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.
Paris authorities issued a public alert, saying “no one is safe” as the tiny insects spread across the city. There have been several sightings in recent weeks and months on public transport and elsewhere.
“No one is safe.” According to Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire, you can run into them anywhere and take them home without realizing it until they have grown and spread.
Videos on social media show insects covering the seats in movie theaters in large numbers, as well as those on the Paris metro. Some people have also talked about being bitten by insects. So what can you do to protect yourself from a bed bug infestation? Here you have all the information you need.
Jump to
- What are bed bugs?
- Where do bed bugs live and how do they thrive?
- Bed Bugs: How do you know if you have them?
- What is the best way to treat bed bug bites?
- Bed Bug Dos and Don’ts: How to Get Rid of Them
- Will the UK be affected by this bed bug infestation?
What are bed bugs?
Credit: The Independent
Before feeding, bed bugs are small, flat, wingless insects that are reddish brown and about a quarter of an inch long (similar in size and shape to a small apple seed).
They hide during the day in cracks and crevices in walls, floors and furniture, as well as in beds (seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames and headboards).
They emerge at night. They can move quickly while crawling, but cannot fly or jump.
The presence of parasitic wingless insects is widespread and may be related to increased travel, modifications in pest control methods, and chemical resistance.
Where do bed bugs live and how do they thrive?
Credit: The Independent
The presence of parasitic wingless insects is widespread and may be related to increased travel, modifications in pest control methods, and chemical resistance.
Bed bugs are present in:
- Clothes
- luggage
- linens
- Boxes
- chest springs
- Quilts
- bed headboards
- Furniture near the beds
The Mayo Clinic states that you can also discover:
- Loose or Peeling Wallpaper
- Near baseboards and under carpet.
- Seams in upholstered furniture.
- Inside electrical outlets or light switch plates.
Bed Bugs: How do you know if you have them?
Credit: The Independent
It is recommended to pay attention to two indicators to determine if you have bed bugs:
1. Bites on the body, which appear as small red marks and lead to itchy welts. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, these hives “usually appear in a zigzag pattern.”
2. You should always be on the lookout for bed bug indicators, such as odors, blood spots on bedding, exoskeletons, tiny black specks, and eggs.
- Smell: According to the AADA, if you smell something sweet or musty in your bedroom, there may be a serious infestation there.
- Blood stains: Check your bedding, mattress, and furniture for blood stains; If you find any, the insects may have entered your home.
- Small insects have exoskeletons, which they shed and leave behind. Look for debris on your pillows, mattresses, and bedding.
- Small blackish specks are an indication of bed bug excretion.
- Eggs: According to the AADA website, female bed bugs lay white, oval eggs in cracks and crevices after mating. Keep an eye out for these as they will be the size of an apple seed.
What is the best way to treat bed bug bites?
Credit: The Independent
According to the NHS, bed bug bites go away on their own. It almost takes about a week to get rid of it completely, but still, there are some steps 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 swelling.
- Just make sure the infected area is clean so you don’t get more infections.
- It will be better if you do not scratch the infected area, otherwise you will leave a mark on your skin.
For best results, you can use a steroid cream such as hydrocortisone cream to relieve bed bug bites.
This cream is not recommended for children under 10 years of age or pregnant women. They should follow the advice of doctors before using this cream.
The NHS recommends using antihistamines as a back-up plan if the bites are extremely bothersome and keeping you awake at night.
Bed Bug Dos and Don’ts: How to Get Rid of Them
Credit: Hartz Pest Control
You may need to contact your local council or a pest control company if you are having trouble getting rid of microscopic insects on your own.
The following actions can be taken to combat the infestation:
- Remove affected clothing and bedding, wash on a hot wash setting at 60 degrees, and tumble dry for at least 30 minutes on a hot setting.
- Another option is to place contaminated clothing and bedding in a plastic bag and store it in the freezer for 3 to 4 days.
- It’s time to step up your cleaning efforts: “Bed bugs are found in both clean and dirty places, but regular cleaning will help you catch them early,” the NHS advises.
Here are some things you should refrain from doing:
- Try to keep your room as tidy as possible by removing any clutter from the area around your bed.
- Bring used furniture indoors only after thoroughly cleaning and inspecting it.
- Only bring clothing or luggage into the house after thoroughly inspecting it, especially if you have just returned from a location where bed bugs are known to exist.
Will the UK be affected by this bed bug infestation?
Credit: Natural Planet
The quick answer is yes.
Since bed bugs can live between four and six months and are known to cling to dirty luggage, they may be able to travel to London on the Eurostar in just two hours.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn