BUSINESS is booming for a Bradford pest controller – because of bedbugs.
Sykes Pest Control, which operates across the city and surrounding areas, has reported a 150 per cent increase in reports about bedbugs month-on-month.
Bedbugs have been hitting the headlines lately amid reports of them spreading across France – with fears of more of the blood-suckers in the UK.
After seeing the news coverage, residents and companies have become more vigilant about the problem and have been contacting firms like Sykes Pest Control for professional help.0:00 / 0:00One of the bedbugs exterminated byBradford-based Sykes Pest Control
Danny Sykes, who is owner of the company and has more than 20 years’ experience in the profession, told the Telegraph & Argus: “We’re dealing with three bedbug jobs a day now – it used to be three a week.
“We’re getting calls from all over the place – Bradford, Huddersfield, here, there and everywhere really.
“We’re not just finding them in beds either – the other day we dealt with some in a plug socket.
“There’s been a lot of talk about bedbugs in the media recently so I think that’s partly why we’ve seen such a big increase in reports lately – but actually, bedbugs have been a steadily growing problem for the last 10 years or so.
“I think this is mainly due to more people moving around and travelling abroad, bringing them back to this country.”
Bedbugs are small insects which can hide in many places, including on bedding, clothing, furniture, behind pictures and under loose wallpaper.
They feed on the blood of humans and animals.
Their bites can be itchy but do not usually cause other health problems.
Danny said: “Bedbugs are among the worst pests as they are so hard to get rid of.
“Once they get inside your property, they take hold very quickly – the longer you leave them, the harder they are to control.
“If you have a bedbug problem, my advice is very much seek professional help immediately.
“I use special chemicals to get rid of them – that’s what is needed.”
Bedbug infestations can be difficult to prevent – but experts said a good way of avoiding them is to keep bags off the bed and away from the bed when visiting hotels and hospitals.
David Cain, founder of Bed Bugs Limited, a UK-wide exterminator of the insects, said there had been “exponential growth” in bedbug cases over the last 20 years.B
