The only thing worse than a bug infestation is when those bugs have taste. Just before Paris Fashion Week, reports emerged of a growing number of bedbug sightings in various locations, including homes, cinemas, trains, and even hospitals.
This has raised concerns about the safety of travel to and from Paris, as well as prompted discussions on how to prevent further infestations and whether these critters have already taken residence in our mattresses.
As the Olympics draw near and Paris anticipates millions of visitors, the influx of widely publicized accounts of bedbug infestations has exerted substantial pressure on French authorities.
From 2017 to 2022, over 10% of French households documented bedbug infestations, as stated by ANSES, the French health and safety agency. ANSES also attributes the recent increase in bedbug infestations to a notable upturn in travel and the growing resistance of bedbugs to insecticides.
Bedbugs are not a sign of bad hygiene, and while they are a whole ordeal, they do not transmit diseases.
Stéphane Bras, a representative of CS3D, a trade association for pest control, expressed appreciation for the increasing awareness regarding bedbugs. However, he pointed out that the focus had been primarily directed towards public spaces, which, in reality, are not as heavily infested as private homes.
While the number of pests may be up in Paris, the explosion of national anxiety over them far outpaces their growth.
Bedbugs were once a common occurrence before World War II, but their presence dramatically declined with the use of DDT, a potent synthetic insecticide. However, due to its enduring harmful effects on both animals and humans, DDT was banned in the United States and France during the 1970s.
Despite their temporary decline, these flat, brown insects, approximately the size of an apple seed, experienced a global resurgence in the 1990s. This resurgence was primarily driven by factors like pesticide resistance, the growing popularity of secondhand shopping, and increased international travel since they can easily hitch a ride on your luggage, clothing, or other personal items.
Rumors quickly began spreading online of bedbug infestations in other major European cities while anxiety heightened around them hitching a ride on designer gowns back to the states. It seems like there’s nothing to worry about, but we know we are preaching to a choir of overthinkers.
Regardless of whether you’re planning on having a European holiday anytime soon, here are some things you should know about bedbugs:
Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not attracted to dirt or clutter. They are attracted to the carbon dioxide and body heat that humans and animals emit, which is why they are often found in sleeping areas. While they may be gross to see and you may feel gross if you find yourself in an infestation, their presence doesn’t speak to your cleanliness or that of the establishment.
Bed bug bites are not always immediately noticeable. Not everyone reacts to bed bug bites, and some people may not develop visible bite marks for several days or even weeks after being bitten. Plus, they can survive without feeding for months. This ability to survive without feeding makes them difficult to eliminate.
Upon returning from a trip, if you suspect a bed bug infestation, your first step should be to isolate and contain your belongings. Keep your luggage and personal items in a designated area, ideally away from your bedroom or living spaces to prevent the bugs from spreading—maybe a place without fabric like a bathtub.
Clothing, bedding, and linens that you suspect have been in contact with bed bugs should be washed in hot water, with a temperature of at least 120°F (49°C) to kill any bed bugs and their eggs. After washing, make sure to dry them on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes.
While getting rid of them may be tough, there’s plenty of time for France to handle it before the Olympics and plenty of time for you to forget about the problem entirely before your next vacation.
