Le Monde: Bugs Return, Parisians Suffer Parisians are suffering once again from the return of bedbugs, according to French media.

According to a recent report by France’s BFM television, the irritating presence of bedbugs in Paris last summer has returned this year, heightening public concerns about public health.
In 2023, news of frequent bedbug outbreaks in Paris subway stations, hotels, and residential areas became a global media focus. This pest, also known as bed bugs, not only triggered public panic but also raised doubts about France’s sanitary conditions.
As summer approaches, experts state, “The high temperatures and humidity, combined with the large-scale population movement during the tourist peak season, create an ideal breeding ground for them.” “They have not disappeared nor do they have reason to disappear,” said Stephen Bras, spokesperson for the French Association of Health and Environmental Professionals. Data shows that from 2018 to 2023, the number of interventions against bedbugs by pest control experts has doubled, yet the pressure remains significant.
Pascal Deronne, a parasitologist at the University of Nice, mentioned, “This issue has always existed and will remain unresolved completely. The bedbug problem caused a huge stir in the media in 2023, but it has actually been troubling people for 15 years.”
Experts advise vigilance as the best prevention method. Upon arriving at a new accommodation, inspect bedding immediately to detect any signs of bedbugs. Deronne also recommends adopting preventative measures upon returning from travel, washing all clothing thoroughly, and carefully inspecting luggage to ensure no bedbugs are brought home. (Dong Ming)