After the bed bug infestation that occurred in Paris in October 2023, there was a sense of worry around neighboring cities and countries that the problem might spread, according to Time Magazine.
However, whilst this was only a worry at the time, there is now more concern that the problem may have indeed spread to other areas.
“No one is safe”, Says Paris Deputy Mayor
The Deputy Mayor of Paris has stated that “no one is safe”, in a statement made in early October 2023 when the problem first arose, as reported in Phys Org.
The Prime Minister has also made a promise that they will try to eradicate the problem by June 2024, which is when the Paris Olympic Games are scheduled to begin.
The Outbreak Is Nothing New
While this problem seemingly came out of nowhere, an entomologist from Texas A&M has stated that this outbreak of bed bugs is nothing new and is actually quite common.
Robert Puckett, who is an associate professor and extension entomologist at Texas A&M University, has said there has been a rise in bed bugs worldwide and it has been an ongoing issue for years.
Modern Factors have Caused a Resurgence in Bed Bugs
With this bed bug infestation, many are asking why now. Well, it is due to several factors, some of which are due to our modern way of living, according to Vox.
As many people are living in cities, having warm bodies packed together is a bed bug’s dream. Unless temperatures are extremely hot or extremely cold, bed bugs are going to thrive.
Travel Is One of the Main Contributing Factors
As reported at the time of the outbreak, one issue with controlling the bed bug outbreak is that many people were traveling in and out of Paris from all over the world, potentially taking the bed bugs with them.
This means bed bugs have the opportunity to get into people’s belongings and can end up anywhere in the world, leading to further spread.
Bed Bugs Are Highly Resistant to Insecticides
Another major issue with controlling the bed bug spread is that they have been found to be resistant to some of the main insecticides.
The most commonly used insecticides are pyrethroid and neonicotinoid, and because of this, it is making it harder for the problem to be diminished before getting too out of control.
Bed Bugs Are Difficult to Spot
Due to their size and coloring, being able to notice bed bugs is difficult. They are the size of an apple seed and dark in color unless they’re newly hatched.
Newly hatched bed bugs are light colored and too small to see. Even though the adults are dark in color, due to their flat nature, they can easily be hidden from view.
You Cannot Feel Bed Bugs on Your Skin
While you might think you know a bed bug is on you from an itch on your skin or feeling them crawling on your body, a chemical the bed bug releases prevents you from feeling anything.
The only way you will know that a bed bug has been on you in the night is if you wake up the next morning to find a mosquito-looking bite on your skin, or even a little blood on the sheets.
Bed Bugs Aren’t Dangerous to Your Health
What many may be worried about is how bed bugs could impact their health, but bed bugs are unlikely to cause any damage to your overall health.
However, scratching the bite to the point where the skin breaks can cause infection. Furthermore, those allergic to insect bites could break out in hives, blisters, or intense itching. In these cases, it’s recommended to see a doctor.
Put Your Luggage in the Bathtub
One recommended way of avoiding bed bugs is to put your luggage in the bathtub or on a countertop when you first enter your hotel room.
Because bed bugs are bad at climbing, they will not be able to climb up the side of the bathtub, so you won’t have to worry about them getting into your luggage and coming home with you.
Check the Bed for Telltale Bed Bug Signs
It is also important you check your bed for any signs of bed bugs, as this is where they are most likely to be lurking.
Pull back all the bed sheets. You might be able to see the bed bugs themselves, or potentially some blood stains on the mattress. You should also check any furniture that is next to the bed.
Put Your Clothes Straight in the Wash
Once you are home from your trip, it is important to put all of the clothes you wore on your trip, especially those that were on the bed, straight into the washing machine.
This should prevent you from bringing the bed bugs back into your home. Be sure to include the clothes you are wearing, too.
Bringing Bed Bugs Home Is Unlikely
However, while it might be a big worry that going on a trip somewhere, even if just for a night, could have you bring home unwanted travelers, there’s good news. Experts have said it is unlikely they will end up in your home.
Despite this, it’s still good to take precautions and do any relevant checks just to as a way to remain safe and itch-free.
