Warning of surge in bed bugs as Covid restrictions ease – Dublin Live

Dubliners could see a surge in some pests, including bed bugs, as Covid restrictions ease, experts have warned.

A recent report revealed that infestations were on the rise as the city reopened after lockdown, with a further increase in pests expected leading into the summer.

Furthermore, an increase in travel could see the spread of bed bugs.

Rodents, wasps, and garden ants topped the list of pests that Rentokil pest control was called out to handle last year in Ireland.

Dublin accounted for the majority of pest callouts in 2021, with 42% of the overall calls coming from Dublin followed by Cork (12%), Kildare (6%) Galway (5%) and Limerick (4%).

As normal summer activity resumes, Dubs should expect to see an increase in summer pests such as wasps, warns Rentokil.

Richard Faulkner, Advanced Technical Field Consultant for Rentokil said: "As lockdown measures were eased in the summer and people socialised more, especially outdoors, this saw greater interaction between the public and pests, particularly wasps who would have benefitted greatly from outdoor socialising.

"With the relaxation of public health restrictions, it is expected that an increase in pest activity will occur and as we get back to normal levels of social activity there will be greater opportunities for them."

There were also recent warnings for Dubs to watch out for fleas as the capital accounts for one of the highest level of callouts in Ireland.

The "wingless bloodsucking insects" can attach to pets or people and can lead to bites or skin irritation - or in the worst cases can also cause allergic reactions to sensitive individuals, transmit tapeworm and, in very rare cases, even transmit serious diseases.

They most often bite people around the ankles and legs, and their bites can be are felt immediately and can be sore for as much as a week.

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Warning of surge in bed bugs as Covid restrictions ease - Dublin Live