As public fear mounts over bedbugs, more people have been buying pesticides and other insect extermination and prevention supplies through online retailers and overseas direct purchases.
Bedbug pesticide sales jumped 813 percent in the past week compared to last year for G Market, a major ecommerce operator, as panic over the pests gains traction through social media.
Sales of bedbug pesticides and prevention products have soared in Korea, with G Market reporting an 813 percent increase in pesticide sales and a 610% rise in bedding cleaners.
The government’s recent recommendation to use pyrethroid insecticide in killing bedbugs is stirring up controversy as research released in April found the bug repellent ineffective.
Bedbugs have made appearances in several areas in Seoul after a private pest control company carried out a total of 24 exterminations in 13 districts, more than half of Seoul’s 25 district.
Bedbugs are back in Korea, planting fear in citizens as the critters are even immune to pesticides.
According to daily necessities chain Daiso, sales of insect repellent doubled in May compared to a month earlier. Experts predict people will see more insects this summer as a result of unusually warm temperatures last winter.
Korea JoongAng Daily Sitemap