France Grapples with Bedbug Scare Amid Preparations for Hosting Summer Olympics

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These nocturnal pests crawl silently, feed on human blood, and have the capacity to travel from one person to another via clothing or luggage. Their prevalence has been particularly felt in public places such as subways and movie theaters. Bedbugs have become an unwelcome obsession that has plagued France for several weeks.

Obliged to address this growing public concern, especially with the forthcoming Olympic Games scheduled to take place in just over nine months—an event that could exacerbate the issue—the government has actively intervened.

Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has convened a ministerial meeting set for Friday to formulate a strategy to manage the bedbug dilemma. Earlier in the week, Transport Minister Clement Beaune engaged with various transportation agencies to draft an action plan for surveillance and sanitation, attempting to mitigate what some regard as a mass hysteria fomented by media coverage.

Pest control professional Lucas Pradalier was seen inspecting for bedbugs in a residential apartment in Paris on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.

Transport Minister Beaune informed the press that recent allegations of 37 instances in buses and Metro systems, and another dozen on trains, have turned out to be baseless. Additionally, viral videos circulating on social media depicting the pests have been discredited.

While it is true that bedbugs have been a perennial issue both in France and globally, their resilience is alarming. The insects, roughly the size of an apple seed, are adept at mobility and have developed increasing resistance to pesticides. More disconcertingly, they can survive for up to a year without feeding.

Jean-Michel Berenger, an entomologist at Mediterranee University Hospital in Marseille, noted that these pests are not deterred by lack of nourishment. The carbon dioxide emitted by humans “reactivates” them, prompting their return to feed on blood.

Berenger observed that bedbugs have pervasively infiltrated media coverage.

However, a real underpinning to the growing dread exists. According to a report by the National Agency for Health and Food Safety, over 10% of households in France reported bedbug infestations between 2017 and 2022. Many people are reluctant to disclose such information, fearing social stigmatization. Experts emphasize that silence is counterproductive, as bedbugs do not discriminate based on social standing or living conditions.

The demand for extermination services is surging. Typically, the detection process starts with specially trained dogs sniffing for the unique scent emitted by bedbugs. Upon confirmation of an infestation, technicians deploy high-temperature steam treatment. The French government even advises victims to freeze their clothes as a preventive measure.

Kevin Le Mestre, director of pest control firm Lutte Antinuisible, noted that public awareness has led to a spike in service calls. Previously, people would often ignore bite symptoms, but now immediate action is taken.

Public anxiety escalated about a month ago following reports of bedbugs in a Parisian cinema. Videos showing the pests in public transportation were also disseminated on social media platforms.

Politicians from both socialist and centrist factions are contemplating legislation to counter the bedbug problem. Far-left lawmaker Mathilde Panot recently brandished a vial of bedbugs in Parliament to criticize what she perceives as government inaction.

Bedbugs had largely been eradicated through the use of now-prohibited potent insecticides but made a comeback in the 1950s, especially in densely populated areas. Their resurgence poses a considerable challenge for the upcoming Paris Olympics.

Transport Minister Beaune expressed optimism that measures could alleviate public concern, but conceded, “These bedbugs are a nightmare.”

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Contributions to this report were made by Big Big News journalist Alex Turnbull in Paris.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bedbug Infestation in France

More about Bedbug Infestation in France

• National Agency for Health and Food Safety Report on Bedbugs
• Official Statement from Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Bedbug Crisis
• Transport Ministry’s Action Plan on Public Transportation Sanitation
• Ipsos Poll on French Household Infestations
• World Health Organization Guidelines on Bedbug Control
• French Government’s Recommendations for Bedbug Victims
• Marseille Mediterranee University Hospital Research on Bedbugs
• Paris Olympics Organizing Committee Statement on Health and Safety Measures
• Profile of Lutte Antinuisible, Pest Control Company in France
• Historical Context of Bedbug Infestations Worldwide