Major bedbug infestation in Britain as 'ground zero' building evacuated amid fears of rapid spread months after Paris outbreak
GOVERNMENT offices in London will be evacuated overnight after a bedbug infestation was discovered.
Employees at South Colonnade 10 in Canary Wharf were informed that the parasitic insects were discovered on the fourth floor of building.
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It comes next the animals invaded public transportcafes, hotels, cinemas and houses everywhere France late last year.
Government agencies in the office include the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
UKHSA was reportedly using the fourth floor and Ministry of Justice officials were warned that the bedbugs could spread to the floor below.
Signs have been placed in the block by the Government Property Agency to warn employees.
The posters read: “We believe the infestation is due to 'bed bugs' and is currently confined to the fourth floor.
“Although these insects are not normally associated with office environments, both GPA and our supply partners are experienced in dealing with these situations.
“This week on the fourth floor we are performing a treatment that will be repeated every five to seven days for a period of four weeks.
“As areas require vacancy for a maximum of five hours, all treatments will be carried out out of hours.”
They added: “As this pest can move through the building, we will be conducting a survey of the entire building as a precaution.
“This will be carried out by a specially trained dog, who can identify bed bugs and, more importantly, where the bed bugs are located in the building.”
They have also been advised to visit the NHS website for information about bed bug.
The bugs are oval, flat, brown-red in color and about the size of an apple seed.
They need regular blood intake to survive.
People are not their only target; they attack all warm-blooded animals, including birds.
The bites are usually small, red and itchy, but the bugs are not always easy to recognize.
Often they are not discovered until it is too late, which can mean properties needing to be fumigated and furniture replaced.
What Kills Bed Bugs Instantly?
There are many ways you can get rid of or prevent bed bugs in your home.
Here are some ways to kill bed bugs instantly:
- Being exposed to direct heat – If you find this bed bug on your bedding, put them straight in the washing machine and the heat will kill them.
- Vacuum them – If you take the vacuum out as soon as you see the bugs, they will probably die when you vacuum them up, but make sure you carry the vacuum outside right away.
- Steam – If you have a steamer on hand, steam your sheets right away. The heat will kill the substance bed bug.
- Rubbing Alcohol – One of the most popular ways to get rid of bed bugs is to use rubbing alcohol. If you dilute some with water and use a spray bottle, the insects will die almost immediately.
- White vinegar – You can use white distilled vinegar on the edges of infected areas and spray it directly on the bugs. However, it must be in direct contact with the bugs and only works on adult insects.
- Professional treatment – If you want it bed bug Once and for all, you may need to call in a professional. They will have all the appropriate chemicals and tools to eradicate the problem.