Sanitary Inspections Conducted at 601 Establishments Including Lodging Businesses
Gangseo-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jin Gyo-hoon) is launching an all-out effort to prevent the spread of bedbugs by operating “disinfection of major facilities” and a “bedbug-related complaint consultation desk.” This proactive response aims to protect residents' health and safety amid growing fear as bedbug reports continue nationwide.
Bedbugs do not transmit infectious diseases but are pests that primarily feed on human blood at night, disturbing sleep and causing itching and skin conditions. Although they were frequently found in the 1960s and were virtually eradicated through the distribution of insecticides, recent discoveries have made them a nuisance again.
The district focuses on inspecting the disinfection status of key facilities such as “vulnerable facilities” and “facilities subject to mandatory disinfection.” Hygiene inspections to prevent bedbug spread will be conducted at a total of 460 locations, including 163 food service establishments, 251 group meal service facilities, and 46 consigned meal service businesses within the area. Additionally, on-site inspections will be carried out at 141 locations, including 84 lodging businesses, 37 bathhouses, and 20 tourist accommodations, checking cleanliness of rooms and bedding, disinfection status, and presence of bedbugs, while distributing related informational booklets.
Disinfection supplies and guides will be distributed to 90 “vulnerable facilities” such as senior citizen community centers and group homes for the disabled, and active cooperation will be sought from 665 “facilities subject to mandatory disinfection,” including daycare centers and lodging businesses, for bedbug prevention disinfection. Dormitory-type facilities such as goshiwons will also receive self-inspection checklists and guides for bedbug management, and prompt pest control measures through professional disinfection companies will be requested if bedbugs are found.
In addition, a “bedbug complaint consultation desk” has been established at the Gangseo-gu Public Health Center and will operate until the emergency situation ends. The consultation desk provides information on bedbug trace investigation and control methods, bedbug prevention guidelines, and disinfection companies capable of special bedbug disinfection in the area, helping to alleviate residents’ anxiety and questions.
Related information on bedbug habits, detection methods, and prevention is also posted on the district’s website for all residents to access.
Mayor Jin Gyo-hoon said, “Since bedbug reports have been received within Gangseo-gu, prompt pest control measures are necessary, so we are taking proactive steps. We will strive to respond to bedbugs based on smooth cooperation with related organizations.”
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