Urgent warning over a resurgence of bedbugs - as expert reveals they can become active again over winter

You might think they're a summer pest, but experts have warned there could be a resurgence of bedbugs this winter as people turn their heating on.

Pest specialists say that as people turn their thermostats up, switch on their electric blankets and warm their beds with hot water bottles, the increase in temperature can make bedbugs active again.

'Bedbugs are attracted to body heat, carbon dioxide and human scent,' Indu Kowarthanan, managing director at Pests R Us Ltd, told Which?

'So if you're using the bed, especially with electric blankets or hot water bottles, the warmth can signal that a host is present and prompt them to come out of hiding and feed.'

Typical signs of bedbugs – apart from simply seeing them – include new red, itchy bites on your skin and small brown spots on bedding or furniture.

Ways to prevent the bloodsucking pests include washing your clothing and bedding regularly on a high heat – greater than 45°C for at least 30 minutes.

Experts also recommend inspecting crevices where they could be hiding and vacuuming regularly, as well as getting a mattress protector.

However, it turns out bedbugs aren't the only pest you need to be wary of this winter.

Woodlice

Woodlice often appear in bathrooms, kitchens and under sinks in autumn and winter, as they prefer cool and damp conditions.

While they don't wreak havoc on your home like other pests, their presence can indicate excess moisture which may lead to damp problems.

To prevent them, keep your house warm and dry and try to reduce condensation by using a window vacuum or dehumidifier, Which? said. Removing plant debris from pots and areas close to your house can also reduce damp habitats where woodlice gather.

Mice and rats

Cold winter weather means mice and rats are more likely to venture into your home looking for warmth, food and shelter. In doing so they can damage pipes, walls or electrical wires by chewing through them.

To prevent them, it's best to block holes where they could be gaining access using wire wool embedded in quick–setting cement.

Sealing food in glass containers, keeping bins and bin bags secure, decluttering regularly and not leaving pet food out overnight can also help keep them at bay.

Woodworm

Woodworm are the larvae of the wood–boring beetle, who lay their eggs in cracks, crevices and pores in untreated or damp wood.

While their activity usually slows in winter, they can remain active in warmer, damp wood such as that within a building.

Treatment products can be bought online or in some hardware stores – but the best way to prevent the pest is to treat wooden beams, furniture or other wood structures and reduce humidity within your home.

Grey squirrels

Grey squirrels don't hibernate and may try to find their way into warmer places over the winter months, such as your attic, roof or garage, the experts said.

As well as being noisy and raiding bird feeders, they can potentially cause damage to your home by chewing through cables, timber, insulation and pipes.

Ways to deter them include blocking holes where they could be coming in and removing any tree branches offering access into your home.