HOT on the heals of Paris's apparent bedbug infestation, panic over the creepy critters has spread to UK.
Brits are already claiming to have spotted the bugs on the London Underground and a bus in Liverpool, and one council said it was receiving an "alarming" number of pest control calls.
Viral videos have shown creatures that look like bedbugs perching on trouser legs or crawling across a tube seat, with some TikTokers refusing to sit down throughout their hour-long commute for fear of bringing them home with them.
The thought of the pesky little mites might set your skin crawling – but it's useful to know what bedbugs are and what their bites might look like.
Bedbugs are small, nocturnal insects that often take up residence on furniture or bedding. They can be found in sofas, mattresses, clothing, and other soft furnishings and they prefer the dark.
They're usually brown, dark red or yellow, oval shaped and about the size of an apple seed.
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Bedbugs aren't considered to be dangerous, but their bites are known to be pretty itchy and uncomfortable.
Here's how you can tell if one has nibbled on you.
What do bedbug bites look like?
Most of the time, bedbugs feed on people while they're sleeping.
Their peak time for feeding tends to be between midnight and 5am, according to Healthline.
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The little critters tend to bite in rows, so you'll likely find two or three little bumps in a row.
It can take several days for the bites to show up on your skin and they tend to be raised and red.
On white skin, bedbug bites usually look red but on black or brown skin, they may look purple and may be harder to see.
Some people won't develop a reaction so they won't know they've been bitten at all.
The NHS notes that you'll most often find evidence of bedbugs on skin that's been exposed while you've been sleeping, like your face, neck and arms.
Other telltale signs include spots of blood on your bedding, from being bitten or from squashing the critters.
You might also notice small brown spots on your bedding or furniture, which is bedbug poo.
How do I treat bedbug bites?
Bedbug bites usually clear up on their own in a week or so and they're easy to treat at home.
The NHS suggests you:
- Put something cool, like a clean, damp cloth, on the affected area to help with the itching and any swelling
- Keep the affected area clean
- Don't the bites to avoid getting an infection
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing the bites with soap and water to help prevent an infection or a serious reaction to them.
You can also apply some itch cream to the bites if they're getting uncomfortable.
You can ask your pharmacist for a mild steroid cream or antihistamines.
When should I seek further help?
There is a possibility that you might develop an allergic reaction to the bite.
In other cases, scratching the bumps might lead them to become infected.
The NHS recommends seeing a GP if the bites remain very painful, swollen or itchy despite getting treatment from your pharmacist.
You should also do so if the pain or swelling from the bites is spreading.
These are signs of an infection so you might need antibiotic treatment.
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Here's everything you need to know about spotting the creepy critters in your home.
And what to do if you're travelling and wary of picking up bedbugs.
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