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Bedbugs: a health, social and political issue - Feedback on the study day

The " Punaises de lit : un enjeu sanitaire, social et politique " (Bedbugs: a health, social and political issue ) study day, organized at Sciences Po Grenoble-UGA on May 15, provided an opportunity for researchers, elected representatives, housing professionals, insect control specialists and local authority officials to exchange views on a phenomenon that has become a public issue. In France, bedbug infestations have recently attracted considerable media attention, to the point of becoming a real public controversy.
 

At a glance

Date

May 16, 2025

The aim of this interdisciplinary day of exchange was to provide answers to a number of questions now shaping public debate:
 

  • How widespread is the phenomenon and what are its causes?
  • What are the political and legal responsibilities associated with this problem?
  • How effective are today's political and technical solutions?

 

A health, economic and social problem


The morning began with a series of presentations designed to shed light on the nature and magnitude of the phenomenon, as well as its legal and political framework. Pascal Delaunay (CHU de Nice), Vincent Caby and Rosemarie Sabrié (PACTE, Sciences Po Grenoble-UGA), Stéphane Bras and Benoît Cottin (Prosane), and Nicolas Château (Si Toit Lien), presented contributions highlighting the many facets of the return of bedbugs in France.

 


Although it has been established that bedbugs do not carry infectious diseases, the speakers recalled their health consequences, whether dermatological or psychological. In addition to these effects, there are significant economic impacts, particularly on the housing and tourism sectors. Finally, there are social issues at stake, as the cost of effective treatment places an unequal burden on households, particularly the most vulnerable.

 

Local authorities and bedbugs

 

This was followed by a round-table discussion involving three local authorities faced with infestation situations. Nohal Elissa (City of Paris), Ariane Hertzog (City of Strasbourg) and Nathalie Rubin (City of Grenoble) shared their concrete experiences. In particular, they discussed how to intervene with residents and the limits encountered in public action systems.
 

The day ended with Jérôme Michalon (Triangle, CNRS) rounding off the discussions.
 

This day of interdisciplinary study and exchange was organized by the Continuing Education students of the Public Health Policy Master's program at Sciences Po Grenoble-UGA.