Bedbugs in France: A growing national epidemic?

In recent years, the number of hotels and public spaces infested with bedbugs has been steadily increasing. Even **while the bedbug plague had disappeared during the 1960s, it is now making a major comeback**, bringing its various complications along with it.

Public spaces, the primary targets

Across France, the discovery of bedbugs in public spaces has caused massive disruptions. While a student residence in Nice was evacuated following an infestation, it is worth noting that in Nantes, an establishment that was the last place anyone would suspect was also hit by an infestation.

Indeed, last September, the Nantes University Hospitals were infested by these pests and patients had been forced to receive treatment in tents right outside the hospital. For one week, the hospital underwent disinfection and was placed under quarantine to prevent the spread of these pests. It is also important to note that bedbugs can hide in public transportation and hitchhike from person to person until they reach a home. This is a true scourge that has put both the government and local municipalities on high alert.

What explains such a surge?

It is important to note that, much like other insects and pests, bed bugs can be treated with insecticides, specifically organophosphates or DDT. This insecticide, which was used extensively throughout the 1950s and 60s, has been banned since the 1970s due to environmental and health concerns. In response to this, bed bugs have once again resurfaced in the spotlight.

Furthermore, it is also important to note that global trade and mass tourism have contributed to the proliferation of these pests. When questioned on the matter, the site manager antipunaises.fr, specializing in pest control, had stated that “The growth of tourism is driving people to travel more and more, and consequently bringing these pests back in their luggage. As a result, bedbugs are primarily concentrated in major cities such as Paris, London, and New York.”

The ARS also supports this position, noting that international travel is believed to contribute to the spread of bedbugs across major cities. Hotels are the most heavily impacted, as these establishments continuously host tourists arriving from all corners of the globe.

What about the health risks?

While bedbugs do not cause specific diseases, the itching can lead to psychological distress and disrupt the daily lives of those living in an infested home. In some individuals, they may trigger allergic reactions. In such cases, it is advisable to consult your primary care physician. However, when the infestation has reached an advanced stage, it is best to treat the premises to restore peace of mind.