There is an infestation of bed bugs in Paris This worries not only Parisians, but also the rest of the French. Moreover, given that it is one of the most touristic cities in the world, this problem is gradually spreading to the rest of the globe. After all, all it takes is a few travel bugs diving into a traveler’s coat or suitcase to spread a plague to another city in the world.
Fortunately, although in some countries bed bugs can transmit diseases such as Chagas disease, this is not the case. They only cause annoying bites, but this does not prevent them from being considered public health problem.
Hence French National Health Agency has already advised travelers to check their hotel beds. They have become one of the main sources of bed bug infestation, along with public transport seats and cinemas. So how can we do this check?
Bed bugs (Cymex lectularium) measure about 5 or 6 millimeters long and 3 millimeters wide., therefore, detecting an infestation by these insects is not as easy as, for example, cockroaches. However, there are certain warning signs to look out for when checking your seats and bedding.
How to Detect a Bed Bugs Infestation
Bed bugs are parasitic insects that they feed on our blood, like other animals. Their greatest activity occurs at night and can be found in fabrics such as bedding, sofas and curtains, as well as in floorboards and other areas of the home.
Unlike the parasitic mites that cause scabies, they are the size allows them to be detected with the naked eye. Yes, they are small, but not microscopic. Additionally, there are several signs that can help us identify them. Here are some of them.
Look for squashed insects
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, one of the warning signs of a bed bug infestation is the presence of spots on the rust colorwhich correspond to bedbugs that have been crushed, for example, by lying or sitting on them.
Bed bug excrement
As with many other pests, droppings are a good indication that an insect is present. In this case they very small black spotswhich can sometimes spread to bedding, leaving a marker-like mark.
Keep an eye on the eggs
If bed bugs are hard to see, their eggs, which are barely larger than normal, can be even harder to spot. millimeter. However, its yellow color This may stand out on some sheets. Also pay attention if you suspect a possible bed bug infestation.
Of course, look for live bedbugs.
If you see an insect of the above size, oval, flat and hairy, moving quickly across the sheets, you probably have bed bug infestation. And if you don’t have one yet, it will soon form if you don’t take action about it.
Bites do not indicate a bed bug infestation.
You may have bites, but this does not necessarily indicate a bed bug infestation in your home. Unlike what happens with lice or scabies mites, Bed bugs do not tend to live on our bodies. Lice cling to hair, and scabies mites burrow into the skin. But bed bugs just bite.
Therefore, we could be in contact with them; but I hope we didn’t take them kit.
However, it is helpful to know how to recognize bed bug bites since you may not have bed bugs in your home; but, one way or another, we were in contact with them. They can be anywhere on the body, but especially in exposed skinfor example, the face, neck or limbs. They appear as inflamed spots, sometimes with a darker center, that are very itchy. Overall they may form irregular lines or clumps.
What should I do if I have bed bugs?
If we arrive at a hotel and discover a bedbug infestation, ideally it is best to leave the room and report it to the front desk. If this is a rental apartment, we should also contact the owner, to give us an alternative.
What if we already have bedbugs at home? In this case, it is important to discover which places are infected and wash fabrics.
These insects can live in a very wide range of temperatures. from 7°C to 45°C. Therefore, it is best to wash as many fabrics as possible at a very high temperature and then dry them, also at a high temperature.
If these are fabrics that cannot be washed, insecticides can be used. However, we should know that many bed bugs They’re already resisting to these products, so if they persist, we will have to consult a pest control professional.
First of all, let’s not panic about the bedbug infestation in Paris. We have been living with these insects for thousands of years, and from time to time the number of pests increases. It’s true that globalization and insecticide resistance aren’t helping anything, but there are still options to combat them. Let’s stay informed, but without fear.
Source: Hiper Textual
