Bedbugs Frequently Appear in Homes and Gosiwon... No Cases Reported on Public Transportation

56 Nationwide Bedbug Cases Confirmed
19 in Homes, 15 in Gosiwon Recorded

As reports of bedbugs continue nationwide, the government decided to operate a 'National Bedbug Joint Situation Board.' On the 7th, a bedbug-related promotional poster was put up in Yeongdeungpo jjokbangchon, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

Beds bugs were found to appear most frequently in private homes and goshiwon (small, inexpensive dormitory-style rooms). No cases were reported in public transportation facilities such as subways or KTX trains.

According to the 'Bed Bug Report and Occurrence Status Data' released by the Office for Government Policy Coordination on the 14th, the actual number of bed bug occurrences from the 6th to the 12th was 56 cases (including direct reports from private companies). The highest frequency of occurrences was in private homes (19 cases) and goshiwon (15 cases). There was one case each in lodging facilities, bathhouses/jjimjilbang (Korean sauna), and schools/dormitories. No cases were confirmed in public transportation such as subways or KTX.

According to the Office for Government Policy Coordination, experts including pest control companies interpret that bed bug occurrences have gradually increased following the rise in overseas travel after COVID-19. It is also seen as a temporary increase in reported cases due to heightened social interest.

The government and local governments started a 'Bed Bug Intensive Inspection and Control Period' for four weeks from yesterday. They inspected a total of about 110,000 bed bug vulnerable facilities nationwide, including lodging facilities and dormitories. Pest control operations were also carried out. In particular, 2.2 billion KRW in special grants were provided to local governments to be used for pest control support for vulnerable groups. Eight neonicotinoid-based insecticide products for pest control companies were urgently approved, and among them, four products with secured raw materials will be allowed to be produced.

Beds bugs are often introduced from overseas through personal belongings. The government plans to implement a pest control service using hot air blowers (steam high-temperature spraying) targeting the luggage of incoming travelers.