Bed bugs, parasitic nocturnal insects, can cause annoyance and worry. Europe, especially Paris, faces a rise in infestations, raising questions about their spread…

Bed bugs , scientifically known as "Cimex lectularius", are small parasitic insects that feed on human blood and that of other mammals. These insects get their name from their nocturnal behavior of feeding on the blood of people while they sleep, often hiding in the corners of beds, mattresses and cracks in furniture.
<h2 class="p1" style="text-align: center;">Here are some characteristics of bed bugs&hellip;</h2>
 1. Appearance : Adult bed bugs are similar to an apple seed in size, with a brown, flat, oval colour. After feeding on blood, they become more swollen and can take on a brownish-red color;
2. Nocturnal behavior : Bed bugs are nocturnal and prefer to feed on blood during the night hours when people are at rest. This behavior makes them difficult to spot during the day, when they hide in cracks, crevices, bed fabrics, mattresses or other dark, hidden places near their human hosts;
3. What they feed on : Their main food is human blood, but they can also feed on the blood of other domestic mammals, such as dogs and cats. After a blood meal, they can remain full for several days or weeks;
4. Signs of presence : Common signs of the presence of bed bugs include blood stains on sheets or mattresses (caused when they are crushed), dark-colored stool or excrement stains, and itchy bites on people's skin.
Bed bugs are not considered dangerous to human health, but their bites can cause irritation, itching and sometimes serious allergic reactions.
<h2 class="p1" style="text-align: center;">How to eliminate bed bugs?</h2>
Eliminating bed bugs often requires the intervention of pest control professionals and preventative measures to prevent their return. It is important to isolate the infested area to prevent bed bugs from spreading further, remove infested objects, and close doors or seal spaces to prevent them from moving to other rooms.
<h2 class="p1" style="text-align: center;">The situation in Europe&hellip;</h2>
In recent times, these annoying insects are emerging as a growing concern in Europe. Recently, Paris has faced an explosion of bed bug infestations, sparking alarm and raising questions about whether this problem could soon spread to England, particularly London .
In Paris, this invasion has raised a number of troubling questions and has been declared a national health emergency. The French authorities are doing their best to contain the problem. Now, the focus is on England, and experts are already warning that these bed bugs could soon invade British cities too. Their ability to develop resistance to pesticides and their ability to hide in travellers' suitcases make these pests particularly difficult to manage.
<h2 class="p1" style="text-align: center;">How to identify bed bugs&hellip;</h2>
As already mentioned, bed bugs are nocturnal, usually apple seed sized, and brown. However, the size may vary depending on the stage of development. Direct sightings of bed bugs may not be common, but their bites can cause itching, redness, and sometimes rashes.
<h2 class="p1" style="text-align: center;">What is the relationship between tourism and bed bugs?</h2>
Hotels and Airbnbs play a significant role in the spread of bed bugs, as they are ideal places for these pests due to the high rate of guest turnover. In fact, if you are facing an infestation in these places, it is essential to inform yourself about the situation immediately. Hotels, in particular, host large numbers of people from different parts of the world, which gives bed bugs the opportunity to be transported from one location to another. It seems to be the constant flow of guests that makes it difficult for hotel staff to effectively prevent infestations. Even houses and apartments offered on platforms like Airbnb can be vulnerable to bed bugs. Homeowners may have difficulty controlling and preventing bed bug infestations, especially if they are not present in the property during every guest changeover. In this case, the responsibility for preventing and dealing with bed bug infestations can be shared between the apartment owner and guests. It is important that everyone understands their part in prevention.

And you, have you ever had a close encounter with bed bugs or do you have experiences to share regarding how to deal with this emergency?

Bed Bugs: A Growing Crisis in Europe, Posing Threat to Paris and Potential Risk for London

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