The spread of bedbugs in Europe and Finland: why freezing is the safest solution
Bedbugs have returned to Europe – and now to Finland. In recent years, these small, nocturnal blood-sucking insects have made headlines across Europe, causing grey hairs in hotels, homes and public spaces. In 2025, the number of bedbugs will also increase at a record rate in Finland (Yle, 2025; MTV Uutiset, 2025).
Many Finns have already encountered bedbugs in their luggage, hotels or their own homes. Getting rid of bedbugs can be difficult – but one method has proven to be both effective and safe : freezing .
Bedbugs are now spreading throughout Europe
The “re-emergence” of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) is a global phenomenon. In the 1950s, bed bugs were almost eradicated thanks to pesticides, but today they are back stronger than ever (Jones, 2023).
In France, one in ten households has experienced bedbugs in recent years (Académie Nationale de Médecine, 2024), and in Britain , pest control companies reported a 23% increase in bedbug infestations during 2023 (Clarke, 2024). Paris experienced a real bedbug wave in the fall of 2023, when bedbugs were found in metros, hotels and cinemas just before the Olympics (Schofield, 2023; Chrisafis, 2023).
This made Europeans realize that this was not a local problem – bedbugs were now spreading in almost all major cities.
The growth of bedbugs in Finland – a problem no longer rare
Bedbugs were a rare problem in Finland for a long time, but in recent years the situation has changed rapidly. In 2025, pest control companies are treating properties for bedbugs every week , and the problems are particularly concentrated in large cities such as Helsinki, Tampere and Turku (MTV Uutiset, 2025). According to Yle, bedbugs are now spreading in apartment buildings and rental apartments , where they can move through the structures to neighboring apartments (Yle, 2025). Tampere has even introduced a special “bedbug oven”, where clothes and shoes are treated at temperatures above 60 °C – but an equally effective method is also cold: freezing (Yle, 2025). The City of Helsinki warns that bedbugs often come with tourists . The seams of suitcases, textiles and shoes are the most common places where bedbugs hide (City of Helsinki, 2025).
Why are bedbugs spreading so quickly now?
Several factors contribute to the prevalence of bedbugs:
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Growth in tourism – Travel has increased since the coronavirus pandemic, and bedbugs are also moving from country to country in suitcases and accommodations (ANSES, 2023).
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Weakening of pesticide efficacy – Bed bugs have developed resistance to the most common pesticides, so chemical treatments are no longer as effective (Jones, 2023).
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Circulation of used goods – Second-hand furniture and recycled goods can contain bedbugs if not handled properly (ANSES, 2023).
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Dense living – Urban apartment buildings and rental apartments facilitate the spread of bedbugs between apartments (Yle, 2025).
Why freezing works – and why it's the safest solution
Scientific studies have shown that bed bugs die permanently when exposed to temperatures of -18°C or colder for a sufficient period of time (Jones, 2023). The cold kills both adult bed bugs and eggs – unlike many chemical pesticides, which leave the eggs alive and allow for reinfestation.
Freezing is:
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100% chemical-free – safe for people, pets and belongings.
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A scientifically proven method for eliminating bed bugs.
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Suitable for almost all items : suitcases, clothes, mattress covers, books and even electronics can be treated properly by freezing.
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Also effective against hidden bedbugs , which can live for weeks without food.
When the temperature is lowered to at least -18°C and the items are kept there for several days, bedbugs and their eggs are guaranteed to die (Académie Nationale de Médecine, 2024).
Homemade freezing is not always enough
Many people try to get rid of bedbugs with a home freezer, but home appliances don't always reach low enough temperatures or consistent conditions. Additionally, the insides of items – such as the lining of a suitcase or the construction of furniture – can become too warm.
A professional freezing service provides a consistent and controlled treatment that ensures all stages of bedbug development are destroyed. Pakastus.fi uses industrial-grade freezing equipment that reaches and maintains a temperature of -25°C long enough to kill eggs and hidden individuals.
When is freezing the best option?
Freezing is particularly suitable when:
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you suspect bedbugs in your suitcase or textiles ,
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you have bought used furniture ,
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you want to ensure that the furniture in the apartment is free of bedbugs after the treatment ,
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or you want to prevent the spread of bed bugs back home after a trip.
By freezing the items in a professional's facility, you save time, nerves, and money - and above all, you ensure that the problem is completely eliminated.
Finally: the safest solution is cold
Bed bug control requires precision, and using the wrong methods often makes the problem worse. Freezing is a natural, effective, and safe way to get rid of bed bugs – without chemicals or risks.
If you suspect bedbugs in your home, suitcase, or used furniture, don't wait – bring them to Pakastus.fi for treatment. We will make sure that all bedbugs and their eggs are killed.
About us – Pakastus.fi
Pakastus.fi is a Finnish, environmentally friendly company that specializes in bedbug control through industrial freezing . With our service, you can safely bring us suitcases, textiles, clothes and furniture , which we process at a controlled temperature of -25 °C. Our method is chemical-free, effective and scientifically proven , and with it we have helped numerous customers make their homes and luggage bedbug-free again.
Read more and book a freezing service: www.pakastus.fi
Sources
Académie Nationale de Médecine (2024). Bedbugs in 2024: realities, risks, and deceptions .
Press release 5.4.2024.ANSES (2023). Bed bugs in 13 questions . ANSES, 5.10.2023.Chrisafis, A. (2023).
Bedbug crisis Sparks political row in Paris as insect 'scourge' continues . The Guardian, 29/9/2023.Clarke, J. (2024).
Bed bug callouts up 23% in 2023, figures suggest . Evening Standard, 4/4/2024.
City of Helsinki (2025). Bedbugs travel with tourists – this is how you can protect yourself from infection . Updated 8.1.2025.
Jones, B. (2023). It's not just Paris. There's a “global resurgence” of bedbugs . Vox Media, 15/10/2023.
MTV News (2025). Don't make this mistake if you suspect bedbugs in your home – expert warns of a common mistake . 15.1.2025.
Rana, A. & Shabong, Y. (2023). Bedbug inquiries are on the rise in the UK, says Pest control firm Rentokil .
Reuters, 19/10/2023.Scheffler, K. (2023). German Pest controllers assure no need to worry about bedbugs .
DPA/The Local, 12/10/2023.Schofield, H. (2023). Bedbug Panic sweeps Paris as infestations soar before 2024 Olympics . BBC News, 3 October 2023.
Yle (2025). Bedbugs are increasing in Finland – control companies warn of a rapidly spreading problem . 4.8.2025.