After causing PANIC in Paris, bedbugs 'invade' Lisbon and London; know more

In the last days, bed bugs have taken over social media with videos and photos that went viral on TikTok, showing insects on the London Underground. Still following the same line of posts, bedbugs had already become news in the France, with more photos and videos.

Even Brazilians suffer from the problem. The Rio native and Art History student at the Sorbonne, Anara Junge, had just moved into a small apartment in the République neighborhood of Paris, when she saw her objects infested with insects.

In addition to London and Paris, the problem is reported by residents of Lisbon. The Asian bed bug, or Halyomorpha halys, arrived through the import of agricultural machinery from Italy, where the invasive pest has caused considerable damage.

How are they dealing with the infestation?

In London, Mayor Sadiq Khan has reassured the British. It ensures that containment measures to

bed bugs were already being taken, aiming to control any potential infestation of unwanted insects. He also made a point of highlighting that Transport of London (TfL) has one of the best cleaning regimes in the British capital.

As for Paris, the images that circulated widely on the networks caused many French people to avoid public transport. Additionally, residents asked for warnings about bed bugs that were finding their way into many Airbnb listings.

Still, French Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau guarantees that there is no reason to panic about the start of an infestation. During an interview, he said that “France was not invaded” by bedbugs, but he recognizes that the problem exists and attention should be paid to the fact.

In Lisbon, the Asian bedbug is the problem. Unlike the species that has appeared in Paris and London, this does not directly harm animals. humans, because they feed on plants, unlike bed bugs, which bite humans.

Bed bugs

(Image: reproduction)

Bed bugs are found in places close to their host, which is man, dog, cat and even some species of birds.

They can appear in homes, hotels, cinemas, theaters and public transport, such as buses, trains and subways. Cruise ships and planes can also be infested.

These are wingless insects, with a flat body, reddish brown in color, the size of an apple seed. They have a habit of staying in groups and their bites are very itchy. That way, it's easy to recognize.

What to do when faced with a bed bug infestation?

In a situation like this, take the following measures:

• Call a pest controller with experience controlling bed bugs;

• Use a vacuum cleaner in all crevices of the bed, frame, mattress, pillows or any other surface where insects have been observed;

• Wash bedding and place in a clothes dryer. If you don't have a dryer, leave them in the sun.