Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:35am on 06 Dec 2023,Wednesday International
Southwark Council has seen a sharp rise in bed bug infestations, with a 40% increase in complaints over the last year. The borough experienced 629 pest control call outs for the bloodsucking insects in 2022-23, up from 515 the previous year. The surge comes after cases dropped during 2020 and 2021 due to pandemic restrictions limiting home visits. Southwark officials attribute the jump to resumed in-person inspections, but neighboring boroughs Lambeth and Lewisham have not faced the same trend. While their case numbers also initially declined, neither has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. With Southwark residents battling the nocturnal nuisances, the council insists the borough does not face a growing problem. But for those dealing with the itchy onslaught, that provides little comfort.
