- Bedbugs are "widespread" in Paris, according to the city's deputy mayor.
- Bedbug bites can show up as red raised, slightly swollen areas on the skin.
- Always check for bedbugs on unfamiliar beds, and look out for red, itchy bites in a zigzag pattern.
Paris is currently experiencing an infestation of bedbugs, with the blood-sucking insects being spotted on the seats of the city's metro trains and airport, and biting people at cinemas.
Emmanuel Grégoire, the deputy mayor of Paris, told French TV station LCI on Friday that the city's bedbug infestation was "widespread," CNN reported. Insider previously reported on the infestation, which has led to some Parisians avoiding sitting on metro seats.
Bedbugs don't just infest beds; they like to hide in crevices and can be found on other furniture such as sofas, curtains, in cracks in furniture and drawers, behind peeling wallpaper, and even in electrical outlets.
Anses, the French agency for food, environmental, and occupational health and safety, said in July that infestations of bedbugs are on the rise in France, because they are becoming more resistant to insecticides and because people have been traveling more in the last few years.
The French minister for health, Aurélien Rousseau, told radio station France Inter on Tuesday that there was "no cause for general panic," but if you are worried, here's how to spot bedbugs and prevent bites when traveling.
Bedbug bites look like red, swollen bumps
People have different reactions to bedbug bites, so they may not be visible. But visible bites can show up as red, raised, slightly swollen areas on the skin, and often itch or cause irritation, according to Cleveland Clinic.
They can resemble the bites of fleas or mosquitoes, and appear in a straight line or zigzag pattern.
The insects inject an anesthetic and anticoagulant into the skin when they bite, meaning bites can take a day or two to show up on the skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People who are allergic to bedbug bites might have swollen, enlarged bite marks, and experience anaphylaxis in some cases.
Despite causing itchiness and discomfort, bedbug bites aren't known to spread disease, but some people may experience insomnia, anxiety, or infections from scratching itchy bites, the Cleveland Clinic said.
Prevent bedbug bites by checking for bugs and washing your clothes in hot water
The best way to prevent bed bug bites is to check for bedbugs whenever you travel, according to the Cleveland Clinic. To do this, pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress on any beds where you are staying for signs of bed bugs, as well as any soft or upholstered furniture.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, common signs of bed bugs include:
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Live bugs or their exoskeletons around the folds of bedsheets and mattresses,
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Red/ rust-colored spots on bedsheets, pajamas, or nearby objects (this is essentially what bed bugs poop out after feeding on blood), and
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A sweet, musty smell.
If you are worried about bringing bedbugs home, or suspect you may have been sleeping somewhere infested by them, the Cleveland Clinic also recommends immediately washing everything you brought with you in your luggage after traveling.
Wash everything in hot, soapy water, and then dry on high heat for 20 minutes when you get home to reduce the chances of bringing bed bugs into your home.