Numerous videos shared on social media in recent weeks show significant bedbug infestations on Parisian public transport, forcing politicians to act to counter this scourge less than a year before the Summer Olympics.
Whether in the metro, the TGV, cinemas or even at the airport, bedbugs have been seen in many places in the French capital.
Screenshot – REUTERS
Several public transport users interviewed by Reuters said they were worried about the resurgence of these harmful insects.
“It really traumatized me in a sense that I’m currently hanging a [TGV] and it’s true that I’m not at peace there, explains Laura Mmadi. I keep my suitcases closed to possibly prevent it from coming into my house.”
Screenshot – REUTERS
“It stressed me out because this morning I had to take the train and I wondered if I was going to find any,” says Sophie Ruscica. It chilled me a little, but at the same time I know that you can also find them in cinemas, ultimately almost everywhere.”
Screenshot – REUTERS
This situation pushes the French government to act to reassure the population.
The government announced on Friday a meeting next week with transport operators to “act more” against these insects and “protect” travelers.
“I will bring together transport operators next week to provide information on the actions undertaken and act more to serve travelers. To reassure and protect,” wrote Minister Delegate for Transport Clément Beaune on the social network X (formerly Twitter).
The Paris town hall on Thursday demanded from the government “an action plan” against bedbugs, expressing alarm at a “significant resurgence” of this parasitic species. The town hall particularly wishes to organize “pest control conferences”.
“The State must urgently bring together all the stakeholders concerned in order to deploy an action plan commensurate with this scourge as the whole of France prepares to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024,” wrote Emmanuel Grégoire, first deputy to Mayor Anne Hidalgo, in a letter to Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne.
As for the “cost of covering the treatment of this type of pest, it could fall under home insurance contracts,” Mr. Grégoire estimated Friday morning on the BFMTV channel.
Screenshot – REUTERS
Disappeared from daily life in the 1950s, these insects have made a comeback over the past thirty years in many developed countries thanks to increasingly nomadic lifestyles and consumption favoring second-hand purchases. and increasing resistance to insecticides.
The size of an apple seed, they feed at night, mainly on human blood, most often hide in mattresses or box springs, and are transported in clothing and luggage.
To eliminate them, careful cleaning of the infested area is essential and the use of a specialized pest control service is often necessary.
See footage in the video above