'Bedbug Appearance in Suwon'... Confirmed in 2 out of 10 Reported Cases

Suwon City operates a bedbug reporting center.

The city of Suwon in Gyeonggi Province has opened and started operating a 'Bedbug Reporting Center' as bedbugs, which were believed to have been eradicated over 40 years ago, have been appearing across the country, increasing citizens' anxiety.

On the 14th, Suwon City announced that it has established bedbug reporting centers at four district health centers within the city. When reports of bedbugs are received, they coordinate with professional pest control companies to support treatment. If an investigation is necessary, the health centers also conduct on-site inspections.

As of the 13th, Suwon City reported 10 suspected bedbug cases, of which 2 were confirmed bedbug occurrences. The households confirmed to have bedbugs have completed disinfection in cooperation with pest control companies. The remaining 8 cases were either unconfirmed or not bedbugs.

Suwon City provides information related to bedbugs and a list of pest control companies capable of bedbug extermination within the city on its website. The city plans to establish and implement additional measures in coordination with the central government and Gyeonggi Province.

Adult bedbugs are oval-shaped and flattened vertically, measuring 5 to 6 mm in length, and are dark brown. They breed well in warm indoor environments (above 20 degrees Celsius). They mainly inhabit places like mattress beds.

Although bedbugs are blood-sucking pests, they do not transmit infectious diseases to humans, so there is no need for excessive fear. When bitten by bedbugs, allergic symptoms such as itching occur, and in rare cases, anaphylaxis, high fever, and inflammatory reactions may arise.

If bitten by bedbugs, first wash the area with water and soap, and consult a doctor or pharmacist for treatment methods and medication prescriptions according to symptoms.

A Suwon City Health Center official urged, "If you see bugs suspected to be bedbugs on bed corners or mattresses, please report them to the Bedbug Reporting Center at any time," and added, "Please understand the characteristics of bedbugs, keep your home clean, and respond calmly."