When a home is infested with Bedbugsit is better first to try other methods of control than insecticides because the latter are the cause of many poisoning, warned the French health authorities on Wednesday. “To get rid of bed bugs, and before resorting to insecticides (…), it is recommended to first favor non-chemical means”, a recalled in a press release l’National Health Security Agency (Considered).
Insecticides deemed “ineffective or even dangerous”
Bedbugs are insects whose bites cause itching, among other things, which develop in mattresses and sheets, as well as furniture and nooks. While they had practically been eradicated in France in the middle of the 20th century, the phenomenon is experiencing a resurgence. According to a study by Ministry of Health in 2020, bed bugs are the cause of 70,000 annual consultations with the general practitioner.
Faced with this problem, people often feel helpless and sometimes try to fight bedbugs directly using insecticides. But this method is risky, because such products can be “unsuitable”, “ineffective or even dangerous”, warns ANSES. Between 2007 and 2021, it reports that 1,056 cases of poisoning were recorded following the use of insecticides once morest bed bugs, one of which resulted in the death of a child.
Contact a specialist in case of failure
The authorities therefore recommend instead to vacuum all surfaces of the accommodation very closely – and then clean the device while immediately throwing the bag outside. Another tip: go to the washing machine for clothes and household linen, at more than 55°C, even if this temperature risks damaging certain clothes. If people don’t have a machine, they can put their clothes in the freezer for three days.
ANSES also recommends cleaning the corners of the accommodation with a steamer, at more than 120°C, reminding us that one can be found for hire. This operation normally destroys bedbugs, regardless of their stage of development. “If this fails, it is recommended to contact a pest control specialist rather than applying the insecticide products yourself,” insists the agency.
