While Paris may be taking the rap for a recent infestation of bedbugs, it might come as a surprise that this French city isn’t the only place facing a resurgence of bedbugs. As images and videos circulate the internet showing large groups of exterminators battling the bedbugs in Paris, the infestation goes beyond this city.

Of course, this doesn’t negate the sheer number of bedbugs found in Paris. The infestation broke out just before Paris Fashion Week, where increased sightings of bedbugs in homes, trains and even hospitals began.

Why the sudden surge in bedbugs in Paris?

According to ANSES, the French health and safety agency, the sudden increase is most likely due to the equal increase in travel, as well as the insect’s increasing resistance to insecticides.

Paris saw an influx of travelers over the last two months thanks to both Paris Fashion Week and the ongoing Rugby World Cup, which culminates in the final on Oct. 28 between South Africa and New Zealand. Travelers attending both events faced problems in hotels in particular. What’s more, travelers going home after the events transported some of these bedbugs with them.

In early October, a viral video swept across the internet showing bedbugs on London’s underground tube. While the United Kingdom experiences its fair share of bedbugs itself, on a grand scale, no city is safe from these insects becoming increasingly resistant to pesticides. In fact, according to a recent study by Orkin, Chicago and New York City are the top cities in the United States with the most bedbug treatments. Philadelphia follows close behind. This year, Los Angeles saw the largest jump in bedbug incidents.

One common misconception is the association of bedbugs with dirty places. Contrary to popular belief, bedbugs can live anywhere, so long as there’s warm bodies to live off of.

So, you have a trip coming up for Paris — should you be worried you’ll encounter a place with bedbugs? The chance is always there, but the infestation isn’t everywhere in Paris. Before arriving, check with your hotel, rental or property to ensure there’s not an infestation. It’s also a good bet to ask what measures the property has in store to ensure guests are safe.

If you take all these measures and reach your Paris hotel but still find yourself a bit wary, you can take these extra precautions to be safe. Avoid putting your suitcase directly on the bed and removing clothes, as bedbugs prefer beds and dirty clothes. If you want to check the room yourself for signs of bed bugs, typical indicators include dots of a rust color on mattresses, a musty odor or pale yellow dots (eggs).

When you get home, be sure to wash your clothes immediately in hot water as an added precaution.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers an extensive guide on bedbugs and how to handle an outbreak here.

Have you ever encountered a bedbug situation in a hotel or on your travels? Do you have an upcoming trip planned for Paris? Tell us your thoughts. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.