The deputy mayor warns “no one is safe” as the blood-sucking insects are sighted on subways, high-speed rails, cinemas, and Paris’ main international airport.
As the Paris Olympics approach in less than a year, fears of a bedbug infestation have intensified, with the insects being spotted on subways, high-speed trains, cinemas, and even at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Footage of the bugs crawling on public transportation and in various public spaces has surfaced on social media, amplifying concerns about the potential spread of the pests.
The rising reports of bedbug sightings prompted Paris Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire to call for urgent action from the government. In a letter to Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne, Grégoire stressed the importance of implementing an action plan to combat the infestation ahead of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. “No one is safe,” he stated in a separate post, calling for coordinated measures between health authorities and local communities.
Transport Minister Clemente Beaune responded to the growing concern, assuring that discussions would take place with transport operators to address the issue. Beaune expressed his commitment to “reassure and protect” travelers, stating that steps would be taken to prevent the pests from spreading on public transport systems.
Bedbugs are notorious for their ability to burrow into furniture, clothing, and bedding, feeding on blood primarily at night. Females can lay up to seven eggs daily, allowing infestations to spread quickly and become difficult to manage. With the Paris Olympics just months away, the threat of the insects is particularly concerning for the thousands of tourists and athletes expected to flock to the city.
A study by ANSES, the French government agency responsible for health risks, found that more than one in ten French households had been affected by bedbugs between 2017 and 2022. The report highlights the severity of the problem, which is now reaching critical levels as the city prepares for the global spotlight of the Olympic Games.
Bites from bedbugs can lead to rashes, allergic reactions, and blisters, creating a significant public health concern. In response, the French government recommends measures such as washing clothes and bedding at high temperatures, vacuuming furniture and carpets, and enlisting professional pest control services if infestations persist.
The growing fears about bedbugs in Paris underscore the urgency of dealing with the issue as the city prepares to host the world for the 2024 Olympics. As preparations continue, the authorities are under pressure to act quickly to ensure that the event can proceed without this unwelcome disruption.
