Bedbugs recently seen in a train, a Paris metro, but also in a cinema or a hotel. We are currently witnessing an upsurge, even an invasion, of these pests which have the particularity of quickly colonizing fabric surfaces, then entire places. Insects, measuring between four and seven millimeters, which feed on blood and are particularly difficult to hunt. Creatures whose increased presence can be explained, according toNational Food Safety Agency (ANSES)by “the evolution of our increasingly nomadic lifestyles, through our consumption patterns favoring second-hand purchases and through the growing resistance developed by bedbug populations to insecticides.” And the report, dated Wednesday July 19, 2023, further specifies: “Between 2017 and 2022, more than one in ten French households have been infested by bedbugs. Contrary to popular belief, their presence does not indicate a lack of cleanliness: anyone can be the victim of an infestation in their home.
ANSES report: “This nuisance is proving costly”
If the cleanliness of the premises is not in question, the impact of the nuisance of bedbugs is significant. “This nuisance proves costly for French households in mainland France if we take into account the fight and the psychological impacts”estimates the report of theHANDLES. Insomnia and anxiety generated within the population by the insect, the nuisance of which is also reflected in figures: 866 euros per householdor 1.4 billion euros between 2017 and 2022. A concern that is becoming contagious and materializing among hygiene professionals: “It’s crazy, we’ve been inundated with calls since the start of the school year. Often, there’s nothing, but people become paranoid, because they hear that they’re everywhere”notes the manager ofPremium Hygienereports TF1Info Saturday September 30, 2023. The subject, which has become so important, has also reached the political sphere. Indeed, in view of the data published by theHANDLESelected officials from Insoumise France call on the Government to quickly address the problem.