Around twenty poisonings have been recorded in Paris alone.
It is such a scourge that all means are good to get rid of it. Bedbugs, which are rampant in many French cities, continue to drive residents of infested homes crazy. Although they do not transmit serious illness, they are responsible for severe itching which disrupts the nights and prevents you from sleeping. Tiny, they hide in mattresses, box springs, plinths, behind wallpaper… and multiply very quickly.
Several methods validated by health authorities exist: wash sheets, covers, clothes and curtains at at least 60°C, use a steam cleaner at high temperature (more than 120°C) on infested areas, regularly vacuum bedding and furniture or even use natural products such as diatomaceous earth, neem oil or certain essential oils. These products work best at the start of an infestation. If bedbugs are numerous, it is better to call a professional… but the cost can be a hindrance. Due to lack of budget and weariness, some people buy insecticides sold at low cost, illegally, in unapproved stores, on markets, online commerce platforms or via social networks.
But be careful, warn the Paris firefighters. Four people were treated on Sunday in the 9th arrondissement of Paris after poisoning linked to an insecticide banned in France since 2013. Called “Sniper 1000”, it has caused 24 interventions by Paris firefighters since January 2025, according to Le Parisien.
Produced in China or Africa, this product contains dichlorvos. “Classified as fatal by inhalation and toxic by contact with the skin or by ingestion, this substance is likely to cause respiratory and ocular symptoms and neurological disorders (severe headaches, nausea, Editor’s note)” reminds the DGCCRF.
This new series of poisonings reveals “persistent ignorance of the dangers of this product”estimates the police headquarters. No deaths have been recorded since 2023, but the risks are very real. If the infestation persists, the authorities advise contacting a qualified professional listed on the stop-punaises.gouv.fr website (to avoid fake professionals). If the purchase of biocidal products is necessary, you must opt for conventional distribution channels such as DIY stores (Leroy Merlin, Castorama, Mr Bricolage), supermarkets (Carrefour, Leclerc, etc.) or pharmacies and parapharmacies.
