Bed Bugs and Other Pests – A Growing Problem in the Nordics

Over the past two decades, pests such as bed bugs, cockroaches, and other insects have made a clear comeback in the Nordic countries. In particular, the bed bug (Cimex lectularius) has increased due to international travel, tourism, and the trade of second-hand furniture.

Bed Bugs – Small Travelers That Follow You Home

Bed bugs are small, flat insects that feed on human blood. They prefer to hide in mattresses, bed frames, luggage, and clothing—and are commonly spread through travel and overnight stays in hotels, hostels, and cruise ships.

A single fertilized female can start a new infestation in a home. Because bed bugs can survive for several months without feeding, they are extremely difficult to eliminate without professional help (Folkhälsomyndigheten, 2024).

Although bed bugs do not transmit diseases, they can cause discomfort, sleep disturbance, stress, and sometimes skin reactions. Their presence can also result in significant pest control costs.

The Sharp Increase of Bed Bugs in the Nordics

After being nearly eradicated in the 1980s and 1990s, bed bugs have increased dramatically since the early 2000s.

In Sweden, Anticimex reported that the number of treatments rose from fewer than 1,000 cases in 2006 to over 17,000 in 2019—an increase of more than 1,500% (Anticimex, 2024).

During the pandemic, travel decreased and treatment numbers temporarily dropped. However, bed bugs remain widespread across the country. In 2024, approximately 9,000 treatment cases were reported in Sweden—still significantly higher than in the early 2000s.

Norway and Finland have also seen clear increases. In Norway, reported cases quadrupled between 2005 and 2013 (ScienceNorway.no, 2013). In Finland, the tourism sector reports that bed bugs are now detected monthly in Lapland—a phenomenon that was almost unknown just 15 years ago (NordicMarketing, 2023).

Other Pests Are Also Increasing

In addition to bed bugs, Nordic pest control companies report growing problems with rats, mice, cockroaches, and ants, particularly in urban areas. Milder winters, denser construction, and increased transportation contribute to faster spread and longer survival of these pests (Anticimex, 2023).

Why Freeze Luggage and Textiles?

Bed bugs and their eggs die in freezing temperatures. Freezing is therefore an effective, environmentally friendly, and chemical-free way to prevent the spread of infestations.

At –18°C (0°F) or colder, items must be frozen for at least 72 hours to ensure that all life stages of the bed bug are eliminated (Folkhälsomyndigheten, 2024).

BagFreeze offers travelers a safe and simple solution: by freezing luggage after returning home, the risk of bringing bed bugs, larvae, or other pests into the home is significantly reduced.

It's a simple way to protect both your home and your memories.

Sources:

• Anticimex (2024). Vägglössen minskar i Sverige – saneringarna har halverats på fem år.
  https://www.anticimex.se/nyhetsrum/vaegglossen-minskar-i-sverige-saneringarna-har-halverats-pa-fem-ar

• Folkhälsomyndigheten, Norge (2024). Bed bugs – advice and control.
  https://www.fhi.no/en/pe/skadedyrveilederen/bedbugs/bed-bugs-

• ScienceNorway.no (2013). Unwanted hitchhikers find a home in Norway.
  https://www.sciencenorway.no/forskningno-hygiene-insects/unwanted-hitchhikers-find-a-home-in-norway/1413743

• NordicMarketing (2023). Finnish Lapland takes preventative measures against bedbug incidents.
  https://www.nordicmarketing.de/en/blog/finnish-lapland-takes-preventative-measures-against-bedbug-incidents

• Anticimex (2023). Skadedjursstatistik 2023.
  https://www.anticimex.se/nyhetsrum/anticimex-skadedjursstatistik-2023/

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