French authorities have issued a warning about the dangerous self-treatment methods being employed by individuals battling a widespread bed bug infestation. The Parisian health officials cautioned on Tuesday that the public is jeopardizing their health by using unauthorized insecticides.
During recent inspections, the use of Sniper 1000 EC DDVP, a pesticide outlawed in 2013, was detected, according to the Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Agency (ANSES). The agency has reported a troubling number of poisonings, with 206 cases recorded from January 2018 to June of this year.
The agency has raised alarms over the potential health hazards posed by these products, which can lead to sickness upon contact, ingestion, and even prove fatal if inhaled.
The bed bug dilemma gained significant attention on social media throughout the summer in France, with disturbing images circulating and reports of infestations in cinemas, public transportation, and other public spaces.
ANSES has observed a steady increase in the spread of these pests in recent years. Data indicates that approximately 11 percent of French households have encountered bed bug issues between 2017 and 2022.
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The agency emphasizes that bed bugs exhibit a high level of resistance to most over-the-counter insecticides. The recommended methods for effective elimination include the application of heat, steam, or freezing treatments. In severe cases, the agency advises seeking professional extermination services as a final measure. #French