# Southeastern railway bedbug infestation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/southeastern-railway-bedbug-infestation
> Updated: 2026-10-17T07:33:33.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

A bedbug infestation has caused significant disruptions to Southeastern railway services in southeast England. Initially, the issue was centered around the West Marina train care depot near Hastings, where insects were found in driver cabs and on staff belongings. This led to staff refusing to work without protective equipment and the temporary sealing of carriages on certain routes between London and Kent.

Following these reports, further service cancellations occurred after suspected bedbugs were seen on a service operating from the Slade Green Depot in Bexley. While staff and internal logs reported an “infestation,” Southeastern has disputed claims of widespread presence in passenger areas. The company stated that specialists inspected carriages and found no evidence of bedbugs among passengers, suggesting that recent sightings might involve other insect species common in colder weather.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-17: Southeastern Railway cancels services over suspected bedbug sightings

Six Southeastern Railway services were cancelled after suspected bedbugs were reported on trains between London and Kent, though the operator disputes a passenger-area infestation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/southeastern-railway-cancels-services-over-suspected-bedbug-sightings

### 2026-10-02: Southeastern railway services disrupted by bedbug infestation

Bedbug infestations in driver cabs have caused train cancellations and service disruptions on Southeastern routes between London and Kent in southeast England.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/southeastern-trains-cancelled-due-to-bedbug-infestation

---
Cite as: Southeastern railway bedbug infestation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/southeastern-railway-bedbug-infestation