Bed Bugs in Paris: What To Do And Know

Paris is home to many iconic items and movements. Is it the epicenter of arts, culture, fashion, and bed bugs? There has been a recent bed bug outbreak in the City of Lights. They have been multiplying at rampant speeds in the city, making tourists and locals concerned about the happenings.

It’s the hottest topic on social media, and let’s face it, it’s for good reason.

In this guide, we will tell you what to do about bed bugs and things to know about bed bugs. Welcome to bed bugs in Paris: What To Do And Know because it’s yours and our newest hyper fixation, so let’s eradicate bed bugs one steamer at a time.

Welcome to Nannynews, the newest subsection of Nannybag. Nannybag believes in safety, so we want to keep you (and your bags) safe. If you find yourself looking for luggage storage near a Paris Train Station, count on Nannybag to safely store your bags for as little as 6 euros per bag, per day. And now, onto keeping you, the individual, safe from bed bugs in France.

How to identify bedbugs?

Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, oval, brownish insects that live on the blood of animals or humans. Adult bedbugs have flat bodies about the size of an apple seed. After feeding, however, their bodies swell and are a reddish color. Bedbugs do not fly but can quickly move over floors, walls, and ceilings.

What are the signs of a bedbug infestation?

Signs of bedbugs include:

• Red, itchy bites on the skin.
• Bedbugs themselves, their eggs, or their shed skins in mattresses and box springs, bed frames, and other hidden spaces.
• Tiny black spots on your sheets or mattress (bedbug feces).
• Bloodstains on your pillowcases, sheets, or mattress.

How do I get rid of bed bugs?

Eliminating bed bugs involves:

1. Cleaning bedding, linens, curtains, and clothing in hot water and drying them on the highest dryer setting.
2. Scrubbing mattress seams with a stiff brush to remove bedbugs and their eggs.
3. Vacuuming the bed and surrounding area frequently.
4. Encasing mattress and box springs with a tightly woven, zippered cover to prevent bedbugs from entering or escaping.
5. Repairing cracks in plaster and gluing down peeling wallpaper to eliminate bedbug hiding spots.
6. Using chemical treatments – often best administered by professionals.
7. Applying insecticides on surrounding areas, but take caution due to possible allergic reactions.

You could also try the plastic bag method. Plastic bags can aid in bed bug control by isolating infested items and preventing the spread of bugs. Place suspect items in sealed bags to transport them for laundry or disposal without infecting other areas.

Wash and dry items at high temperatures for heat treatment, then re-bag in clean, sealed plastic. Alternatively, freeze items in bags at 0°F (-18°C) for at least four days to kill bed bugs. Remember to discard heavily infested, unsalvageable items in sealed bags. Although bags are a helpful tool, professional help is often needed to entirely eliminate an infestation.

Best Tip to Prevent Bed Bugs

Purchase a steamer. Not only do they make your clothing look crisper, but they double as weapons of mass destruction. Steamers can effectively eliminate bed bugs by delivering lethal high temperatures to hidden crevices without chemicals. Ideal for treating mattresses, furniture, and curtains, these devices should be used cautiously and as part of an integrated pest control approach for best results.

What are effective treatments for bug bites?

Treatments for bug bites depend on the severity of the reaction:

• Wash the area with soap and water.
• Apply an over-the-counter anti-itch cream.
• Take an oral antihistamine to reduce itching.
• Use a pain reliever to alleviate discomfort.
• Consult a healthcare provider if you experience severe allergic reactions or infection.

Do bed bugs have wings?

It is unclear whether or not they drink Red Bull. But physically speaking no, bed bugs do not have wings. They are unable to fly or jump. Instead, they move by crawling, just like your ex.

Can bed bugs spread disease?

Yes, some bugs can spread diseases, although bedbugs are not known to transmit any diseases to humans, phew. They can cause allergic reactions and secondary infections from scratching the bites. Instead of scratching, try a cold compress or the remaining Aloe Vera gel.

Do I need to hire a professional to eliminate bugs, or can I do it myself?

While small infestations might be handled with DIY methods, it’s wise to hire professional pest control companies for larger or persistent infestations. Asking for help is okay sometimes— and this is one of those times.

Where can bedbugs be found?

Bedbugs can be found worldwide— watch out, Pitbull. They can infest homes, hotels, schools, offices, and even movie theaters. We know, right in time, for the Eras tour and Renaissance tour screenings #whyistheuniverselikethis.

They hide in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, furniture, electrical outlets, picture frames, and other tight spaces.

Bed bugs are highly resilient pests that can survive in various temperatures. Their optimal living conditions are between 70°F and 80°F (21°C to 27°C), as these temperatures allow them to feed and reproduce effectively.

However, they can withstand colder and hotter environments for short periods.

How quickly do they infest a home?

Bedbugs can quickly infest a space if they have access to a host. A single female can lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime, leading to a significant infestation if not addressed promptly.

How much does extermination cost?

Extermination costs vary depending on the extent of the infestation and the methods used. Costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Average Costs

Low End: For a smaller infestation in a limited area, the cost might be around €264 to €440.

Mid-Range: A moderate infestation in an average-sized home might cost between €440 and €1,320.

High End: For severe infestations in larger properties or comprehensive treatments involving heat, expect to pay approximately €1,760 to €4,400 or potentially more.

How long can a bed bug live?

An adult bed bug can live for about 10 months to a year, depending on conditions and access to a host for blood meals.

Are Bedbugs Really Everywhere in Paris in 2023?

Have you thought that maybe the bedbugs were the friends we made along the way? Okay, no, but seriously, regarding the recent panic about bed bugs in Paris in 2023, there has been talk of a bed bug outbreak causing a crisis, particularly concerning bed bug infestations in various places. Eradicating bed bugs has become a priority, as these infestations have spread throughout France, causing widespread concern. This has led to a spike in calls to pest control companies as residents and businesses seek to eliminate bed bugs.

Given the rapid spread, residents are advised to inspect their homes, especially mattresses and box springs, for signs of bed bugs. These pests are known to hide in cracks and crevices, making detection difficult. The adult bed bug is visible to the naked eye, but its eggs and nymphs can be harder to spot. They often hide within the seams of mattresses, within the box spring bed frame, behind picture frames, and around electrical outlets.

To answer the question, no, they’re not everywhere, but in more places than normal. Hotels and businesses are working tirelessly to eradicate the bugs, but it is crucial to check for them and to be more aware. Should you go to the movie theatre anytime soon? Probably not.

In the meantime, keep informed through reliable sources and local news outlets that can provide updates on the status of infestations in public spaces, including entertainment venues. Being informed will help you make the best decisions for your comfort and safety while out and about in the city.

Keep safe and enjoy Paris. This is Nannynews, signing off. À bientôt!