Irish rugby fans warned of bed bugs abroad

Irish rugby fans are being warned about the threat of bed bugs following reports of significant infestations across the French capital.

Thousands of Ireland fans are expected to descend on Paris this weekend for the team’s Rugby World Cup pool game against Scotland at the Stade de France. Social media users have been publishing footage of the insects crawling around in places such as high-speed trains and the Paris metro.

Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed on human blood, usually when people are asleep, and are notorious for their ability to hitchhike and infest new locations. They are prolific breeders, and once they attach themselves to clothing, luggage or furniture, they can quickly infest rooms and vehicles.

Due to their size, bed bugs can hide in places where they are difficult to spot, such as small cracks and crevices. Bed bugs can often be found in mattresses, behind wallpaper, under skirting boards, luggage, bed frames, and headboards.

Pest control company Rentokil has advised travellers to check for the presence of dark stains on mattresses from bed bug excreta, often referred to as ‘faecal spotting’. It also said visitors to Paris should be cautious of any unpleasant, sweet, sickly scents in a room, to inspect bedding for small dark blood spots, as well as checking key areas including bed frames, mattresses, and wardrobes for shed exoskeletons, or even live bugs.

Rentokil area technical manager Colm Moore said: “Bed bugs can be a nightmare for people travelling. They are elusive and hitchhike their way into new places through luggage, clothing, and other items. It is crucial for anyone travelling, especially for the Rugby World Cup, to be aware of the signs of bed bug infestations and take preventive measures.

“Prevention is the best defence against bed bugs. By staying vigilant and taking precautions, travellers can reduce the risk of bringing these pests back with them.”