The Hidden Truth Behind Europe's Bedbug Epidemic: Everything You Need to Know

Dermatologist Zeina Nehme reveals that her clinic typically encounters multiple cases of patients being bitten by bedbugs while traveling during the summer. However, this year, she is astonished to report that no such cases have emerged.

Nevertheless, Nehme, along with the rest of the world, is well aware of the numerous news articles and social media posts elucidating the bedbug hysteria in Paris during Fashion Week. This alarming situation has subsequently extended its reach to other cities, including London.

During her recent visit to Paris, known as the City of Light, Nehme undertook an interesting experiment. She wanted to encounter one of these troublesome creatures firsthand and capture it on video to share on social media.

However, despite her efforts, Nehme, who resides in Beirut, Lebanon, was unable to find a single annoying pest throughout her entire long weekend in Paris. She searched diligently on public transportation, in restaurants, and even in the apartment she stayed in, located in the 17th arrondissement, but to no avail.

"Being a dermatologist and frequently posting on my clinic account, it seemed like a good idea to share a reel about bed bugs," she informed CNN Travel. "I actively searched for an opportunity to capture pictures and create the reel, but unfortunately, I couldn't find any."

Cynthia Starkey, a lawyer residing in Phoenix, also remained vigilant for these pests during her recent visit to Paris with her daughter as they embarked on a three-month journey across six countries in Europe. However, similar to Nehme's experience, they did not encounter any bed bugs in their Airbnb rental, on public transportation, or anywhere else.

Starkey mentioned that the majority of the concern regarding their trip to Paris was fueled by friends and family elsewhere. For instance, her sister in the United States texted Starkey, expressing her hearing of the cancellation of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris due to the bedbug situation. Starkey, in response, stated to CNN Travel that she found it highly unlikely.

After receiving prior information about the bedbug situation from a journalist friend residing part-time in Europe, Starkey's daughter, Mikayla, conducted some online research.

"She informed me that the situation this year is not any worse than previous years, and she expressed no worries," Starkey shared. "Considering her perspective, I am also unconcerned."

Bedbugs: Important information for travelers

These narratives present a contrasting perspective compared to the sensational headlines in tabloids and the images shared on social media of mattresses and furniture infested with bedbugs being discarded in back alleys.

According to some experts and travelers, the reality is more complex: Although bedbugs do exist and may be increasing in popular tourist destinations like Paris after a busy summer, the situation is not as severe on the ground as it is portrayed in the media.

"I believe that someone noticed the issue, and due to certain factors, possibly because it was Fashion Week, it gained attention in the media," said Zach DeVries, an assistant professor at the entomology department of the University of Kentucky, in an interview with CNN Travel.

Bedbugs tend to captivate people's attention more than any other pest. I believe it is more probable that the recent media coverage is what drew attention to the issue, rather than it being an actual widespread outbreak.

DeVries further stated that he does not recommend travelers to cancel any planned trips to Europe or elsewhere due to bedbugs. Nevertheless, travelers should take the recent news as a reminder to be more diligent and mindful of their surroundings.

"It is crucial to be mindful and conscious of the possibility of potential risks without succumbing to excessive worry or fear - I prefer not to use the term paranoid - but without letting it hinder your willingness to explore and engage in new experiences," expressed DeVries. "You can strike a balance between traveling and maintaining a positive outlook on the various environments you may encounter."

Models walk the runway during the Stella McCartney Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 2.

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No reason for general panic

Reports of bedbugs in Paris began popping up during Fashion Week, from September 25 to October 3, with a few videos of the vermin crawling on public transit.

Fashionistas in town who were freaking out about the situation began expressing their concerns on social media. The mainstream media quickly caught wind of the issue and started covering it as well. Paris officials promptly joined the conversation and assured the public that they would take action. According to French newspaper Le Monde, President Emmanuel Macrons Renaissance Party announced on October 3rd that they would introduce a bill to address the "scourge" of bedbugs. Deputy Mayor of Paris Emmanuel Grégoire also took to Twitter on September 29th, stating, "No one is immune to a bedbug infestation. It is vital to implement coordinated measures involving health authorities, communities, and all relevant stakeholders to prevent and effectively address this risk."

In the face of increasing anxiety among Parisians and travelers alike, French Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau urged the public to stay calm, reassuring them that there was "no need for widespread panic" and that "France has not been overrun by bedbugs" in an interview with French outlet France Inter on October 3.

Nevertheless, the fear, if not the actual infestation, has managed to spread to other popular European destinations, with London being particularly affected. Certain travelers have started expressing concerns that the bedbugs may be hitchhiking from Paris to the UK capital on the Eurostar.

