The bed bug infestation was first reported in South Korea in September from Daegu University in the country’s southwest. Later, bedbugs were also discovered in accommodation facilities for tourists or in public saunas.
As a result, some South Koreans have stopped visiting cinemas and using public transport, BBC News reported on Tuesday, citing local media. A thirty-four-year-old resident of the metropolis named Che said that she does not ride subway cars with padded seats because of the fear of bedbugs.
She also bought an insect repellent that she “sprayed the whole apartment” with. Another resident of the So metropolis even declared that he and his girlfriend will stay at home for the time being.
In the 1960s, South Korea undertook a large-scale nationwide campaign against bed bugs, during which it succeeded in eliminating the pests. But now, according to the BBC, bedbugs are once again bothering South Koreans, with people flocking to health centers to have their bites checked and advice on what precautions to take.
Seoul has earmarked 500 million won (CZK 8.8 million) to eradicate the bedbugs, and local authorities have announced plans to inspect sanitary conditions in 3,200 public facilities, including hotels and spas. Metropole is also planning to regularly treat fabric-covered seats in the metro with hot steam and replace the fabric with other materials.
