Why Are Bed Bug Problems More Common Today Than 100 Years Ago?

It seems as if you’re always hearing about bed bug problems today. While these pests have plagued us since at least Roman times, the problem is so much worse today. But why is this and what can we do about it?

Bed bug problems are getting worse: here’s why

First of all, some people may dismiss this problem as sensationalism. It’s easy to see why. The tabloid media love reporting on bed bugs. After all, this is a topic that will always get attention. Journalists blow things out of proportion and make the problem seem far worse than it is. That being said, most of what they say is true. We do have bed bug problems and they are getting worse.

There are several reasons why. The first is the UK’s increasing population. From 1900 until today, the population has increased by about 20 million. It’s logical to assume that bed bug numbers will keep pace with the growing population. Basically, more people equal more bed bugs, along with the fact bed bugs survive for a long time.

Factors affecting the bed bug population in the UK

The flip side of this is population density. The UK is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. We really do live on top of each other, and this density is only growing over time. This means that bed bugs have easy access to food. They do not have to go far when looking for a meal. Due to this, they are able to breed and easily increase their population, which is why bed bug epidemics happen.

But probably the biggest reason why our bed bug problems are growing worse is travel. Places like London are a global transport hub. This means that people are flying in and out from all over the world. Many of these people are bringing in bed bugs.

For example, people who travel overseas will often return with these pests. Then you have places like the Dover ferry port. Eleven million passengers and two million lorries pass through this port each year. Some of these people will be carrying bed bugs and it becomes difficult to be safe around others.

Another reason why we have bed bugs problems is because of the UK’s cool climate. It may seem as if this would make it harder for these bugs to survive. It’s actually the exact opposite. That’s because we make extensive use of heating. This creates an artificially warm environment in which bed bugs thrive.

Taking all these things into account, it’s easy to see why the UK’s bed bug problems are so severe. Just be glad you live in modern times, where getting rid of these bugs is relatively easy. If it was the 1920s, you’d just have to put up with it.