Don’t let the bedbugs bite.
There’s something nasty going on in France. Paris is reporting a serious bedbug infestation that has taken over buses, the metro, theaters, and Charles de Gaulle Airport. Travelers and locals are sharing videos of these little critters crawling all over the capital city, which is wildly concerning with the Paris Olympics planned for 2024.
France’s Bugging Problem
Bedbugs are small, reddish-brown flat insects that feed on human blood. During the day, the bugs hide in wallpapers, box springs, bed boxes, headboards, and crevices, and come out at night to bite. Although they don’t spread diseases, some people have allergic reactions from their bites, and these critters can also cause psychological issues, including anxiety, hypervigilance, sleep deprivation, and post traumatic stress disorder.
In France, more than one in 10 households were affected by bedbugs between 2017 and 2022 according to a study by the Anses, France’s Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health & Safety. The agency also reported that there has been an increase in infestations due to the rise in travel and resistance of insecticides. “In 2019, the health cost was €83 million for the French population, including €79 million associated with a decline in quality of life, sleep disorders, and effects on mental health, €1 million linked to work stoppages, and around €3 million for physical care.”
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Emmanuel Gregoire, the Deputy Mayor of Paris, said, “You have to understand that in reality no one is safe, obviously there are risk factors but in reality, you can catch bedbugs anywhere and bring them home.” He confirmed that fumigation companies have seen an uptick in requests in the recent weeks, but warned against hysteria.
Clement Beaune, Transport Minister of France, said that he was convening a meeting with public transport operators to inform them about counter-measures and help protect travelers. Parisian metro operator RATP is being “vigilant” about the problem and confirmed that there have been no confirmed sightings in the past few days. Eurostar has confirmed that it is taking preventative measures to ensure that the problem doesn’t spread from Paris to other destinations, including London.
How to Prevent Bringing Them Home
Bedbugs are a universal problem. They have no relation to hygiene or wealth—anyone can get them. From cheap hostels, Airbnbs, and public transportation to five-star hotels and fine-dining restaurants, the infestation can happen anywhere. If you end up bringing them home, getting rid of them is a costly affair with professional services running bills of up to $5,000. This disproportionately affects people in the lower-income bracket who cannot afford to treat their homes.
The problem is that bedbugs can travel with you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains, “The bed bugs travel in the seams and folds of luggage, overnight bags, folded clothes, bedding, furniture, and anywhere else where they can hide. Most people do not realize they are transporting stow-away bed bugs as they travel from location to location, infecting areas as they travel.”
Whether you’re flying to Paris or Chicago (which is also notorious for it), there are some things you can do to keep your home safe from an infestation.
Related: Hotels Aren’t the Only Spot to Worry About Bedbugs — These Are the Other Places They Lurk
When you check into a hotel or an Airbnb, check the bed, furniture, and blankets for signs of bed bug excrement (blackish in color) and shell-like remains. Don’t keep your suitcase on the floor—use the rack. If you notice any insects, ask your room to be changed. On public transportation, check before you sit on upholstered seats—standing may be better in Paris right now—and don’t let your jacket touch the floor.
Once you’re home, check for signs of bed bugs and don’t dump your suitcase on the bed or store it under the bed. Wash all your clothes in the washing machine on a high temperature and dry them in a dryer—even the ones you didn’t wear. American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests, “If you cannot wash something in a washing machine, you can either place it in a hot dryer or seal the items in a plastic garbage bag. If you seal items in a garbage bag, leave the bag securely closed in an extremely cold or hot place for a few months.”
What you should also know is that bedbug infestations can be treated. So, if you notice the creepy crawlers at home, get professional help to exterminate the problem. Check the United States Environmental Protection Agency website for more information.