[Kok! Health] If You See the 'Unfamiliar Intruder' Bedbug... Here's How to Respond

Bedbug control work
Photo by Yonhap News

Bedbugs, which had virtually been forgotten in Korea, are showing signs of reappearance. Recently, as cases of bedbug infestations have been reported abroad in countries like France, related incidents have also emerged domestically, mainly in shared and lodging facilities such as dormitories and motels. Quarantine authorities are currently assessing the scale of bedbug occurrences.

Unlike mosquitoes or mites, bedbugs do not transmit infectious diseases. However, since they feed on human blood, disturbing sleep and causing itching and skin rashes, immediate action is necessary upon discovery.

If bitten by bedbugs, the affected area should first be washed with water and soap. Afterwards, one should visit a medical institution to receive appropriate treatment and medication based on symptoms. The incubation period before reactions appear after a bedbug bite can be up to 10 days.

Checking for bedbugs when staying at shared lodging facilities can be an effective preventive measure. Bedbugs tend to inhabit crevices in places such as bed mattresses, frames, sofas, bookshelves, and bedding. Looking for signs like bedbug residues, droppings, or areas with a musty or moldy smell is also helpful.

If bedbugs are found, both physical and chemical control methods should be used simultaneously.

Steam with high heat is sprayed on bedbug habitats. All contaminated areas are vacuumed, and vacuum contents are sealed in bags and disposed of. Contaminated fabrics are disinfected using a dryer. Then, insecticides approved by the Ministry of Environment are applied to bedbug habitats. Nevertheless, if bedbugs are still found, additional control measures are necessary.

Even after initial treatment, the habitat and surrounding areas should be rechecked 7 to 14 days later, considering the hatching period of eggs. When disposing of bedbug-contaminated mattresses or furniture, they must be treated before disposal to prevent bedbugs from spreading to new locations.

If exposed to bedbugs during travel, travel items should be thoroughly disinfected. Sealing items and storing them for extended periods, as well as treating fabrics with a dryer, are alternative methods.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) plans to meet with pest control companies and related experts on the 6th to review bedbug complaint statuses. According to the KDCA, bedbugs are not classified as pests that transmit infectious diseases and thus are not managed as target pests. Accordingly, they intend to meet with pest control companies to examine how many bedbug complaints have been received nationwide and what types of bedbugs are appearing, then devise countermeasures.