{"id":142506,"date":"2023-10-05T14:08:31","date_gmt":"2023-10-05T14:08:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theprojectsworld.com\/?p=142506"},"modified":"2023-10-05T14:08:31","modified_gmt":"2023-10-05T14:08:31","slug":"the-telltale-smell-that-means-youve-got-a-bed-bug-infestation-and-how-to-exterminate-them-the-sun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theprojectsworld.com\/lifestyle\/the-telltale-smell-that-means-youve-got-a-bed-bug-infestation-and-how-to-exterminate-them-the-sun\/","title":{"rendered":"The telltale SMELL that means you've got a bed bug infestation – and how to exterminate them | The Sun"},"content":{"rendered":"

BED bugs are rampant in a major European destination currently with officials warning \u201cno one is safe\u201d \u2014 so it\u2019s important you know how to spot them.<\/p>\n

Paris is being besieged by the tiny bloodsuckers, which have been found on train seats and inside the city\u2019s Charles-de-Gaulle airport in recent weeks.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Experts have identified a strange telltale sign of the bugs to help you spot an infestation \u2014 their smell.<\/p>\n

The critters have a distinctive sweet, musty smell, which could indicate their presence if there are no other obvious causes.<\/p>\n

A Dodson Pest Control spokesperson said: \u201cBed bugs can smell different to different people.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cMany people report smelling coriander, but another common description is the scent of spoiled raspberries.<\/p>\n

Read more on bed bugs<\/h2>\n

<\/picture>BUGGING OUT<\/span><\/p>\n

I went on the train in Paris ONCE and now my legs are covered in bed bug bites<\/h3>\n

<\/picture>BUG BEAR <\/span><\/p>\n

A musty smell and 5 other signs of bed bugs to look for in your hotel room <\/h3>\n

\u201cOthers report a strong acidic scent or that of almonds or marzipan. If you notice an unusual smell in an otherwise clean room, it may be time to call in a professional.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, experts warn going off smell alone may not always work.<\/p>\n

Robert Fryers, of Spotta, a smart insect monitoring company that has been called upon to address the Paris infestations, said: "Detecting bed bugs by smell isn't easy.<\/p>\n

"By the time it's obvious you have a really severe infestation.<\/p>\n

Most read in Health<\/h2>\n

<\/picture>KILLER TREND <\/span><\/p>\n

How to spot killer diabetes YEARS before diagnosis with pattern of early signs<\/h3>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/picture>DRUG ALERT <\/span><\/p>\n

Warning to millions as common drugs linked to risk of sudden cardiac arrest<\/h3>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/picture>HEAD RUSH <\/span><\/p>\n

Why you feel dizzy when you stand up too fast – and when to see a doctor<\/h3>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/picture>SELF LOVE <\/span><\/p>\n

Cruel trolls taunt me but I embrace my saggy jelly belly & feel sexier than ever<\/h3>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

"Sniffer dogs can be trained to identify them early, but it's expensive so it's not a popular method and most places that do use them only get them to visit every few months. <\/p>\n

"You can get a lot of bed bugs in those few months."<\/p>\n

Bed bugs have been spotted in hotels and apartments across Paris, as well as the city\u2019s metro system.<\/p>\n

Some fear the bugs could be headed to Britain, with holidaymakers bringing them back in clothing and bags.<\/p>\n

Professor James Logan, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: \u201cBed bugs are found globally \u2014 there will already be bed bugs in the UK, just as there are in Paris.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cBed bugs are good hitchhikers and could easily be brought from Paris to the UK, but could just as easily go from the UK to Paris.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is unlikely that Paris is significantly worse than other places, although they may be unlucky right now with a bit of a bed bug boom.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr Fryers added: "Bed bugs have been a growing problem for the last decade across Europe due to insecticide resistance and the banning of previously effective pesticides. <\/p>\n

"They move around on people's bags and clothes, so the populations fell back during Covid when everyone was staying home. <\/p>\n

"Now that international travel is back on they're coming back strongly and we expect the problem to continue growing year on year."<\/p>\n

Bed bug bites are itchy but do not normally cause other health problems, according to the NHS.<\/p>\n

They hide in many places, including bed frames, mattresses, clothing, furniture and under loose wallpaper.<\/p>\n

Read More on The Sun<\/h2>\n

<\/picture>marilyn moment <\/span><\/p>\n

Kerry Katona shows off her three stone weight loss in figure-hugging dress<\/h3>\n

<\/picture>Number 23? <\/span><\/p>\n

Sue Radford sparks pregnancy rumours as she hints at 'epic surprise' for Noel <\/h3>\n

Bites usually clear up in a week or two but you can also put a cool, damp cloth on the affected area to soothe itching and swelling.<\/p>\n

You should avoid scratching the bites and keep the affected area clean to avoid the chances of an infection.<\/p>\n

How to exterminate bed bugs<\/h3>\n

If you think you have bedbugs, you should contact your local council or pest control service.<\/p>\n

It's very difficult to get rid of bedbugs yourself because they can be hard to find and may be resistant to some insecticides.<\/p>\n

There are some things you can try yourself, but these are unlikely to get rid of bedbugs completely.<\/p>\n

Do:<\/p>\n