Insinuating themselves into our clothes, our couches, and even our beds, could these intruders also hide in our shoes, thus infiltrating our homes? A specialist enlightens us.
In the heart of urban bustle and private homes, bedbugs have taken up residence, discreetly, but omnipresent. Captured by citizens’ cameras in various public places such as cinemas and hospitals, these tiny intruders have become unwanted stars of social networks, where their repeated appearances continue to worry the population. An Anses report, released last July, reveals an alarming figure: more than 10% of homes would have fallen prey to these parasites between 2017 and 2022. Fear is growing, questions are being raised: are we likely to involuntarily transport these unwelcome people in our home? A specialist’s verdict sheds light on these little invaders.
Léna Polin, entomologist expert in unwanted creatures, brings us a note of calm in this microscopic storm. Our shoes, unlike our clothes, seem to be less attractive territories for these little parasites. The specialist, in a conversation with Femme Actuelle, explains: “Bed bugs look for dark, tight corners to hide. Shoes are not their first choice. If they accidentally end up in your shoes, they will try to escape immediately.” Feet are also not their preferred target for feeding, instead opting for larger, more accessible areas of the body such as the arms or back.
The rest after this ad
Some precautions to take
However, in the world of these little vampires, absolute certainty does not exist. Although shoes are not their favorite hiding place, there are precautions that can be taken to minimize the risks. Smooth materials like leather provide fewer outlets for these insects, which prefer rough surfaces where they can cling. Also, storing your shoes strategically and methodically, away from sleeping areas and preferably in closed shoe boxes, could also save you from unpleasant surprises.
If the worst happens and your shoes become the home of bedbugs (a rather exceptional occurrence), Léna Polin recommends eradication methods. Placing them in an airtight bag in the freezer for three days or using steam are possible strategies to exterminate these unwanted intruders, while taking care not to damage your belongings in the process.
In this period when bedbugs are making headlines, knowledge and caution become our allies in the fight against their proliferation in our lives and our homes.