In recent times, several regions in France have witnessed an unexpected and powerful surge in the population of bed bugs. These tiny pests are not only infiltrating public spaces and transportation but also invading the homes of French citizens, causing widespread panic and prompting people to rush for pesticides and specialized equipment to eliminate them.
As the threat of these bed bugs continues to grow, and their rapid spread extends across various countries worldwide, experts and specialists have issued strict guidelines that must be adhered to in order to combat them and limit their spread within national borders.
Mustafa Khayati, the head of the National Health Promotion and Research Agency, highlighted the peril posed by bed bugs, emphasizing their swift and forceful expansion. These pests spare nothing in their path, although their presence in Algeria remains limited.
Khayati attributed the recent surge in bed bug infestations in France to their significant reproduction rate. He pointed out that buying second-hand clothing, mattresses, and furniture is a major contributor to their spread.
He added, “Bed bugs reproduce vigorously and swiftly, with each insect laying up to 20 eggs daily, necessitating various methods to combat them.”
In his discussion, Khayati offered advice and instructions to citizens on how to deal with these pests if they appear in their homes. He emphasized that sunlight is a powerful weapon against bed bugs, along with opening windows and exposing bedding and clothing to temperatures of 60 degrees Celsius.
Additionally, Khayati mentioned the existence of small businesses that specialize in eradicating bed bugs from Algerian homes if they happen to appear.
Regarding the activation of a vigilance plan at ports and airports to prevent their entry into the country, Khayati dismissed this possibility due to the difficulty of detecting bed bugs. He stated, “These insects are incredibly small and are not visible in clothing or any other way. What we must do is raise awareness among travelers arriving from abroad about the necessity of cleaning and sun-exposing their clothes for two to three hours upon arrival.”
To provide context, bed bugs are tiny wingless insects with a reddish-brown color, measuring between 4 and 7 millimeters. They feed on human blood, causing severe itching and potential skin irritation in some individuals. These high-reproduction-rate insects rely solely on blood meals to survive and continue their growth.
Furthermore, bed bugs don’t limit themselves to human blood; they also target various animal species, including poultry and other birds.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture all consider bed bugs to be a public health nuisance.
