France is grappling with a growing bedbug crisis, prompting concern from officials about its impact on next year’s Olympic Games.
Paris city hall has emphasized the urgency of addressing the invasion of these bloodsucking insects. The country has witnessed a surge in panic and revulsion as travelers share images and videos allegedly showing bedbugs on public transport, high-speed trains, and even at Charles de Gaulle airport.
The bedbug issue has also made its presence felt in the Maltese islands, according to Arnold Sciberras, a local biologist and exterminator. He attributes the increase in bedbug reports to the rise in tourism, suggesting that foreigners from infected countries like the UK, France, and Poland unintentionally bring these pests along with them.
Bedbugs, scientifically known as Cimex lectularius or “Baqqa” in Maltese, feed on human blood, primarily at night. Their bites can lead to skin rashes, psychological effects, and allergic symptoms. Sciberras explains that these bites don’t transmit infectious diseases, but they can cause discomfort and various health issues.
Eliminating bedbugs is challenging, as they can survive without feeding for up to 500 days. Professional treatments, such as heating rooms for over 90 minutes, frequent vacuuming, high-temperature clothing washing, and the use of specific pesticides, may be necessary. Sciberras advises against acquiring second-hand furniture and leaving foreign luggage overnight as precautionary measures to prevent infestations.
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