Paris Bedbug Infestation Headed To London? All You Need To Know About Symptoms, Signs And Treatment

The final day of Paris Fashion Week was less than glamorous as a "widespread" bed bug epidemic sparked outrage and fear in the French capital.

Authorities in Paris issued a public alert, saying that "no one is safe" as the tiny insects spread throughout the city. There have been several sightings in recent weeks and months on public transportation and in other places.

"Nobody is secure." According to Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Gr¨¦goire, you may run into them anywhere and carry them home without noticing them until they have grown and spread.

Social media videos show insects covering movie theatre seats in large numbers, as well as those on the Paris Metro. A few individuals have also talked about getting bitten by the bugs. So, what can you do to safeguard yourself from a bed bug infestation? Here is all the information you require.

What Are Bedbugs?

Credit: The Independent

Before feeding, bed bugs are tiny, wingless, flat insects that are reddish-brown and about one-quarter inch long (similar in size and shape to a small apple seed).

They hide during the day in cracks and crevices of walls, floors, and furniture, as well as on beds (mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, and headboards).

They emerge in the evening. They can move quickly while crawling but cannot fly or jump.

The presence of wingless parasitic insects is widespread and may be related to increased travel, modifications in pest control methods, and chemical resistance.

Where Do Bedbugs Live And How Do They Thrive?

Credit: The Independent

The presence of wingless parasitic insects is widespread and may be related to increased travel, modifications in pest control methods, and chemical resistance.

Bedbugs are present in:

• Clothes
• Baggage
• Linens
• Boxes
• Chest springs
• Bedspreads
• Bedheads
• Furniture near beds

The Mayo Clinic states that they might also be discovered:

• Wallpaper that is loose or peeling
• Near the baseboards and under the carpet
• Seams in upholstered furniture
• Inside electrical outlets or light switch plates

Bedbugs: How Can You Tell If You Have Them?

Credit: The Independent

It's recommended to keep a look out for two indicators to determine if you have bedbugs:

1. Bites on your body, which appear as little red marks and give rise to itchy welts. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, these welts "usually appear in a zigzag pattern."

2. You should always be on the lookout for bed bug indicators, such as scent, blood dots on bedding, exoskeletons, minuscule black specks, and eggs.

• Odour: According to the AADA, if you smell anything sweet or musty in your bedroom, there may be a serious infestation there.
• Blood specks: Check your bedding, mattress, and furniture for any blood specks; if you find any, the insects may have entered your house.
• Small insects have exoskeletons, which they shed and leave behind. Look for any leftovers on your pillows, mattress, and bedding.
• The little blackish flecks are an indication of bed bug excretion.
• Eggs: According to the AADA's website, female bed bugs lay white, oval eggs in cracks and crevices after mating. Keep an eye out for these since they will be around the size of an apple seed.

What Is The Best Way To Treat Bedbug Bites?

Credit: The Independent

According to the NHS, bed bug bites clear up on their own. It almost takes a week or so to get rid of it fully, but still, there are a few steps that you can take to help you in the recovery process:

• You can put something cold, a damp cloth, or a clean cloth on the affected area to prevent itching and reduce the swelling.
• Just make sure your infected area is clean so that you get no further infection.
• It will be best if you do not scratch the infected area, or else it will leave a mark on your skin.

This cream is not recommended for children below 10 and pregnant women. They must take the advice from the doctors before using this cream.

The NHS advises using antihistamines as a backup plan if the bites are extremely bothersome and keep you up at night.

Bedbug Dos And Don'ts - How To Get Rid Of Them

Credit: Hartz Pest Control

You might need to get in touch with your local council or a pest management firm if you're having trouble getting rid of the microscopic insects on your own.

The following actions can be taken to combat the infestation:

• Please take off the impacted clothing and bedding, wash them on a hot wash setting of 60 degrees, and tumble dry them for at least 30 minutes on a hot setting.
• Another option is to place the contaminated clothing and bedding in a plastic bag and store it in the freezer for 3¨C4 days.
• It's time to step up your cleaning efforts ¡ª "bedbugs are found in both clean and dirty places, but regular cleaning will help you spot them early," the NHS advises.

Here are some things to refrain from doing:

• Try to keep your room as tidy as you can by removing any clutter from the area around your bed.
• Bring used furniture inside only after thoroughly cleaning and inspecting it.
• Only bring clothing or baggage inside the house after thoroughly inspecting it, especially if you've just returned from a place where bedbugs are known to exist.

Will The UK Be Affected By This Bedbug Infestation?

Credit: Planet Natural

The quick response is yes.

Given that bed bugs may live for four to six months and are known to cling to filthy luggage, it's plausible that they could travel to London on the Eurostar in just two hours.

What do you think about it? Do let us know in the comments.

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