In an interview with PoliticsJoe, London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed great concern over the situation and emphasized that precautionary measures were being implemented by officials to prevent similar issues faced by Paris.

Obtaining precise and comprehensive figures to accurately depict the situation is a challenge. However, one statistic that has been widely reported in the media originates from a survey conducted by Anses, the French Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health & Safety. According to this survey, over the past five years, more than 10% of French households have experienced bedbug infestations.

However, Joe Rominiecki, senior manager of communications at the Entomological Society of America, pointed out that the statement lacks context and does not provide any data specific to this year.

Furthermore, quantifying anecdotal evidence poses challenges.

Richard Pollack, senior environmental public health officer for Harvard Campus Services, has engaged in discussions with colleagues in Europe regarding the bedbug situation. Some colleagues have reassured him that the problem is not as severe as it is being portrayed, while others assert that it is indeed a significant issue affecting the area. Pollack, clarifying that his statement does not represent his employer, questions the reasoning behind these assertions.

France's health minister has declared that the country has not been invaded by bedbugs and calls for a sense of calm.

Furthermore, experts emphasize that the issue of parasites is not limited to Paris. One only needs to ask those who resided in New York during the mid to late 2000s, when there was a notable increase in bedbug infestations that made headlines for weeks. These situations often tend to be exaggerated in news reports.

According to Pollack, who recently returned from a bedbug-free two-week journey to the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, and France, the resurgence of bedbugs was noteworthy but not as severe as portrayed in the media. He anticipates that the approaching Olympics in France may contribute to heightened awareness, apprehension, and fear-mongering.

Besides London, other Western European countries, such as the Netherlands, can be conveniently reached by train from Paris. These countries have been closely monitoring the situation, and Dutch public health officials have reassured that there is currently no indication of bedbug infestation in the Netherlands. However, doctors in Antwerp, Belgium, are expressing concern about the proliferation of bedbugs originating from Paris, as reported by The Brussels Times.

Meanwhile, certain airlines are adopting a proactive approach. According to an Air France spokesperson's statement to CNN Travel, there have been no bedbug-related incidents on their flights in recent years. The airline diligently adheres to strict protocols and recommendations from the World Health Organization when it comes to exterminating insects.

Moreover, in addition to their regular cleaning processes, the airline has implemented a specialized procedure to address suspected presence of bedbugs. This entails grounding the aircraft and enlisting the services of an accredited provider to administer a chemical treatment.

Keeping suitcases off the floor is one way to help protect against bedbugs.

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Precautions travelers can take

Travelers can benefit from the recent bedbug hype by using it as a reminder to prioritize their safety. Taking extra precautions is highly recommended, such as conducting a comprehensive inspection of hotel rooms. It is important to remain vigilant and watch for signs like reddish-brown marks on mattress seams and soft surfaces, which indicate the presence of crushed, blood-fed bugs. Additionally, a smart practice is to keep your suitcase on a luggage rack.

Bedbugs emit chemicals that create a distinct sweet or musty smell, which can indicate an infestation, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. If travelers suspect an infestation, they should promptly take pictures and inform hotel staff. Canceling a booking may require travel insurance, but one should thoroughly review the policy details beforehand. However, as noted by Citizens Advice, a UK-based consumer rights organization, it is difficult to seek compensation for bedbug problems if the issue was not reported at the time.

Don't forget to continue your efforts even after returning home. If possible, keep your suitcase away from living areas (as Pollack does by storing his in the basement after a trip) and make sure to wash and dry your clothes using high-heat cycles. For those items that can't be washed, steaming or freezing (yes, they can be placed directly in the freezer, but it's recommended to use a plastic bag first, according to Orkin Canada) should also be effective.

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Some travelers are going to great lengths to ensure their safety. One social media user, for instance, posted a TikTok video showing themselves wearing a complete hazmat suit, much like Naomi Campbell, during a train journey on Eurostar. They confidently declared, "I won't let bedbugs get to me."

However, for some individuals, no precautionary measures seem sufficient to make them feel at ease about traveling to a location with confirmed cases.

Colleen Oakley, a popular writer from Atlanta, stated in an interview with CNN Travel that she currently has no intention to visit Paris due to a distressing encounter she had with bedbugs back in 2006. Oakley and her friend had to hastily leave their temporary rental in New York's West Village and seek refuge in a hotel for three weeks while their apartment underwent treatment.

She shared, "The experience affected me deeply, and for years, I suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. Eliminating bedbugs is a laborious and costly process, and even after everything, I never felt completely at ease, often waking up in the middle of the night with anxiety. It may sound trivial to fear bugs, but they truly invade your personal space. For me, it's simply not worth the risk, especially during a vacation."