Croydon and south London named UK bed bug hotspots

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 06:20 · Archive

Croydon has been ranked the second worst-affected postcode district in Britain for bed bug infestations.

Croydon has been named one of the UK's worst-affected areas for bed bug infestations in new research by JG Pest Control. The analysis examined 34,776 pest-control call-outs with valid postcode districts between October 2025 and October 2026, identifying 4,942 bed bug-related call-outs. Croydon recorded 40 call-outs, making it second nationally behind Islington, which recorded 45.

Several other south London locations also ranked in the top 15 worst-affected areas. Battersea was placed fifth with 40 call-outs, Tooting came seventh, and Southwark and Borough ranked 13th. London dominated the rankings overall, with 13 of the 15 worst-affected districts located in the capital. South London recorded 327 bed bug call-outs during the period analysed.

Researchers identified common factors in affected areas, pointing to dense housing, fast-turnover rental markets, student accommodation and strong transport links as contributing to higher levels of bed bug activity. However, the rankings are based solely on JG Pest Control's attended jobs and do not include council complaints, NHS data or industry-wide figures.

Croydon and south London named UK bed bug hotspots — Image: News Shopper

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How it is being reported

The South London boroughs named Britain's biggest bed bug hotspotsA Southwark postcode district has been named among the UK's biggest bed bug hotspots in a new nationwide ranking.News Shopper · 19 Oct, 18:00
Croydon named one of UK's worst bed bug hotspots in new rankingCroydon has been named one of the UK's worst-hit areas for bed bug infestations in a new nationwide ranking.Croydon Guardian · 19 Oct, 10:51

In this story: Croydon · Islington · London · Battersea · Tooting · Southwark and Borough · JG Pest Control

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