Bedbugs London tube: TfL not aware of any outbreaks in the capital

Transport for London (TfL) says it is closely monitoring the network for any outbreaks of bedbugs amid the threat of the infestation in Paris.

London’s trains and buses will be on high alert as footage of the blood-sucking insects has been seen on the metro in the French capital.

Eurostar on Tuesday also confirmed it was ramping up “preventative treatments” across its entire network to stop the vermin travelling across the Channel.

A Eurostar spokesperson said: “The safety and wellbeing of our customers is always our number one priority and the presence of insects such as bedbugs on our trains is extremely rare.

“The textile surfaces on all of our trains are cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis and this involves hot-water injection and extraction cleaning, which has proven highly effective in eliminating bugs.”

Meanwhile TfL staff are vacuuming and shampooing Tube and bus seats to help prevent any infestations.

A TfL spokesperson told LondonWorld: “We are not aware of any outbreaks in London, but we will monitor our network and continue our rigorous and thorough cleaning measures which have been proven to keep both the interior and exterior of our trains clean.

“We are committed to providing a clean and safe environment on the Tube for our customers and staff, and we would like to reassure our customers that we continue to maintain our already high standards of cleanliness, so our staff and customers can use the network safely and with confidence.”

The epidemic has sent waves of panic throughout Paris with reports claiming the insects have been found in people’s homes and even in cinema seats.

Deputy Mayor of Paris Emmanuel Gregoire said the infestation was “widespread” as he dressed the issue.

“You have to understand that in reality no one is safe, obviously there are risk factors but in reality, you can catch bedbugs anywhere and bring them home,” Mr Gregoire said.

Official figures suggest that one in 10 flat residents have experienced bedbugs in the last five years.

What are bedbugs?

Bedbugs are small insects that often live on furniture or bedding. Their bites can be itchy, but do not usually cause other health problems.

Signs of bedbugs

Bedbugs can hide in many places, including on bed frames, mattresses, clothing, furniture, behind pictures and under loose wallpaper.

Signs of bedbugs include:

• bites – often on skin exposed while sleeping, like the face, neck and arms
• spots of blood on your bedding – from the bites or from squashing a bedbug
• small brown spots on bedding or furniture (bedbug poo)

How you can treat bedbug bites

Bedbug bites usually clear up on their own in a week or so.

Things you can do include:

• putting something cool, like a clean, damp cloth, on the affected area to help with the itching and any swelling
• keeping the affected area clean
• not scratching the bites to avoid getting an infection