Britain is facing a pandemic of bedbugs that could leave millions of homes infested.
The number of properties invaded by the biting parasites has shot up by nearly a quarter in the past year alone, according to Rentokil.
The soaring population follows a major epidemic in the United States, where the insects are a bigger problem now than at any time since the Second World War.
Pest controllers fear the crisis will worsen in 2012 when millions of bugs hitch a lift in the luggage and clothing of visitors flying to the London Olympics.
A spokesman for Rentokil said: ‘Bedbugs are becoming more of a pest problem in this country and around the world. New York is experiencing a serious infestation.
‘A recent international survey conducted by the National Pest Management Association and the University of Kentucky suggests the world is on the verge of a bedbug pandemic.’
The number of bedbug jobs tackled by Rentokil in Britain rose by 24 per cent in the first half of the year.
Contrary to common belief, bedbugs are visible to the naked eye – adults are around a fifth of an inch long.
Before feeding they are a flattened oval shape and light brown, but after a blood meal, they swell up to become rounder and darker.
Bugs usually enter homes on clothing, in luggage or in second-hand furniture. They can also move between homes through wall and floor cavities.
The spokesman added: ‘If your home has bedbugs and you live in a flat or a terrace, prompt action should be taken to avoid spreading the infestation to neighbouring properties.’
Pest controllers say it is difficult to get rid of the invaders without professional help, although good standards of hygiene, deep cleaning and over-the-counter pesticides can help.
Numbers of bedbugs declined in the 1980s and 1990s and scientists are unsure why they are making a comeback.
Some believe it is linked to the growth of international travel. Hotels and hostels are notorious hotspots throughout the world.
But there are also concerns that the creature is growing resistant to pesticides.
Earlier this year, the National Pest Technicians Association said bedbugs were its biggest concern.
Telltale signs of an infestation include small blood spots on sheets, stains caused by droppings and a distinctive sweet and sickly smell.
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