Overview
- Reports that the first sightings were made on September 22 have led to trains being taken out of service and at least three cancellations during the week that followed.
- Southeastern says four trains were reported to have bedbugs, of which two were confirmed, cleaned by contractors and returned to service after inspection.
- Drivers discovered insects in their cabs and on personal bags and internal logs show some refused to operate affected units, with one driver demanding full-body protection that was not available and prompting cancellations.
- Pest-control teams attended the West Marina depot near Hastings where affected cabs were isolated, and standard responses include sealing carriages and specialist heat or fumigation treatments that can be costly and slow.
- The RMT union is pressing for clearer protective measures and better communication, passengers remain anxious about spread, and further service checks or short-notice cancellations are likely while cleaning continues.