Bedbugs have reportedly been found in Southeastern train carriages and drivers' cabs across the south of England and London, with one driver refusing to get behind the controls unless given a full hazmat suit. When no suit could be found, two services were cancelled, according to The Telegraph.
Train Runs with Locked Carriages
Another train, nicknamed the 'bedbug express' by staff, ran with two carriages locked to prevent the spread of the pests. It made several journeys between London and Kent on Tuesday (September 29).
However, Southeastern has dismissed suggestions that the problem has spread to passenger carriages.
Company Response
Oly Turner, the train company's head of drivers, said: "We have a great relationship with our drivers, who have helped hugely in cooperating with us over these isolated incidents."
"When we receive reports such as these, we check trains thoroughly before they are put back into service when given the all clear. Cases have been contained to the drivers cabs in only two of our trains and no bed bugs have been identified in areas for passengers."
"We continually carry out robust cleaning across our trains and stations, ensuring our customers and employees can travel safely and with confidence."
Outbreak Source and Health Advice
The company also said it had not found any bedbugs on any of the high speed trains it runs from London St Pancras into Kent. The outbreak has been traced to the West Marina depot, where pest control were pictured recently.
Bedbugs are small insects that often live on furniture or bedding. According to NHS advice, they can bite humans, but other than causing an itch, their bites do not usually cause health problems. If bedbugs are found in bedding, it all must be washed on a high heat — at least 60C — and dried on a high heat for an extended period to kill the bugs and their eggs. They can also live in carpet and skirting boards, which require pest control treatment.
Southeastern has been contacted for comment.
