Information on Bedbug Sighting Sites Such as Bindae Board and Bindae Map
Disclosure and Sharing of Bedbug Sighting Areas, Dates, and Frequencies
As nationwide fear of bedbugs spreads, internet sites providing information on bedbug sightings are emerging one after another.
'Bindaeboard,' which began operation on the 9th, serves as a bedbug status board showing domestic bedbug sighting areas, dates, and frequency. Bindaeboard offers real-time bedbug occurrence status as well as bedbug information distributed by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, and related news all in one place. It also allows suspicious bedbug reports using Google Forms.
'Bindae Board' website providing the status of bedbug occurrences[Image source: Screenshot from Bindae Board homepage]
Kang Jaegu (30), who created this site, said in a phone interview with Yonhap News, "I made the map hoping there would be no bedbugs around me," adding, "Since the government does not systematically provide bedbug sighting information, I planned this service myself." He also said, "I plan to operate the site until the bedbug problem subsides." Kang works as a developer.
Kang operates the site by sharing citizen reports in real time and supplementing necessary services after work. The last update time is also announced on the initial screen. By expanding the Bindaemap menu, users can check bedbug sighting areas in detail, and the real-time bedbug occurrence status shows specific locations and places.
Bedbug Infestation Area Status Map Service, Bindaemap[Image Source=Captured from Bindaemap Homepage]
Code for Chain, a blockchain development company, also launched a Bindaemap website providing bedbug occurrence information on the 9th. This site operates by collecting news articles and citizen reports. Suspicious bedbug reports can also be submitted through the homepage.
This site marks areas confirmed to have bedbugs through news articles in red (danger), and citizen-reported (suspected) cases in yellow on the map. However, it notifies users that citizen reports may not be accurate and asks for understanding that "inaccurate information could harm specific businesses, so until accurate articles are published, the markings will cover a broader area." A company official said, "We planned Bindaemap recalling the help we received from Coronamap."
According to the government joint task force, as of the 6th, about 30 suspicious bedbug reports have been received nationwide in 17 cities and provinces. In particular, 23 reports were filed in Seoul, concentrating most of the reports there. The task force plans to conduct intensive inspections and pest control focusing on public transportation and lodging facilities for four weeks starting next week.
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