Are you planning a trip abroad? If so, it’s important to be aware of a significant bed bug problem in Korea. Although bed bugs are not new or fatal, they can be quite a nuisance. Recently, there has been an outbreak of bed bugs in Korea, causing increased concerns.

Although bedbugs have always been present, media coverage has led to a rise in consumer interest in pest control. Darian Ee, the director of Singapore, has noted a 10% to 15% increase in business since the outbreak in France. This issue has become more prominent in people’s minds.

The increasing reports of bed bug cases have fueled public anxiety. Park Ku-yeon, an official in charge, reported over 13 confirmed cases and several dozen suspected ones nationwide. As a result, the government launched a four-week campaign to prevent and disinfect dormitories, buses, trains, and other public areas.

Bloomberg News has reported that the share prices of several South Korean pest-control firms have risen by 30% or more due to the bed bug panic. Additionally, Yonhap, a South Korean news agency, has indicated that sales of bed bug insecticides on an online marketplace have increased by more than 800% compared to the same period last year.

Bed bugs are known to hitchhike and can easily find their way into the luggage of people staying at hotels. From there, they can be transported to other locations.

The bed bug problem is not limited to Korea. Hong Kong, already a place with heightened anxiety, is distributing bed bug warning leaflets at airports. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department is working to reduce the transmission of bed bugs from overseas to the local community. Bed bugs are already considered the city’s “second most popular bloodsucking insect,” following mosquitoes.

Pest control companies in Hong Kong and Taiwan have seen a doubling of bed bug cases, largely due to anxiety and the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, leading to increased socializing. Some customers continue to request multiple exterminations, even after an initial elimination of the bed bugs in their homes. This reflects the high level of fear and anxiety among customers.

Another concern is that bed bugs are becoming more resistant to certain types of insecticides. However, the most effective method to eliminate bed bugs remains heat treatment. This is a method advocated by IKARI. Although it may be more expensive than insecticides, it is the most efficient way to tackle the problem, especially for alleviating anxiety.

Mr. Ee, the Chairman of IKARI in Singapore, mentioned that although he occasionally uses heat-based methods, his pesticide mixtures are still effective due to their industrial strength.

IKARI is currently offering a 10% discount on all bed bug treatments. Please contact our support for more information.