Parasite problem
France believes the Kremlin is behind the bed bug hysteria
Small and more than annoying: bed bugs. They had recently become increasingly common in France.
© Sina Schuldt / DPA
The government in Paris accuses Russia of wanting to destabilize France with propaganda. As an example, he cited the bed bug panic from the fall, which was fomented by the Kremlin.
“Some examples: the bed bug controversy, which was artificially amplified on social networks by accounts proven to be Russian-inspired or of Russian origin, even making a false connection between the arrival of Ukrainian refugees and the spread of bed bugs,” said Barrot. “This was very much amplified by accounts linked to the Kremlin.”
Nationwide excitement about bed bugs
Last summer, hysteria about bed bugs broke out in France. People increasingly reported suspected or actual bed bugs from trains, cinemas and other places – often accompanied by photos of the parasites. The excitement even brought national politics into action, and bed bugs became an issue in parliament. According to authorities, the prevalence of bed bugs has actually increased in recent years. Between 2017 and 2022, an estimated eleven percent of all French households were affected by bed bugs.
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As another example of a Russian attempt at destabilization, the minister cited the spraying of Paris buildings with Stars of David shortly after the start of the Gaza war, photos of which were spread on social networks. In mid-February, France agreed with Germany and Poland to take joint action against Russian troll campaigns and cyberattacks. The three countries were victims of the same Russian destabilization strategy and wanted to defend themselves together, it was said.