The citizens of Paris are freaking out at the sudden spread of little disgusting insects taking over public transport, hospitals, and recreational centers - the bedbugs. 

The French government confirmed on Friday launching an effort to fight the bedbugs which have been seen in the Paris metro, high-speed trains, and at Paris's Charles-de-Gaulle Airport.

Transport Minister Clement Beaune took to X to state he was meeting with representatives from public transport operators next week "to inform them about counter-measures and how to do more for the protection of travelers" with the aim to "reassure and protect".  

#punaisesdelit | Je réunirai la semaine prochaine les opérateurs de transport, pour informer sur les actions engagées et agir davantage au service des voyageurs. Pour rassurer et protéger.

— Clement Beaune (@CBeaune) September 29, 2023

After massively disappearing from daily life during the 1950s, they have recently reappeared in abundance mainly due to high population densities and more mass transit.  

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The blood-sucking bugs get their name from their habit of breeding in mattresses, alongside in clothes and in luggage and they come out at night to feed on human blood.  

Bedbug task force?

One-tenth of households in France are believed to have suffered a bedbug problem over the past few years, usually needing pest control which costs hundreds of euros for a process that calls for repetition. 

On Thursday, the Paris city hall called on President Emmanuel Macron's government to help battle the infestation in ways such as creating a dedicated task force.  

France's national health agency released recommendations as a response that people check hotel beds when traveling and remain cautious when bringing second-hand furniture or pre-owned mattresses into homes.  

Bedbug bites leave marks of red, blisters, or large rashes on the skin, and cause intense itching or allergic reactions, in addition to psychological distress, sleeping issues, anxiety, and depression.  

However, according to the French authorities, the appearance of the insects, which can grow up to around 7 millimeters long, is not related to hygiene levels.