Paris - current conditions (rats and bed bugs)?

The last time I was in Paris was November 2023 and did not notice rats or bedbugs. There was some bedbug hysteria last year that I came to conclude was a combination of exaggeration, hysteria, disinformation, and TikTok videos.

jmiller0510,
JHK is correct.

I am sure that there are quite a few rats in Paris. Just like there are quite a few rats that live in my area (Seattle). My rule is that as long as they are outside we can coexist. When they want to move indoors it is absolute war! Rats are just part of a temperate climate with lots of food sources available.

Not Paris, but I think typical, was an afternoon I sat watching along the river bank in Ljubljana where there is also quite the outdoor cafe culture. I watched an entire procession of rats scurry up and down from the river bank to feast on the abundant food scraps that were available. The people at the cafes either didn't notice or didn't care.

It is very likely that rats will be around in Paris as you go about. You may or may not see them. It is unlikely that they would bother you in any fashion unless it is the idea of rats that bothers you. Then, you are out of luck in almost every major city.

Hi,

I was in Paris for a week in November, 2023 and also in February, 2023 and saw no issues with rats or bed bugs. Moved around a bit and was in 3 different AirBNB's and the latter were NEVER a concern.

I saw this story on several different news outlets and found it very interesting. A France Minister (to the EU I think) says that the dis-information about bed bugs in Paris was spread in part by accounts linked to Russia.

https://www.lemonde.fr/en/france/article/2024/03/01/bedbug-panic-was-stoked-by-russia-says-france_6575870_7.html

There are several parks where you will see signs encouraging people to dispose of garbage properly to prevent rats.

Bed bugs are not particularly related to cleanliness in hotels. They come from customer's luggage, wealthy and less wealthy alike. Do you remember when they were a small problem and a big fear in the USA, just a couple of years ago. Where there are tourists (from all countries), there are ... some ... bedbugs.

Was in Paris last month. Family of 6. No bed bugs. No rats. That we saw, anyway, other than Ratatouille at Disneyland.

Amazing place to be and see!

There are bed begs all over the world -- checking on checking into a hotel is always wise and being careful how you handle luggage when you return is also -- if possible isolate the luggage away from the living quarters (garage or basement or storage unit) when returning home. We have been here twice during the bed bug scare and are in Paris now and have yet to see any or know anyone who has.

Rats are also ubiquitous in major cities. I remember about 10 years ago sitting in the forecourt of Notre Dame one evening after returning with friends from apero and seeing a huge family of rats of all sizes climbing in and out of the plastic waste basket bags. Haven't seen any yet this year but saw a mouse in a large Carrefours when stocking up the apartment.

It's on the internet, must be true: https://www.connexionfrance.com/news/paris-and-marseille-in-top-10-most-rat-infested-cities-in-the-world/124839

I agree. The reports were overblown if there was even a problem at all.
We were in Paris in September/October last year and encountered no rats or bedbugs. Our granddaughter has been teaching in France and has not mentioned problems with either species. Humans on occasion, but not bed bugs or rats.

The reports were overblown if there was even a problem at all.

While I absolutely believe in a free and open press, it seems as if the media, in general, long ago stopped reporting the news, and starting creating it. Think it began shortly after the advent of the 24/7 news cycle. They just have to have something to fill up the time and space. Not meaning to offend anyone, just my one rant for the day