To get rid of bed bugs, ANSES recommends favoring non-chemical methods before betting on insecticides, which are responsible for many poisonings.
- Between 2016 and 2020, 7% of French people were affected by bedbugs.
- The presence of these insects is not linked to a lack of cleanliness. Anyone can see their home infested.
They hide in mattresses, box springs or bed frames. Bed bugs bite sleepers to feed on their blood. Although these insects do not transmit diseases, their bites cause itching and allergic reactions. Their infestation can also cause insomnia and affect the mental health of victims, as it is difficult to get rid of these parasites. “Bed bugs are particularly tenacious because their life expectancy can exceed a year without food. A female lays 5 to 15 eggs per day, resulting in a very rapid proliferation”, indicates the National Health Security Agency (Anses).
The use of chemicals has caused more than 1,000 cases of poisonings
Recently, the health authority advised not to turn to insecticides to eradicate bed bugs, even if one is helpless in the face of their tenacity. In a statementshe reports that the use of these chemicals has caused more than 1,000 cases of poisoning, sometimes serious, and one death between 2007 and 2021. “The main symptoms are respiratory discomfort, cough, oropharyngeal pain or irritation, but also itching, headaches or dizziness”, details ANSES.
Bed bugs: “prefer first non-chemical means”
In order to get rid of these insects, the agency recommends “prefer non-chemical means first” before using insecticides. Clearly, she recommends instead to vacuum all surfaces to capture eggs and bedbugs and then to clean the duct of the device and throw the bag in an outdoor trash can.
Another tip: wash clothes and linens in the machine at more than 55°C or put them in the freezer at -17°C for at least 72 hours. Corners and upholstery should also be cleaned with a dry steamer at high temperature (at least 120°C).
Call a professional in case of failure
“If this fails, it is advisable to contact a pest control specialist rather than applying the insecticide products yourself. In any case, after applying the products, it is essential to respect the deadline for indicated re-entry, i.e. the period from which one can return to the place treated. This makes it possible to avoid any risk of intoxication”, stresses ANSES.
