Bed bugs: the resurgence continues in 2026 — how to react

For several seasons now, bed bugs have been settling into homes, hotels and public transport for the long haul. With travel picking up and luggage circulating more than ever, 2026 confirms the trend: reports keep rising in France and across Europe. The good news: caught early, they can be dealt with effectively.

Spot an infestation in time

Bed bugs are discreet and active at night. Several clues should alert you:

• aligned or clustered bites, often on the arms, legs or back;
• small black spots (droppings) on sheets, mattress seams and the box spring;
• translucent moults and sometimes an unusual sweet smell;
• tiny blood spots on the sheets when you wake up.

Traces of bed bugs on mattress seams

The right reflexes at the first doubt

At the slightest suspicion, avoid moving your belongings from one room to another: you could scatter the insects. Instead, adopt these habits:

1. Wash laundry and bedding at 60 °C minimum, then run them through a hot dryer.
2. Vacuum thoroughly (mattress, skirting boards, cracks) and throw the bag away immediately.
3. Isolate suspect items in airtight bags.
4. Do not spray insecticides at random: misused, they scatter the infestation and create resistance.

Early detection and a professional treatment are the key to lasting bed bug eradication.

Why call a professional

Bed bugs resist many products and hide in the smallest nooks. A professional treatment combines diagnosis, targeted thermal or chemical treatment and a follow-up check, with a results guarantee. At ProDeratisation, our certified technicians respond quickly: request a free quote for a diagnosis within 24 hours.

Alongside an intervention, some preventive equipment — anti-bed-bug mattress covers and detection traps — helps protect your bedding for the long term.