Bedbugs: Beware of this insecticide banned in France since 2013 but still on sale

Punaises de lit : attention au SNIPER 1000, un insecticide interdit mais toujours en vente

French Customs and the DGCCRF are stepping up seizures of “SNIPER 1000 EC DDVP”, a dichlorvos-based insecticide. This biocide, which causes fatal poisoning, has been banned in France since 2013. However, it continues to be sold in certain stores, markets and on the internet, particularly to combat bedbugs. And cases of poisoning are increasing.

As Destination Santé had relayed, in respiratory symptoms, particularly asthma-type, as well as ocular symptoms and neurological disorders.

Since 2018, an increase in cases of poisoning by this insecticide has been observed, with 104 cases reported between January 2022 and June 2023. This increase is correlated with the resurgence of bedbug infestations. According to an ANSES expert report from July 2023, 11% of French households were infested with bedbugs between 2017 and 2022.

Customs and fraud prevention warn of the resurgence of seizures made on travelers

Dichlorvos-based insecticides are often imported illegally from abroad (outside the European Union) and are found in France under the names SNIPER 1000 EC DDVP® or SHOOTER 1000 EC DDVP® intended to combat pests such as bedbugs or cockroaches. The DGCCRF and French Customs have issued alerts in response to the increasing number of seizures of these banned insecticides, which are still being sold illegally in specialist stores, on market stalls, on e-commerce platforms, and even via individuals on social media.

Since 2023, the DGCCRF has inspected more than 600 businesses across France, as well as e-commerce platforms and social media. These checks led to the seizure of nearly 900 bottles of SNIPER 1000 EC DDVP® or SHOOTER 1000 EC DDVP®, and the removal of several online advertisements.

Since the beginning of 2024, customs services have seized 200 bottles of "SNIPER 1000" in two postal packages at the Wissous postal customs office, 287 vials in freight at Roissy airport, and 1,784 vials in travelers' luggage upon arrival at Roissy.

Bedbugs, what to do ?

In the event of a bedbug infestation, consumers are advised to first use mechanical and thermal solutions, such as vacuuming, high-temperature washing, or using cold and heat. If the infestation persists, it is advisable to call on a qualified professional, listed on the website stop-punaises.gouv.fr. Finally, if the purchase of biocidal products becomes necessary, it is preferable to turn to conventional distribution channels.