bed bugs appear to be expanding more quickly and invading a growing number of areas for longer periods due to warmer climates. Citizens across almost every autonomous community report complaints about their spread. Data from health authorities indicate a rise of about 70% in occurrences between 2019 and 2020, and pest control companies report a similar surge from January to September this year compared with the same period last year, around 71%.
there are several bedbug species, but the most common and troublesome is Cimex lectularius, commonly found at night. They bite people in response to body heat, body odor, and carbon dioxide emitted during breathing. The mechanism behind bedbug bites is comparable to how mosquitoes bite, driven by human metabolic cues.
bedbugs, which are just a few millimeters in size, feed on blood from humans and animals. They tend to hide in dark, tight spaces and prefer sleeping areas, often clustering near beds.
They feed on both human and animal blood and typically live in hidden spaces because they avoid light.
although their bites cause skin redness and itching, bedbugs do not pose a known danger of disease transmission. This distinguishes them from several other biting insects, such as certain mosquitoes, which can carry pathogens.
Do bedbugs show greater resilience and adaptation?
while they are not able to tolerate extreme heat, growing scientific evidence shows they can endure higher temperatures and develop resistance to some pesticides. this combination helps explain the widespread appearance of infestations not only in Spain but in other major cities around the world, including places with large tourist flows where bedbugs propagate rapidly.
pest control companies have observed a steady rise in bedbug activity since early 2020, prompting intensified efforts to curb populations and protect homes and communities.
according to a leading pest control provider, the largest concentrations are in several autonomous communities: Madrid ranks highest, followed by Catalonia and especially Barcelona; with Aragon, Comunitat Valenciana and the Balearic Islands also showing high activity. High population movement and heavy tourism contribute to the spread, as people transport bedbugs inadvertently and bring them into homes near sleeping areas.
the autónomies with the highest incidence are, in this order: Madrid, Catalonia, Aragon, Comunitat Valenciana and the Balearic Islands
these insects spread through human movement. Transport and social activities can facilitate transmission, allowing bedbugs to reach new homes where they settle near beds in bedrooms.
what to do if bitten by bedbugs: start with washing the affected area with soap and water. to relieve itching, apply pharmacy ointments or cold compresses. avoid scratching to prevent infection. if infection develops, consult a healthcare professional for guidance on treatment, which may include antibiotics in some cases.
in rare situations of severe immune reactions, medical interventions such as corticosteroids, antihistamines, or epinephrine could be considered under professional supervision.
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environmental department contact details have been removed for privacy and safety reasons.