The South Korean government plans to deploy bedbug detection dogs, specially trained to identify these pests, at Incheon International Airport, the country’s main gateway. This initiative aims to prevent a potential influx of bedbugs from abroad following the Paris Olympics.
South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport announced that it would enhance disinfection and pest control measures in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. This effort is designed to minimize the risk of bedbugs entering South Korea through Incheon International Airport.
The decision comes in response to the upcoming Paris Summer Olympics and Paralympics, which will attract visitors from around the globe and increase the chance of bedbugs being brought back to South Korea after the event.
To tackle this issue, authorities will boost disinfection and monitoring efforts, focusing on aircraft and key areas within the airport. They will increase the frequency of aircraft disinfections, especially on the Paris-Incheon route, from once a month to once a week. If bedbugs are found on board, the airport’s quarantine office will be notified immediately to take corrective action.
Disinfection efforts at high-traffic areas within the airport, such as transfer lounges and immigration halls, will also increase, moving from once a month to once a week. Bedbug traps will also be installed and monitored in key areas like rest zones and baggage claim areas.
From November 9 to September 8, a Bedbug Detection and Control Support Booth will operate, backed by Cesco as part of its social contribution efforts.
The booth will feature a bedbug detection dog, introduced as part of a pilot program, and a pest control expert with over ten years of experience. The dog’s sense of smell is 40 times more sensitive than that of humans and can detect the unique pheromones of bedbugs.
Travelers arriving from areas known for bedbug problems or those bitten can use the booth to check for bedbugs and receive pest control services from the expert.
The Sanitary Pest Control Shelter, established last year, will continue operating. It has ten hot air dryers that can dry clothing and luggage at 50°C (122°F), helping passengers eliminate bedbugs.
Bedbug prevention guidelines will also be promoted using monitors at 49 locations, including Incheon Airport quarantine stations and overseas infectious disease reporting centers.
Lee Han Kyung, director of the Disaster Safety Management Headquarters at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, emphasized the importance of preventing bedbugs before they arrive. “Since bedbugs are difficult to control once detected, it is crucial to prevent their entry in advance. We will enhance proactive measures at the airport through public-private cooperation,” he said.