2023-10-04 14:42:01
October 4, 2023
Cinemas, trains, hospitals… Bedbugs do not just colonize homes. On social networks, testimonies of people stung in public places are increasing. A situation that not only impacts the skin, but also morale.
Being bitten by bedbugs at the cinema or on the train… These are the mishaps that many Internet users have been recounting for several weeks.
Red bites grouped in itchy clusters. Here is the main reaction to bed bugs. But some, less visible, are just as real. Namely the psychological impact of these mites.
And for good reason, getting rid of these critters is very complex. So logically, in addition to the disgusting idea of sharing your home or leisure spaces with these pests, the time spent trying to get rid of them can drive you crazy. And it’s not a metaphor.
A risk of post-traumatic stress
A study confirmed in 2012 the real impact on the mental health of victims. American researchers from the Mississippi State University had thus observed moderate to severe negative emotional symptoms linked to bedbug bites. Some of these psychological manifestations even went as far as meeting the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the authors.
Other more recent work showed that people living in infested homes might suffer from stress, paranoia, poor sleep, insomnia and depression. Researchers from Purdue University (Indiana, United States) then explained that “ when you have bedbugs, everything changes. You devote all your attention to getting rid of it. » Thus, in the event of a pest infestation in their home, people are 5 times more exposed to anxiety and depressive disorders compared to those who are spared.
Just imagining being in contact with bedbugs can ruin your life. “ Even people who mistakenly thought their home was infested showed increased depression and distanced themselves from others », continue the authors. “ Imagining that something is drinking their blood while they sleep makes people feel vulnerable. »
How to get rid of it?
Obviously, it is difficult to act when the infested place is a cinema or a train. But at home, start by thoroughly vacuuming all the mattresses and every possible corner in and around the beds. Also don’t forget the curtains, the plinths, the back of the paintings… Once the operation is completed, throw away the vacuum cleaner bag immediately.
Ideally, add steam cleaning at 120°C. “The bug does not resist heat”, highlights 60 million consumers. “Cleaning the mattress, carpets, curtains, sofas, furniture with a steam cleaner can help eradicate it. »
For laundry, put everything you can in the machine at over 60°C. “Proceed methodically: transport all bed linen and clothing stored near the bed in large, tightly closed trash bags”describes the consumer association. “Empty these bags directly into the washing machine, then throw the bags away. Same technique with duvets and pillows, which you may take to the laundromat. »
Finally, freezing at -20°C for 72 hours can also help. These insects indeed succumb to the extreme cold.
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Source : University of Montreal – The American Journal of Medicine – 60 million consumers
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Written by : Vincent Roche – Edited by: Emmanuel Ducreuzet
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