News: Don't let the bed bugs bite!
Pesky little bastards are causing a stir in France
Warning: do not eat while reading this.
The US networks beat me to it: they’ve started reporting on the bed bug infestation in France that is sweeping the international headlines just 9 months before the Paris Olympic Games. Over the past week, I have seen American media like The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and CBS News pick the story up.
Last week, I arrived back in Paris (yay!). With only one day in the city before I headed south, I managed to meet briefly with two friends (separately). Each of them asked me, “Did you hear about the bedbugs?”
So here’s the story…
Reports of bed bugs gained momentum over the summer. The newspaper Le Monde published an investigation into the problem, which ramped up in the last few years. Between 2017 and 2022, it was reported that more than one French household out of 10 had bed bugs.
The likes of this problem have not been since in France since the 1950s. Why is this happening now? Some point to people travelling more and an increasing population density.
Sightings of the little critters, which are visible to the naked eye, have been posted on X/Twitter with videos and photos from the Paris metro, on regional trains, in hotels, and at movie theaters. (I’d love to post some videos from X but I can’t seem to embed them, oh well.)
Naturally, this caused a bit of a panic. Millions of people come in and out of France every year. Already, the capital city has been hosting Paris Fashion Week and the Rugby World Cup, which attract thousands of international visitors. And of course, with Paris preparing to host the Olympics, this is a public image nightmare.
So, is this really an infestation or are people going a little cuckoo? (The public reaction has been described as a ‘psychosis’.) Recently, France’s transportation minister hosted an emergency meeting, after which he urged the public to remain calm. He also said every report of bed bug sightings on public transport has been investigated and no evidence was found.
As with any public health nightmare, someone will surely profit. The UK-based The Telegraph reported that British and Irish sniffer dogs have been sent to Paris to inspect hotel rooms, cinemas, and private apartments to buy people some peace of mind. The charge for this service can run into the thousands depending on the venue.
As with anything, if you don’t laugh about it, you’ll cry. I think the French have a pretty good sense of humor with these things, and, well, life will go on even if one wakes up itching.
Sleep tight!
Links to reports on the bed bug sitch: