Bedbugs are increasing
The bloodsuckers had largely disappeared by the 1950s. But they have been increasingly present for about three decades. “The infestation has increased again in recent decades; during Corona times it was briefly a little lower,” Kai Scheffler from the German Pest Control Association tells BR24. There are no statistics. However, Scheffler is not aware of any cases of bedbugs like those in the Paris subway, Germany. The increase in insects is promoted, among other things, by travel, buying second-hand fashion and the growing resistance of animals to insecticides.
Unwanted vacation souvenir
Bedbugs are now true cosmopolitans – the nocturnal animals crawl not just across Paris, but countless cities around the world. Bedbugs have become a real pest in many US cities and one or two mountain cabins in the Alps have also been affected. For example, in 2019, there were bed bug alarms in several DAV accommodations – most brought in via sleeping bags. A leaflet from the German Alpine Club states, for example: “Always lock your backpack in the hut and keep it as far as possible from where you sleep.”
“The more frequented an accommodation option is, the greater the risk of infestation”, emphasizes pest controller Scheffler. This is why pest controllers are called more often in metropolitan areas like Berlin or Munich, with many travelers and hotels, than in smaller cities, says the expert.
Bedbugs in hotels of all price and quality classes
According to the Munich Health Department, bedbugs “can now be found in accommodation of all price and quality classes and are generally not a problem that can be attributed to poor hygiene”. Because bed bug infestations are not a reportable event under the requirements of the Infection Protection Act, cases are not systematically recorded.
Bites usually arranged in sequence
The parasite bite can cause intense itching. They usually bite several times and suck blood until they are full. Bites are usually organized in a line or group. Bedbugs are disgusting, but according to current knowledge, they do not transmit diseases. According to the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety, the probability of coming into contact with bed bugs is generally very low. When holidaying at home or abroad, however, it is generally advisable to take a critical look at the beds when moving into accommodation.
Be careful with leftover skin
Experts advise tourists to pay attention to the beds in hotels and holiday apartments. Remains of skin and black excrement in the form of dots, for example on mattresses, indicate an infestation. But the animals hide not only in beds, but also under carpets, behind picture frames, light switches and sockets. Suitcases should also not be placed on hotel beds, otherwise bedbugs can enter and travel with you. Fresh and used clothing should be stored in closed containers.
Unpack your luggage in the bathtub
“If it is suspected that bed bugs may have nested, you should unpack your luggage in the bathtub or shower at home. Bedbugs can easily be seen as pinpoint particles on light-colored surfaces,” advises the Munich Health Department. If suspected, unworn clothing should also be washed at 60 degrees if possible.
Once you bring the six-legged pests into your home, it will be very difficult to get rid of them. Even if you don’t see the trackers right away, experts can recognize an infestation by the typical sweet smell. The scent comes from the glands and is said to ward off enemies. Control is carried out with highly effective insecticides and treatments generally need to be repeated, according to the Federal Environment Agency website. Infested rooms can also be heated to 50 to 60 degrees with special ovens to combat the insects.
Social media in France is full of pretty scary photos that people post when they claim to have discovered the insects somewhere. It is not yet known what means the experts intend to resort to – this will probably also be clarified at the crisis ministerial meeting. Given the expectation of crowds of visitors to the Summer Olympic Games, everything must be done to avoid damaging the company’s image. “We want to welcome tourists in the best conditions”, warned deputy Robin Reda.
With information from AFP