300 for an entire property, while the more intensive hot-air treatment typically costs more than £1,000 because it requires specialist equipment and two technicians working for most of the day.