The recent surge in bedbug infestations across major Cameroonian towns like Douala and Yaoundé has prompted the Association of Phytosanitary Professionals, a medical organization based in Cameroon, to devise preventive measures to combat the outbreak.
In a press release issued by the Association of Phytosanitary Professionals, it was highlighted that bedbugs, notorious for feeding on human blood, have become a significant menace in various neighborhoods, causing severe itching, redness, and blisters with their bites. The association emphasized that these resilient insects tend to conceal themselves in obscure, difficult-to-access locations, including mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, armchairs, sofas, wardrobes, baseboards, and carpets.
Contrary to common belief, the press release stated, “They can be found in all socio-economic environments, whether among people living in precarious conditions or in an environment of wealthy individuals, because over time they manage to resist the insecticides often used to eradicate them.”
Elaborating on the characteristics of bedbugs, the association noted that these pests easily spread from one place to another through luggage, clothing, furniture, and various objects. The release emphasized, “They can also be spread by direct contact with an infected person or object. They multiply very quickly, and their places of comfort are areas with an average temperature. Moreover, in an ambient environment of 20 degrees, they proliferate quickly. They are active, especially at night, they do not jump or fly…”
The release further provided signs to identify the presence of bedbugs, including blood stains on sheets, mattresses, and other fabrics, bed bug droppings resembling small black dots, and bed bug egg shells in the form of small white capsules.
Addressing preventive measures, the association recommended the following for individuals affected by the epidemic:
- Regularly inspect bedding and furniture for signs of bedbugs.
- When traveling, pack clothes in sealed plastic bags before leaving a hotel room.
- Inspect guests’ luggage before allowing them into your home.
- If bedbugs are suspected, it is crucial to seek the assistance of a pest control professional.
In their efforts to address the escalating bedbug epidemic, the Association of Phytosanitary Professionals urges the public to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent the further spread of these troublesome pests.
