Bed bugs pose rising household risks due to travel and resistance

Bed bugs have become a growing concern in households, particularly during the autumn months. Experts warn that improper cleaning methods, such as certain vacuuming techniques, can inadvertently spread the insects throughout a home.

In France, the health agency Anses estimated that approximately 11 percent of households faced infestations between 2017 and 2022. The resurgence of these pests has been attributed to increased global travel and the development of resistance to various insecticides.

Unlike mosquitoes or ticks, bed bugs do not fly or jump. Instead, they travel by hitchhiking on luggage, clothing, bags, and furniture, allowing them to spread quickly through public spaces like trains, cinemas, and metros.