France introduces a hotline as part of its campaign to eliminate the persistent bedbug problem.

Though France believed it had eradicated bedbugs in the 1950s, these blood-sucking pests have made a surprising return in recent years.

In response to this unwelcome resurgence, the French government launched an anti-bedbug initiative on Thursday, which includes a specialized website and a helpline.

The website emphasizes, 'Anyone can be affected,' and offers advice on 'strict measures' to curb the spread of these tiny, flat insects, about the size of an apple seed.

Areas like bedrooms and living rooms with sofas are especially vulnerable, as the pests prefer dark, secluded spots, the website warns.

These parasites, scientifically known as Cimex lectularius, feed on human blood, with each one capable of biting up to 90 times in a single night, causing bite marks similar to those left by mosquitoes.

To prevent infestations, it's recommended to wash second-hand clothes at 60°C or higher before wearing, and to treat used furniture with dry heat before bringing it into your home.

The resurgence of bedbugs is largely attributed to international travel and the growing resistance to insecticides, according to the website.

Hotel guests are urged to place their luggage on racks instead of the floor and to carefully inspect the bed, mattress, and other dark areas before use.

After traveling, it's important to inspect suitcases for bedbugs, vacuum the luggage thoroughly, and dispose of the vacuum bag immediately.

Officials also recommend washing clothes in hot water or using a tumble dryer to treat non-washable items.

The bedbug crisis in Paris became so severe that former mayoral candidate Benjamin Griveaux pledged to eliminate them within his first 100 days in office, according to AFP news agency.

However, Griveaux was forced to withdraw from the race after a sexually explicit video he allegedly sent to his mistress was made public.

Around 2010, New York City saw a surge in bedbug infestations, impacting apartments, stores, schools, and hospitals. The city also launched its own campaign to combat the pests.

A 2017 study revealed that bedbugs, much like flies and other insects, have color preferences.

Bedbugs are particularly attracted to dark red and black, while they tend to avoid bright white and yellow hues.

These pests have had over 100 million years to perfect their preferences.

A 2019 study showed that bedbugs lived alongside dinosaurs, although they likely didn’t feed on their blood, as dinosaurs didn’t have 'homes' for bedbugs to inhabit.