Paris is facing a significant bed bug crisis, with reports of infestations even on public transportation. In recent months, social media has been flooded with reports of bed bugs in cinemas, hotels, and at Charles de Gaulle Airport. And President Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance Party is preparing to address this issue, with potential legislation to combat the rising cases of bed bug infestations.
The Health Minister, Aurélien Rousseau, has emphasized that there’s no need for public panic, stating that Paris has not been “invaded” by bed bugs.
The Deputy Mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Grégoire, expressed the need for coordinated measures involving health authorities and communities to prevent the risk and act effectively against the infestation.
The increase in bed bugs in late summer is a recurring issue, often linked to travel during July and August. This year, there is a sense of “general psychosis” about the problem.
While there have been videos and reports of bed bugs on public transportation, transport operators RATP and SNCF have stated that no proven cases have been recorded on their services recently.
The French Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) found that one in ten households in France had experienced bed bug infestations from 2017 to 2022. The agency noted that anyone can fall victim to bed bugs, and infestations are not necessarily linked to cleanliness.
Bed bugs feed on blood and bite humans during the night. They can be transported in clothing and luggage, making them a common issue for travelers.
Bed bug infestations have been on the rise due to increased travel and the insects’ growing resistance to insecticides.
Efforts are being made to address this issue and prevent further spread in Paris, especially with the city set to host the 2024 Summer Olympics, which is expected to bring a large number of visitors.
