2023-09-29 09:15:20
In France, bedbugs have infested more than 1 in 10 homes in recent years.
What are bedbugs?
Bedbugs are microscopic insects, whose size varies from a pinhead to half a centimeter. They feed mainly on human blood and most often burrow in mattresses, box springs, clothing, etc. and travel in our suitcases, as we travel from one infested place to another. Once they have invaded a new place they are extremely difficult to dislodge …which makes them a real scourge! The problem? If bedbugs had disappeared in the 1950s… they have been back since the 1990s. come-back favored by the evolution of our lifestyles: more nomadism, more second-hand purchases, increasing resistance to insecticides are all factors that have favored the return of these harmful insects into our lives…
Are there bedbugs on the train and the metro?
In recent weeks, reports of bedbugs on public transportation have increased. Parisian trains, buses and metros would be prey to the invader! The evidence ? Testimonies supported by photos, published by the transport users incriminated… and the confirmation of Stéphane Bras, national spokesperson for the Union Chamber of Rodent Control, Disinfection and Disinsection (CS3D) confirming that it is very harmful. For their part, the SNCF and the RATP maintain that these are isolated cases… which does not prevent concern from growing.
Faced with the wave of reports issued by SNCF and RATP users, the Paris town hall called for the implementation of an action plan to resolve this ‘public health problem‘. Clément Beaune, Minister for Transport, announces a counter-offensive once morest bedbugs which would come into action following a meeting with transport operators at the beginning of October. Among the avenues considered:
- Increased information for travelers
- A presentation of the actions implemented
How often, the adage, prevention is better than cure is also valid when it comes to bed bugs! Bed bugs are the size of a flattened apple seed, 4 to 7 mm in length, and range in color from red to dark brown. They like to burrow in dark places and gaps of all kinds… which makes them difficult to spot… Before settling down, you must therefore be sure to carefully inspect your seat:
- inspect the fabric areas of the seat
- inspect with increased vigilance the seams and gaps in the corners particularly appreciated by these insects,
Little purple or translucent dots? Vigilance because it may be urine from bedbugs or their little shells which they shed when they molt.
Bedbugs hate iron …and he is obviously our best ally! Obviously, there is no question of traveling in medieval armor (although!). On the other hand, it can be smart to store your belongings in the luggage racks, above the armchairs, devoid of fabric and made of iron, which will limit the presence of bedbugs.
If in doubt upon arrival, to avoid bringing bedbugs back into their cozy nest, take precautions:
- avoid putting your belongings in contact with bed linen, armchairs, carpet, etc.
- wash what can be washed in hot water (over 60°C), then put the items in the dryer for 30 minutes at maximum heat
- vacuum your suitcases.
Read also
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How do I know if there are bedbugs in my hotel?
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How to treat bedbug bites?
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#Bedbugs #transport
