South Korea Deploys Beagle to Detect Bedbugs in Olympians

In a proactive measure to prevent bedbugs from entering the country, South Korea has introduced a specialized sniffer dog at Incheon International Airport. The two-year-old beagle, named Ceco, is the first canine in South Korea trained to detect the pheromones released by bedbugs. Ceco can inspect a standard hotel room in under two minutes, according to Kim Min-su from the pest control company Cesco, which is leading the initiative in collaboration with various government ministries and agencies. The decision to deploy Ceco comes as South Korea prepares for the influx of athletes, officials, and fans returning from the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. Concerns have been raised about the potential for bedbugs to accompany travelers, especially following a nationwide panic in Paris over infestations as the city readied for the Games. A government press release emphasized the need for a preemptive response to intercept any bedbug entries through the airport, which serves as the main gateway to the country. Ceco and his team began their operations on Friday, coinciding with the arrival of South Korean athletes, and will continue their work until September 8. In addition to deploying the sniffer dog, South Korea has increased the frequency of disinfection for flights arriving from Paris and is prepared to activate airport quarantine services if an outbreak is detected. The initiative follows a period of heightened concern in South Korea over bedbug infestations in various accommodations, prompting a widespread disinfection campaign earlier this year.