When a house is infested with bedbugs, it is better to first try other control methods than insecticides because the latter are the cause of many poisonings, French health authorities warned Wednesday.
“To get rid of bedbugs, and before resorting to insecticides (…), it is recommended to prioritize non-chemical means first,” the National Health Security Agency (ANSES) recalled in a press release.
Bedbugs are insects whose bites cause, among other things, itching, which develop on mattresses and sheets, as well as on furniture and corners.
increase in individuals
Although they had been virtually eradicated in France by the mid-20th century, the phenomenon is experiencing a resurgence. According to a study by the Ministry of Health in 2020, bedbugs are the cause of 70,000 annual visits to the GP.
Faced with this problem, people often feel powerless and sometimes try to fight bed bugs directly with insecticides.
But this method is risky, because these products can be “inadequate”, “ineffective or even dangerous”, warns ANSES.
Between 2007 and 2021, it reports that there were 1,056 cases of poisoning following the use of bed bug insecticides, one of which resulted in the death of a child.
Vacuum all surfaces
Therefore, authorities recommend closely vacuuming all housing surfaces and then wiping down the device while immediately throwing the bag outside.
Another piece of advice: go to the washing machine for clothes and household clothes, at more than 55°C, even if this temperature runs the risk of damaging certain clothes. If people don’t have a machine, they can put their clothes in the freezer for three days.
ANSES also recommends cleaning the corners of the accommodation with a steam device, at more than 120°C, remembering that it can be found for rent. This operation normally destroys bed bugs, regardless of their stage of development.
“If this fails, it is recommended to contact a pest control specialist rather than apply the insecticidal products yourself,” the agency insists.
Source: BFM TV
