Insects

Millions of insects migrate over France from northern Europe to southern Spain

These insects travel from as far as Sweden or the UK on an instinctual, genetic basis

French study praises ‘miracle product’ against bedbugs

The study found that a commonly-used clay powder is effective against the insects

‘Native’ case of dengue fever in Hérault, first in France in 2024

Authorities are taking action to stop the virus from spreading locally including anti-mosquito spraying operations - PLUS, see a map of the current situation nationwide

news

What is France’s new national plan to fight against Asian hornets?

The hornets represent a triple threat: to the beekeeping industry, to the environment and to public health, said the French minister for biodiversity

Act now to limit tiger mosquitoes at French home this summer

The insects are now in all regions of France

‘Highly damaging’ fruit-eating fly at risk of spreading in France

Damage could range from 20-100% of harvests, experts have warned

Tiger mosquitoes now in Normandy, last region of France to escape them

The tiny insects were first detected in France in 2004

Be aware of caterpillars when walking your dog in France

Certain caterpillars can cause necrosis of the tongue in dogs and are appearing earlier each year

Test your French with these nine expressions linked to insects

Gober les mouches, fier comme un pou, avoir le bourdon - learn how to use these everyday French phrases

Processionary caterpillars in French forest blamed for sick dogs

A woman who walked her pets in a tree-covered area had to rush them to the vet

Processionary caterpillars already spotted this year in France

The insects - which have highly-irritating, toxic hairs - typically only emerge in warmer months

Warning over insecticide used against bed bugs in France

The product is suspected to be the cause of the death of a man in Lyon

Ticks carrying Crimean-Congo fever found in France for first time

No human cases have yet been detected but health authorities warn that the virus could spread due to climate change. It is already in Spain

1,347 cases of dengue fever registered in France since May 1

Most came from overseas but the number of native cases is rising sharply too, the French health authority has warned

Increase in tiger mosquitoes in France leads to more cases of dengue

Why are there more mosquitoes, and what are the common symptoms of dengue to look out for?

Electric ants, hornets: The battle against invasive species in France

The electric ant which has a painful bite was first detected in France last summer. Experts are now racing against the clock to stop the spread

Grub’s up: Insect farming for human food is French success story

How France has become a global leader in insect protein production and where you might eat it

Toxic processionary caterpillars appear early in south France

The higher-than-average seasonal temperatures have caused the insects to appear two months early, presenting a danger to pets and humans

Insure your French home against bed bug misery for €2 per month

A start-up is offering ‘France’s first bed bug insurance’ and advice on how to avoid scams when trying to get rid of the insects

Mosquito screen reinvented by French couple after mesh misery abroad

Their polycarbonate solution also lets in more light and cools air coming through

Are there more wasps in France this year? Yes, says expert

Entomologist warns though that very hot weather can cause them to disappear and threaten the important role they play in biodiversity

Anti-mosquito campaign begins in south of France town after invasion

Visitors report being ‘devoured’ by the insects

Beetle burger anyone? French firm allowed to cook with Buffalo beetles

The start-up now plans to step up production massively and wants to create burgers and protein bars

Why you may be hearing cicadas in France more this week

The noisy insects are found all over France but are particularly present in the south of the country

Traps placed to stop damaging Japanese scarab beetle coming to France

A national health and safety agency report says early action is needed to stop the invasive insect spreading into the country and destroying plants

Mosquitoes make their return in France: Tips on keeping them away

The insects, of which there are 70 different species in the country, are back slightly earlier this year

‘They are everywhere’: French town suffers severe ant infestation

Residents say they can no longer go outside without being bitten by the insects, which belong to a notoriously-tough Mediterranean species

Biodiversity: Are Asian ladybirds threatening their French cousins?

The insects can be recognised by their distinctive orange-and-black colour forms, and nature experts say they have become invasive in recent years

Why CO2 tiger mosquito traps could soon be banned in France

Tiger mosquitoes are present in 57 departments and are capable of carrying diseases such as yellow fever and dengue

Aphid-eating ladybirds given free to gardeners in Normandy

The ladybirds can be extremely efficient ‘insecticides.’ The tradition of distributing them for free dates back almost 40 years

France to take action against Asian hornets and other invasive insects

A new 10-year plan will prioritise combating the spread of problematic species so as to protect native biodiversity and prevent disease

Local authorities act as toxic caterpillars appear again in France

Authorities are gearing up to fight the insects as warmer weather begins. The caterpillars’ hairs can be harmful to humans and pets and they damage trees

Nests of new bee-eating oriental hornets found in Marseille destroyed

The species, known to be highly dangerous to bees, had been found for the first time near the city earlier this year

Bee-eating oriental hornet discovered in Marseille, a first in France

The insect is highly invasive and known to be a ‘formidable predator’ of bees

Destructive oriental fruit fly found in South of France for first time

The insect was first found in France in 2019 in Paris and Occitanie. It can cause serious damage to fruit and vegetable produce

Why are there so many flies in southwest France now?

Insect experts say the recent extreme weather is likely the cause, but have warned that some kinds of flies and insects can be more dangerous than others

French town uses pheromone guns to stop toxic caterpillars reproducing

The processionary insects, which live in resinous trees with needles, can be dangerous to humans and animals

Where in France you are most at-risk from Lyme disease ticks

An initiative to track and stop the spread of pathogenic ticks found forest areas are the most likely locations but that more people are also being bitten in their gardens

No detail too small for amateur French insect photographer

Pierre Anquet has taken insect macro-photos for four years and they are recognised as among the best in the world

Public in France warned over low-hanging hornet nests

People are warned to be alert to nests in low hedges or on the ground after a farmer in western France died from a hornet attack

Insecticide harmful to bees temporarily allowed in France

Neonicotinoids have been approved for three years to be used in growing sugar beet despite having previously been banned, mainly due to evidence that they are toxic for bees

Local vs supermarket honey: a French honey producer's view

A dynamic Dordogne honey producer tells us about the challenges facing French beekeepers, and why we should check the label before buying miel in the supermarket.

