Bugs Galore

Cimex lectularius, more commonly known as the bedbug, is back with a vengeance. According to a local pest-control company there are now more than 2000 cases of reported infestations a year while ten years ago there were none.

Why this sudden resurgence? Are Swedes becoming less hygienic? Experts blame it on the increasing international travel to quaint exotic places which were once out of reach to the ordinary tourist and pocket. It’s never our fault, is it? If it’s any comfort, the C. lectularius is on the increase in other first-world countries as well.

But these are not the only bugs around. At this time of year when schools reopen after the summer holidays, parents are urged by their children’s schools and child-care centres to inspect their offsprings’ heads for lice and nits. Lack of hygiene? Oh no! It’s international travel again.

Perhaps the government should declare a stay-at-home year to see if it helps. Perhaps we should forbid our friends from quaint exotic countries to visit us as well. But that would put pest-control companies out of business. But then again, perhaps they are the ones planting the bugs ... to stay in business.

Anyhow, we’ve got to do something if we don’t want these little creepy-crawlies walking all over us while we sleep, imbibing our blood and laying eggs in our crowning glory.

I know ... be an armchair tourist ... that should keep the environmentalists happy too.