Prevent "Bindae" Free Riding... Strengthen Quarantine on Trains and Airport Buses

Daily Disinfection and Sanitization of Trains and Airport Buses
"Physical and Chemical Control Measures to Be Implemented Together"

As bedbug-related damages continue across the country, Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) announced that it will make every effort to disinfect all trains and connected transportation for public health and safety.

A quarantine staff member disinfecting seats inside a KTX train.
[Photo by Korail]

On the 3rd, KORAIL stated that since the 26th of last month, starting with KTX trains, it has been enhancing bedbug extermination effectiveness by combining physical control methods (steam cleaning, vacuuming, etc.) and chemical control methods (insecticides) on all trains, as recommended by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.

All trains undergo daily cleaning at least once using professional pharmaceuticals designated by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, focusing on preventing bedbug occurrences by cleaning ▲handrails ▲shelves and tables ▲aisle floors, among other areas.

Additionally, when trains arrive at their terminal stations or enter the vehicle depot, special cleaning is conducted, including high-temperature steam treatment of seats and restrooms. Furthermore, once a month, a pest control specialist company will be commissioned to inspect for any remaining bedbugs inside the trains.

Moreover, disinfection of the KTX-linked airport buses running between Gwangmyeong Station and Incheon Airport will be strengthened. While disinfection was previously conducted once a week, proactive daily disinfection has been implemented starting this month.

Han Moon-hee, President of KORAIL, said, "Along with the enhanced disinfection measures since COVID-19, we are proactively responding to prevent bedbug damage. We will do our best to strengthen vehicle management through physical and chemical control so that the public can use trains with peace of mind."

Bedbugs were known to have been virtually eradicated in Korea due to the rapid decline in their population following the Saemaul Undong movement in the 1960s and the introduction of DDT insecticides in the 1970s. However, with the recent spread of bedbugs in foreign countries such as France and the increase in foreign arrivals to Korea, a 'bedbug commotion' has been ongoing domestically.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government operates a 'Bedbug Occurrence Reporting Center' to prevent the spread of bedbugs. Reports can be made through public health centers, the 120 Dasan Call Center, and the Seoul city website banner. Upon receiving a report, the local district office will promptly dispatch personnel to the site to confirm the presence of bedbugs and take pest control measures according to relevant laws and regulations.

※ Investigate Bedbug Traces in Your Home

○Step 1
-Found only in one place on the bed (bed springs, frame, mattress seams, bed head, etc.)
○Step 2
-Spread around the bed (bed, nearby tables or drawers)
○Step 3
-Found where the wall meets the floor and under carpets
○Step 4
-Found in wall cracks and electrical outlets
○Step 5
-Found on walls and ceilings
-The more places found and the farther from the bed, the more severe the stage

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.