Health warning in France: Avoid Tiger mosquitoes

Tiger mosquitoes could become a major health risk for the whole of France in the coming decades, a specialist government commission has warned.

Possible outbreak of dengue fever in Nice

Health authorities in the southern city of Nice are warning of a possible outbreak of native dengue fever spread by tiger mosquitoes after two cases were confirmed. Around a dozen others are suspected.

How to keep bugs at bay in rural French homes

A French man who blew up part of his home trying to swat a fly has inspired us to search out the best ways (without pesticides if possible) to handle common pests in the home or garden.

Why are there more wasps in France in 2020?

Wasp populations have been on the rise in France this year, but an expert has now said that the increase has nothing to do with confinement or the warm summer - but is rather linked to conditions last year.

Beware Asian hornets nests widespread in France this summer

Nests of dangerous Asian hornets are expected to be widespread this summer after a sunny spring.

France wasp population much higher this summer

Pest control companies all over the country have reported being called out far more often than usual to destroy nests.

Insectivor, Raid Night&Day best for repelling les moustiques

These are the best products that help keep mosquitoes at bay.

The best plants to grow in France to deter mosquitoes

As summer temperatures soar across France mosquitoes can become a major issue. But what if you could plant flowers that keep the insects away naturally? You can. We explore the best plants to grow now.

France to introduce bug that eats harmful ragweed plant

Should a bug that eats harmful ragweed be deliberately introduced into France?

Nature in France: what are those shiny blue bumble bees?

Have you spotted a huge blue bee buzzing around your garden? We explain what they are what they do.

Mediterranean tick expands territory in south of France

The tick, known as hyalomma marginatum , is increasingly common in France researchers in Montpellier have found. It can transmit a virus that causes hemorrhagic fever, although few cases have been recorded in Western Europe so far.

Dog owners in south of France warned of incurable disease

Dog owners in the south of France are being warned against an incurable serious disease - canine leishmaniasis - that is spread by sand flies and mainly present in the Mediterranean region.

Will France see an insect invasion this summer?

Warm weather is increasing the number of insects appearing in France this summer - especially tiny “flea beetles” - it has been reported, although experts say the country is unlikely to see an invasion.

Tiger mosquitoes in France: How to cope in confinement

Advice has been issued in France to help residents in confinement cope with the imminent annual arrival of the tiger mosquito, including ways to reduce their number with simple, home-based actions.

French scientists fight Asian hornet ‘in own language’

Researchers in France have discovered a “very promising” possible solution in the fight against the harmful Asian hornet, which includes “talking to the insect in its own language” to lure it into traps.

France launches new campaign against bed bugs

The French government has launched a new campaign against bed bugs, to raise awareness and share information on how to prevent them, and get rid of them.

Heat hits olive farms in France

Olive farmers have seen a huge drop in crop yield – up to 60% in the Alpes-Maritimes – due to this summer’s heatwaves.

France reports first ever native case of dengue fever

The first ever known case of native dengue fever in France has been confirmed in the region of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

‘Olive tree killer’ bacteria arrives in France

Two olive trees in France have been contaminated with the “olive tree killer” bacteria xylella fastidiosa, which cannot be killed directly, and which has already destroyed more than a million trees in Italy.

Pesticide-free city ready for important honey harvest

Avignon ready for first harvest of honey from hives on top of World Heritage Site the Palais des Papes

French firm shocked by ‘too loud’ cicadas complaint

A French pest control business in the Dordogne has been left stunned after a local resident asked it to get rid of the cicadas in their garden, because the insects were “too loud”.

French MPs launch campaign against rise in bed bugs

A campaign against bed bugs in France has been launched by MPs to spread knowledge of how to get rid of the bugs, and “lift the taboo” on the growing problem, which is said to affect 400,000 sites.

Invasive flatworm is spreading fast

The invasive Obama nungara worm, from Brazil, is now in 72 departments – up from 60 six months ago – and is spreading fast

French town latest to install tiger mosquito traps

Residents near Toulouse (Occitanie) have become the latest in France to set up homemade traps designed to attract tiger mosquitoes, as awareness of the persistent insects grows.

Does household insurance pay to remove wasps’ nest?

Does household insurance cover having a wasps’ nest removed from my roof? What if the wasps come back? G.B.

Grower’s digest - November 2018

Tips and tricks for gardeners indoors and out

France infested with Asian stink bug insects

France is being infested by so-called “devil stink bugs” that originate from Asia, with sightings of them growing in number since September this year.

France on bed bug alert after suspected Rentrée spread

France is on bed bug alert after the insect has been found spreading across Île-de-France in particular, following the return from holidays earlier this month.

Tiger mosquito alert as insect spreads across country

The tiger mosquito has now been confirmed in 42 departments across the country, with an alert issued to warn of its danger as a carrier of disease, along with advice to prevent its spread.

Killer bacteria fear on Corsica olive groves

Infected for the first time

Warning as Asian hornets emerge early

Beekeepers in southwest say they have trapped high numbers of queens already - and warn that the aggressive insects could be a menace this summer

Marseille hospital infested with bedbug outbreak

The Timone adult hospital in Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône) has been hit by an outbreak of bedbugs, with the entire 12th floor said to be affected.

Bed bugs force cinema shutdown

Multiplex in Moselle closes after infestation of tiny blood-sucking insects