For several years now, the resurgence of bedbugs has been a hot topic. Whether in hospitals, public transport, cinemas, hotels… bedbugs are proliferating, and the number of people falling victim to this scourge is constantly growing.
According to the ANSES (Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail) more than 1 in 10 French households were infested between 2017 and 2022. This upsurge can be explained by the increase in international travel and growing resistance to insecticides. Although bedbugs don’t transmit disease, their bites are itchy, and can have psychological impacts such as sleep disorders and social isolation.
In response to the scale of the problem, the French government has set up an information campaign against bedbugs, as well as a number of financial assistance schemes to pay for part of the treatment needed to eradicate them. In this article, we’ll also look at who is responsible for the cost of pest control in the case of rented accommodation, and in the case of low-cost housing.
How do you get rid of bedbugs?
The Anses recommends using alternative control methods to chemical insecticides. Indeed, the use of chemical products can lead to intoxication and also increase the resistance of bedbugs to insecticides, resulting in a reduction in their efficacy, not to mention that chemical insecticides also contribute to environmental pollution.
Mechanical control
To eradicate bedbugs effectively and naturally, there are a few simple steps you can take:
- Thoroughly clean and vacuum all the surfaces in the infested room on a daily basis. Remember to dispose of the dust container or vacuum bag in a tightly sealed bag to prevent the spread of these pests, and to clean the suction tube.
- Wash bed linen, clothes, carpets and curtains in the washing machine at 60°C and tumble dry for 30 minutes on a hot cycle to kill the toughest bedbugs and eggs.
- Freeze laundry that cannot be machine-washed at 60°C (for 72 h).
- Use a steam cleaner on all surfaces where it can be applied. Dry steam immediately kills bedbugs, larvae and eggs.
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Natural insecticides
Prioritise the use of natural insecticides to avoid any risk of poisoning and to prevent bedbugs from developing resistance to chemical products.
At Sereni-d, we’ve developed Spray SOS bedbugs to eliminate 100% of bedbugs at all the stages of development (eggs, larvae, adults). Formulated with plant-based pyrethrum flower extract and essential oils with insecticidal properties, this spray provides immediate, safe and long-lasting protection.
Spray on textiles and all bedding, as well as on infested surfaces (skirting boards, bedside tables, behind furniture, picture frames, etc.).
If, despite these methods and treatments, the bedbugs persist, you can call in a pest control specialist.
How to choose a pest control professional?
Choose a professional or a licenced pest control company for effective, environmentally-friendly treatment.
NB: to use an insecticide, make sure the professional is in possession of a valid Certibiocide Certificate. The Certibiocide certificate guarantees products whose efficacy and risks have been assessed before they are placed on the market.
Choosing an accredited professional is your guarantee of a reliable, rigorous specialist with effective, environmentally-friendly treatments.
CAF bedbug help and government schemes
For all bedbug disinfestation costs or if you have any questions in the event of an infestation, you can call the free number 0 806 706 806. You can also find practical information on how to combat bedbugs at stop-punaises.gouv.fr.
Faced with the scale of the problem, the French government has launched a public information campaign to raise awareness and inform the general public about the risks of infestation, how to protect yourself from bedbugs and what to do. The government has also set up various forms of financial aid to combat bedbugs:
- Financial assistance from the CAF. This assistance is aimed at people on low incomes, and is granted according to the severity of the infestation and the impact on the health and safety of the occupants. It can pay for bedbug treatments up to a limit of €600.
- ANAH subsidy for landlords. This support covers up to 50% of treatment costs, up to a limit of €10,000, subject to income and energy performance criteria.
- Subsidies for individuals and landlords in the capital. The Paris town hall can cover up to 50% of treatment costs, up to a maximum of €1,500.
To obtain these grants, you need to apply in advance to your local CAF, the ANAH or the “Direction de l’Habitat et du Logement” (housing authority) of the Paris town hall.
Tenants infested by bedbugs: what treatment?
If you’re a tenant and you notice bedbugs in your home, tell your landlord as soon as possible.
It is imperative to establish whether bedbugs were already present in the home before your arrival, or whether they arrived afterwards.
In fact, the lessor has an obligation to hand over decent housing to the tenant, which implies the absence of pests or parasites (Loi ELAN 2018). If you detect bedbugs within a few days or weeks of moving in, you can ask your landlord to treat the problem. On the other hand, if you discover a bedbug infestation during the course of your lease, the application process is more complex…
In the event of negligence or lack of maintenance by the tenant (which could lead to the emergence of pests), the treatment will be at the tenant’s expense.
Bedbug infestation in low-income housing estates
In blocks of flats, the responsibility for treatment is very specific. Given the rapid proliferation of these insects, the close proximity of dwellings and the many sources of contamination (bin rooms, items left in corridors, etc.), it may be necessary to consult the building management organisation.
Protect yourself with the Sereni-d solution!
Our Shield Textile Bedbugs is a preventive plant-based spray that repels bedbugs. Thanks to its plant-based pyrethrum extract combined with a complex of essential oils, this spray guarantees long-lasting effectiveness against bedbugs.
Spray clothing, bedding and accessible surfaces to discourage bedbugs from nesting or laying eggs.
