Bedbugs hit university students

The number of reported infestations has increased since 1995

A university is fumigating student accommodation after an infestation of bedbugs in halls of residence in Devon.

Pest control experts were called in to the University of Exeter accommodation after about eight students reported they had been bitten.

A treatment programme is under way in the affected rooms and nearby areas.

A university spokesman said the outbreak was not the result of poor hygiene and the bugs had probably been brought in on someone's clothes.

Bedbugs feed on blood, but can survive for many months without food. Bites are usually no more than a nuisance, although some people can develop an allergic reaction.

Carbon dioxide

The nocturnal pests are attracted by exhaled carbon dioxide.

As well as beds, the bugs can also hide in the seams of sofas and stuffed chairs, in the lining of wallpaper or cracks in floorboards - anywhere which is warm and dark.

They were thought to have been almost eradicated 40 years ago, but there has been an increase in reports of infestations, both in Britain and other developed countries since 1995.

Some experts believe the insects may have developed a resistance to some pesticides.

Since 1995 there has been an unexpected increase in reports of infestation in Britain, the US and other developed countries.

Earlier this month, St Luke's Science and Sports College in Exeter was closed and fumigated following an infestation of fleas.