Bed bug infestations have grabbed the attention of many Paris residents and tourists alike. Freaked out fashionistas started documenting their scares on social media, and it didn’t take long for the mainstream press to pick up the story.
The problem is that bed bugs have become resistant to chemicals and can migrate between homes and hotels. And as the world gets smaller and people travel more, it’s harder than ever to keep them at bay.
Paris is a City of Love
Whether you’re strolling hand-in-hand down the Seine, sipping champagne in a cosy bistro, or simply enjoying the beauty of its historic architecture, Paris is a city that oozes romance. It’s no wonder that it is nicknamed the City of Love! It’s a moniker that has been around for decades and one that captures the imagination of people from all over the world. But what is it about Paris that gives it this romantic reputation? What is it that makes it a place where love, beauty, and culture collide in a way that’s irresistible?
When stories of bedbug infestation in Paris caught worldwide attention many people were understandably terrified. Images of them crawling over Metro seats and hotel beds spread like wildfire online, and many people were left feeling sick to their stomachs, even if they had never personally experienced such an infestation. But while the fear was real and serious, it was also wildly incommensurate with the actual rate of infestation.
The truth is that the issue has actually been gaining momentum for years. As more and more people travel for work or play, they are carrying the parasitic bugs from hotel to Airbnb to train couchette to home again — and in some cases, back to hotels, apartments, and trains all over the world. As these bugs have evolved to become resistant to pesticides, they are becoming more difficult to eradicate and causing significant problems for many communities.
This is why it’s so important to be on the lookout for signs of infestation. If you see them, contact a pest control professional right away. They can help you find the best solution and ensure that the problem doesn’t resurface.
Paris is a City of Fashion
The Paris of fashion and romance is well-known for its legendary style, renowned cuisine, and a certain je ne sais quoi. It is also a city of hotels and rental apartments, where dreaded bed bugs have been creeping in. Now, just 10 months before the 2024 Olympic Games, Paris is struggling with a full-blown infestation of the bloodsuckers.
The emergence of these insects is raising fears and turning the iconic capital into a less appealing destination for tourists. The panic is fueled by social media videos and international news coverage that exaggerate what is really a relatively small problem, says Arezki Izri, an assistant professor at Sorbonne Paris North University. The bugs have been gaining a foothold as resistance to pesticides and rising international travel allow them to migrate from one place to the next.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the insects were largely kept in check due to the general lockdown and practice of social distancing. However, once the pandemic ended and travel resumed, the bugs resurfaced. In addition, they have a high rate of reproduction, making them fast at spreading when conditions are right.
The outbreak has hit everywhere from the Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris metro rail, high-speed trains, and movie theaters. It also came during the peak of tourist season, which heightened the anxiety for locals and visitors alike.
Paris City Hall and President Emmanuel Macron’s government have both called for action, but they are not dismissing the bed bug scare as a viral invention. The mayor has urged the country’s insurers to include coverage for bed bug treatment in homeowner policies, and he is pushing for subsidies to help low-income families afford professional treatment.
Paris is a City of Art
Paris is famous for its art and cultural institutions, but the city has become known for something much less pleasant lately: bed bugs. Reports of the blood-sucking insects have popped up across the city, from Charles de Gaulle airport to the Paris Metro rail system and high-speed trains to movie theaters and even hotels.
The critters have also caught the attention of people living in the city, who are terrified they may be infested. Some residents are even seeking professional extermination, a process that typically takes several visits and costs well over EUR900. Others are calling for financial assistance to help lower-income families afford the treatment.
The scare has also elevated concerns over the upcoming Olympics, which will draw millions of visitors to the city next summer. This will likely lead to the heightened use of bed bug-sniffing dogs in hotels and public transportation.
But the Paris bed bug problem probably isn’t much different than it would be in Chicago, New York or any other large city, entomologists say. The media’s coverage of the problem — coupled with social-media posts and memes that exaggerate the infestation — has led to a state of panic that doesn’t necessarily justify the alarm or expense.
The pests move easily from person to person, thanks to the rise in international travel and the growing ease of transporting items in crates. While the COVID-19 pandemic may have slowed their spread, it doesn’t mean they’re not on the rise. During the pandemic, the insects moved slowly between apartments in a single building, since many people were practicing social distancing and staying at home. But now, as more people travel, the insect population is booming, with sightings on buses, train platforms and in taxis.
Paris is a City of History
A bed bug infestation in Paris is a huge blow to the city’s image. It’s also a major concern for tourists and locals alike. But while the news may be enough to get your skin crawling, entomologists say that understanding what’s actually happening could save you from unnecessary anxiety.
The truth is, bed bugs in Paris aren’t a sudden thing. The increase in reports is a part of a long-term trend that started years ago. Resistance to pesticides and increased international travel have been blamed for this global rise in bedbugs. So while the scare stories in the news are certainly making people shiver, it is important to remember that these parasites were never gone in the first place.
Paris has a lot of history when it comes to pests. It was plagued by flies and rats in the 1st century AD, and a cholera epidemic in the 3rd century wiped out half the population of the capital. After the Black Death in 1348, it took a long time for the city to rebound. In the 1920s, les annees folles (“the crazy years”) brought in artists and writers from all over the world, including Americans like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, who hung out in Montparnasse cafes.
Nowadays, residents of Paris are spooked by reports of bedbug sightings in cinemas and other public places. They are also worried about infestations at home. One in 10 flat-dwellers report having had bedbugs at their residence. The city has even launched a hotline for those who are worried about bedbugs. And, if you see a video on social media showing what looks like a bedbug on the metro, it’s probably not a fake.
Paris is a City of Culture
Paris is a city that prides itself on being one of the cultural capitals of the world. Its museums, galleries and monuments are visited by millions of tourists each year. Its theatres and cinemas host many famous actors, musicians and writers. Its rich literary tradition has produced many of the great French writers including Victor Hugo, Charles Baudelaire and Marcel Proust. Its cafes have been the meeting places for great philosophers and thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir and Ernest Hemingway.
But the city’s culture is being threatened by something that has become every tourist’s nightmare: bed bugs. These tiny bloodsuckers are causing a lot of disgust and worry in the French media.
The critters, also known as Cimex lectularius, are spreading like wildfire across the country, with people sharing repulsive videos of them on the metro, high-speed trains and even at Charles de Gaulle airport. Fumigation companies have reported a huge increase in demand.
Bed bugs largely disappeared from daily life by the 1950s, but have made a comeback as cities urbanise and international travel grows. They can be carried in bags, clothes and luggage and are notoriously difficult to eradicate. The insects feed on human blood at night and can cause psychological distress, sleep problems and anxiety.
The issue has caused Paris officials to take action, with the mayor warning that the city’s image will be damaged if it doesn’t quickly address the problem. The transport minister has called on train and bus operators to use sniffer dogs to check for the pests and encourage passengers to wash their clothes upon arriving at their destination. The city is also launching a hotline dedicated to tackling the problem.
