South Korea Launches Campaign to Eradicate Bedbugs

Credit: Unsplash

The government is taking action to stop the spread of the bloodsucking pests.

The South Korean government has launched a four-week campaign to eradicate bedbugs after a wave of outbreaks across the country.

Thirty suspected or confirmed infestations have been reported since the end of October, prompting the government to take action. The campaign will focus on inspecting and treating high-risk areas such as bathhouses, university dorms, and train stations.

“Bedbugs do not transmit diseases, but they are pests that cause discomfort, allergies, and psychological as well as economic harm due to their blood-feeding habits,” said Park Yoo-mi, a senior health official in Seoul.

The government is also expediting the import of new types of pesticide in case those already available in the country are not strong enough to do the job.

Pest control companies have reported being inundated with calls for help. “We received less than five calls a year related to bedbugs before, but nowadays, we get two to three calls every day,” said Eom Hae-won, the CEO of Incheon-based pest control firm Choa Clean.

South Korea is launching a four-week campaign against bedbugs after multiple reports of infestations sparked widespread public anxiety https://t.co/Bxj8wW2O0L

— Bloomberg (@business) November 9, 2023

The government is also working to raise awareness about bedbugs and how to prevent them. The Seoul City Government has launched a “Bedbug Reporting and Management System” and a “Zero Bedbugs City, Seoul” initiative, under which it says it will inspect 3,175 lodging facilities, bathhouses, and jjimjilbangs (Korean saunas with rooms of varying temperatures).

The city has said it will also provide pest control support for small housing units known as jjokbang or gosiwon, which typically measure around 3-6 square meters (30-60 square feet) and house some of Seoul’s poorest residents.

Other areas deemed high-risk include subways and cinemas. The government says its campaign will include periodic steam-cleaning of subway seats.

“While bedbugs do not transmit diseases, they are pests that cause discomfort, allergies, and psychological as well as economic harm due to their blood-feeding habits,” said Park Yoo-mi, a senior health official in Seoul.