LONDON, Oct 11, (Agencies): Professor Lucy Easthope, renowned for her work in responding to global crises like the 9/11 and 7/7 attacks, the Grenfell Tower fire, and the Covid-19 pandemic, has issued a stark warning. This comes as concerns grow over the potential spread of France's bed bug crisis to the UK.

Awareness of this issue was raised last week when reports emerged of Parisians facing a severe bed bug infestation, creating a nightmarish living situation as these insects feed on both animals and humans. With commuters already avoiding public transport seats out of fear that the French bed bug outbreak might reach the UK, Professor Easthope conveyed a chilling message on X, formerly known as Twitter: "I assure you this... Britain is ill-prepared for a bed bug invasion."

In another tweet, Professor Easthope, who holds the position of Professor in the Practice of Risk and Hazard at the University of Durham, shared her experience of encountering a bed bug outbreak in Knoxville, Tennessee. She highlighted the arduous process required to eliminate these pests, emphasizing that merely getting rid of your bed is insufficient.

Recently, it was reported that the bed bug infestation in France has driven families in Marseille to discard their infested mattresses on the streets in a desperate attempt to rid themselves of these pests. Professor Easthope's warnings coincide with London Mayor Sadiq Khan's expression of deep concern regarding the issue. The French capital is currently grappling with an overwhelming bed bug outbreak, which has been reported in schools, trains, hospitals, and cinemas.

In the past few days in the UK, Tube passengers have been hesitant to sit on seats, and Luton Council reported a high volume of calls related to bed bugs. Additionally, an unverified report claimed a bed bug was sighted on a Manchester bus.

Moreover, there is apprehension about a potential bed bug outbreak due to the ongoing Rugby World Cup, with fans traveling to and from France. As concerns rise, a video circulating over the weekend claimed to show a bed bug on a person's leg on the Victoria line. However, some experts dispute whether the creature in the video is a bed bug, citing its shape.

Transport for London (TfL) is currently conducting daily seat disinfection after videos on social media depicted bed bugs on Paris Metro train seats. Nonetheless, Richard Wall, from the University of Bristol's School of Biological Sciences, and Adam Juson from the pest control company Merlin Environmental have expressed doubt about the authenticity of these claims.

However, David Cain, a molecular biologist and founder of Bed Bugs Ltd, argues that the concern in Paris is already happening in London. He points out that the problem of bed bugs has exploded over the last decade, extending into public spaces like cinemas, doctor's surgeries, and hospitals. As a result, he emphasizes the importance of checking one's own bed regularly.

In response to the situation, Mayor Khan has reassured the public that TfL is taking all necessary measures to prevent the French bed bug infestation from reaching London's public transport. TfL is known for its stringent cleaning protocols, and the Mayor has reached out to officials in Paris to learn from their experiences.

In Manchester, a passenger claimed to have seen a bed bug on the 59 bus, while Luton Council has reported an increase in bed bug-related service requests. They offer guidance on preparing properties for treatment, which includes sealing personal items in bin liners and vacating homes during the insecticide spraying process.

Dee Patel, an entomologist, suggests that lavender can deter bed bugs, as it masks their scent pattern. He also recommends washing linen at high temperatures, regular vacuuming, and freezing sheets. France is also addressing the crisis, with transport operators meeting to discuss ways to better protect commuters. Eurostar, which operates 16 daily train services between Paris and London, plans to disinfect trains at the first sign of bed bugs.

The British Pest Control Association has reported around 12,000 annual call-outs related to bed bugs, and there are suspicions that the sale of second-hand furniture on platforms like Facebook and eBay may be contributing to the problem.