South Korea Battles Bedbug Outbreak, Attempting to Calm Public Jitters

Authorities in South Korea are attempting to limit bedbug infestations that have raised concerns around the nation.

As of November 5, at least 17 outbreaks have been documented in Busan, Incheon, and Seoul's capital, according to BBC News.

(Photo : by MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images)
This photograph taken on October 3, 2023 shows an image of a bedbug on display at the Hygiene Premium, pest control shop, in Paris. The French government said on September 29, 2023 that it was launching a concerted effort to fight bedbugs that have appeared in numbers in public transport, cinemas and hospitals. The blood-sucking insects have been spotted in the Paris metro, high-speed trains and at Paris's Charles-de-Gaulle Airport, with disgusted travellers posting videos on social media.

How Seoul is Resolving Bed Bug Infestation

In order to combat the bedbugs, Seoul has allocated 500 million won ($383,000; £310,000) and formed a reaction team. The public has recently expressed fear over the bloodsucking insects in France and the UK.

In September, there were reports of bedbug infestations at a university in Daegu, a city in southwest South Korea. They were later discovered in public saunas and lodgings for tourists.

For fear of bedbugs, several South Koreans have started avoiding movie theaters and public transit.

Following a widespread eradication operation in the 1960s, it was believed that South Korea had exterminated bedbugs prior to the most recent epidemic. Although they don't spread disease, bedbug bites can be quite itchy. In an attempt to sooth the itch, scratching can leave wounds open to infection or scarring.

The wingless insects, which frequently congregate beside beds or in cracks, are also known to cause psychological harm. People who have bedbugs may experience discomfort, embarrassment, or even panic at night.

Several Bed Bug Cases in Seoul

According to local reports, people in Seoul have been swarming public health centers to get their bug bites examined and guidance on what steps to take.

The hygienic conditions of around 3,200 public facilities, including hotels and bathhouses, will be inspected by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

The government will also consult with private specialists to talk about the most effective ways to eradicate bedbugs.

According to local sources, Seoul intends to regularly replace fabric chairs with other materials and hot-steam fabric seats on subways around the city.

According to JoongAng newspaper, a major newspaper in South Korea, the authorities' recent suggestions to use certain pesticides against bedbugs have caused controversy because recent research have found them to be useless.

Up to the end of 2023, inspections will still be conducted.

The latest bedbug outbreak may have been influenced by an increase in international travel after the pandemic subsided and travel restrictions were loosened, according to the authorities.

Although they don't spread infectious illnesses, bedbugs can cause secondary skin infections because they feed on human blood while people are asleep.

During the day, the wingless, reddish-brown parasites typically hide in crevices and cracks in mattresses, behind wallpaper, and in other detritus around beds.