Bedbug outbreak sweeps Paris

The French government has launched a concerted effort to fight bedbugs ahead of the Paris Olympics. Bedbugs have infested one in 10 households in recent years, and they have been spotted at major transport hubs


Bedbugs: Insects in family Cimicidae. Not considered dangerous – no evidence they spread disease to people – but bites can be uncomfortable. Bedbugs evolved more than 100 million years ago and existed alongside dinosaurs

4-7mm

Detection: Dogs, with excellent noses, can detect bed bugs. Spray made with essential oils – just five drops of tea tree oil, lemongrass, lavender and thyme oil in single cup of water – can kill bed bugs and eggs


Sources: AFP, Lake Norman Pest Control, Sussex University 
Pictures: Getty Images 
© GRAPHIC NEWS