To address the increasing problem of bed bugs in Paris, the Deputy Mayor has proposed that the risk of infestation be included in home insurance contracts. Many households cannot afford the high cost of extermination treatments, leading them to forego treatment and allowing the infestation to spread to neighboring apartments. The Deputy Mayor also called for clarification on the responsibility between tenants and landlords, and for dialogue with insurers to alleviate the financial burden. In a letter to the government, the City of Paris emphasized the need for urgent action against bed bugs, which they consider a public health issue. They called for a comprehensive plan of action and suggested the organization of conferences on pest control. Additionally, the Minister of Transportation announced plans to coordinate a response against bed bugs in public transportation systems, following reports of infestations in trains and the Parisian metro. Bed bugs have made a comeback in recent years due to increased mobility, second-hand purchases, and resistance to insecticides. According to a report by the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (Anses), 11% of French households are affected by bed bugs, regardless of their social status. The costs of dealing with these pests amount to 230 million euros annually for households, as well as an additional 83 million euros in healthcare expenses. In addition to physical effects such as skin lesions, bed bug infestations can also cause psychological and psychiatric consequences such as sleep disorders, anxiety, and panic.
