3 Things You Should Know About Bed Bugs Before You Travel to Paris
Paris, the city of love, art, and... bed bugs? Here's everything you need to know before your next romantic getaway.
1. Why Paris and Why Now?
The charming streets and bustling boulevards of Paris have seen an unusual influx of tiny invaders. Paris, the world's most visited city, witnessed 44 million tourists in 2022. According to ANSES, the French health and safety agency, over 10% of French households reported bed bug infestations between 2017 and 2022. The current explosion of these critters is attributed to increased global travel and the bugs' growing resistance to insecticides. Essentially, the current bed bugs in Paris are superbugs, having developed defenses against traditional extermination methods.
2. Should You Cancel Your Parisian Dreams?
The simple answer: No. While there's widespread news of the infestation, it's not all-encompassing. Prioritize checking with your accommodation provider to ensure they haven't experienced infestations and to understand the precautionary measures they've adopted. UK Government guidelines don't currently advise against travel to Paris. Moreover, there are proven ways to inspect hotel rooms for these pests and steps you can take to ensure they don't hitch a ride back home with you.
3. Bed Bug-Proofing Your Travels
Inspecting Your Hotel Room: It's essential to examine your room before settling in. If you wake up with clustered, itchy red bites, that's a clear sign of bed bugs. Additionally, keep an eye out for rust-colored dots on mattresses (from crushed bugs), tiny pale-yellow eggs, or a distinct musty odor indicative of bed bug presence.
Smart Packing and Unpacking: Don’t put your suitcase on the bed, where bed bugs commonly reside. Instead, use hotel-provided luggage racks or leave suitcases near the door. Separating dirty and clean clothes is also crucial. Research indicates bed bugs prefer dirty over clean clothes. On returning home, unpack away from your bedroom and thoroughly wash all clothing, ensuring a hot wash cycle when possible.
With the right precautions, the city of love can remain a top travel destination, free of unwanted tiny invaders. Safe travels, and remember to always stay informed!
