Empty classes, users who no longer sit on public transport, potentially infested furniture left in the streets: the government is tackling the issue of bedbugs and trying to stem the psychosis. Some think they have seen one crawling on a train seat or lurking in a cinema seat… Reports of these blood-sucking insects are increasing, without any link to the scale of the phenomenon, according to the authorities, increased tenfold by the virality of the networks social issues, as the Olympic Games approach. The government particularly wants to reassure abroad, while Algeria has just announced “preventive measures” against the spread of these pests. Stressing that there is “no resurgence” of bedbugs, according to Transport Minister Clément Beaune. But now, the damage is done, and the foreign press takes up the refrain under the guise of “French bashing”.
In a few days, the French have become specialists in these insects and their crazy sex life no longer holds any secrets. Measuring between 4 and 7 millimeters, the bedbug resembles its cousin the louse, although a little larger. But a question remains: if we come across them in the metro or on a bus, are we really at risk of bringing them home?
First of all, where do bed bugs live? They can find refuge in hotel rooms, in schools or even in libraries. They like darkness so that they can reproduce in complete tranquility. Slats, box spring, interior complaints, electrical outlets… So many cozy nests, hidden from view, which make them happy. “There is very little chance of being bitten during the day, as they are lucifuge insects”, underlines Léna Polin, entomologist and known under the name of Beetle on YouTube and social networks. Thus, they can hide under the seats of subways and trains.
They prefer to stay hidden in the shadows
However, Léna Polin wants to be reassuring: “there is very little risk of picking up a bedbug when leaving a train”. Online media Numerama goes so far as to say that “there’s probably as much chance of winning the lottery as bringing a bedbug home from the subway.” The insect spends its days drinking blood before quickly returning to hide. In order to feed themselves, bedbugs need time and especially for the person to remain still because they can feed for ten minutes on a single point. “Bed bugs are attracted to our smell. If they lack food, they will migrate towards this type of smell instinctively. Clothes serve as more vessels for them to move from one host to another. But, if they are regularly fed, they have no interest in leaving the place where they are currently”, specifies Léna Polin.
Note that the insect does not live on its host as the tick does. They cannot bear to land on a moving human body. Especially since they don’t jump or fly. She will prefer to stay well hidden behind an armchair, waiting for her next prey. “The main situations where we risk having bedbugs at home are traveling or going to places where we are going to sleep,” maintains Léna Polin. For example, if you place your coat on a bed in an evening context. “If we leave the garment for several hours on a contaminated bed, there is a slightly greater risk,” assures the specialist. Especially since one alone Bedbugs can cause an infestation. We must therefore act quickly.
“A magnifying glass effect”
What if you’re on vacation? The best thing to do is to check the bedding so as not to bring back bedbugs as bad memories. “When you arrive, you can inspect the room, lift the sheets, look for excrement, eggs or traces of invasion… Then we will avoid leaving clothes lying around on the bed and keep your suitcase closed and in height”, advises the specialist. What if a bedbug escaped your attention and nestled in your suitcase? “You can steam it, for example with a steamer or an iron. This will be enough to kill bedbugs. You can also use diatomaceous earth for furniture and surfaces (not for mattresses)”, replies the expert.
What if you see a bedbug on your clothes? Be aware that it cannot withstand extreme temperatures, whether cold or heat. Put them in the freezer or wash at 60°C to get rid of them. Finally, the risk of catching bedbugs in thrift stores and second-hand stores is also low. Especially since the associations know these specimens well and take precautions. And if you have any doubts, nothing stops you from shaking out your clothes on the way or before arriving home.
So is this psychosis around bedbugs justified? “Every year, there is a slight increase, but I think there is above all a magnifying effect. If we were not afraid last year, there is no reason to be afraid this year,” concludes Léna Polin .