Bedbug mania has gripped France, with rampant reports of these aggravating little creatures finding their way into homes, schools, cinemas and even onto public transport networks across the country.  

Though Paris would appear to have been hardest hit by the outbreak of bedbugs in public spaces – sniffer dogs have been drafted in in recent days in an attempt to get to the bottom of the problem – the Alpes-Maritimes has not been spared.  

According to the local press, multiple private properties across the region are said to be tackling infestations, but there are no reports as yet of bedbug sightings on public transport networks. 

The city of Nice would obviously like to keep it that way and, in an effort to stay ahead of the biting menaces, has instigated the “disinfection and treatment with high temperature water vapor of [Nice’s] tram trains on a regular basis”. 

The longtime mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, has explained his stance on the matter, saying, “It is time to take a further step. If we are lucky that our public transport is not affected by the presence of these insects, they are unanimously recognised as a potential [and] significant vector of transmission.”  

The disinfection treatments will take place when trams are in the central depot. Similar treatments for the city’s buses have not been announced, but it is believed they will soon be added to the public hygiene plans. 

FINANCIAL AID FOR SUFFERERS

Despite public concerns hitting fever pitch now, this problem is certainly not a new one.  

For the past two years, residents of Nice have been able to request financial assistance to the tune of €175 to rid themselves of bedbugs. The sum can go towards the purchase of equipment to handle the situation or to a specialist fumigation company. More than 70 households in Nice are believed to have taken advantage of this service since the start of the year.  

A special unit dedicated to dealing with the outbreak has also been in operation since the start of October. It can be found at the Maison de l’Habitant housing authority on Allée Philippe Seguin. Concerned citizens can go there in person or contact the team here. 

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Photo source: Chris Curry, Unsplash