Spotta

Oct 19, 2023

These Startups Are Using Tech To Fight Bedbugs In Paris ZeeOctober 19, 2023 Vacations are meant for relaxation, but an unexpected encounter with bedbugs turns rest into stress. These tiny intruders, notorious for disrupting peaceful getaways, have created a stir in Paris, causing both locals and tourists sleepless nights. Robert Cole, a senior research analyst, speaks from experience, “They are horrible and can destroy a vacation — not only through bites but by getting into clothes and luggage to be transported elsewhere.” Old methods of fighting these critters with chemicals are not working anymore. These insects are outsmarting such tactics, leading experts to believe that technology could be the knight in shining armor in this battle. Martim Gois, founder of Valpas, is one of the innovators advocating for a smart approach. “Bedbugs have been on the planet since dinosaurs — long before beds. If we try to control them stubbornly how we have until now… what’s happening in Paris is bound to happen worldwide soon,” he warns, stressing the urgency for new solutions. Traditional bug-fighting methods are losing the battle, but hope comes from an unexpected quarter: startups. Young companies like Valpas, Spotta, and Delta Five are stepping up, armed with tech solutions to tackle the bedbug problem. They’re determined to prove that innovation can do what chemicals no longer can. Each startup approaches the problem a little differently. Valpas introduces smart bed legs that trap bedbugs and alert hotel staff. Delta Five has an ‘e-Lure’ to attract and confine these nuisances. Meanwhile, Spotta goes a step further, using smart pods with image recognition technology to identify various pests, not just bedbugs. Spotta’s Robert Fryers shares, “Our sensors detect the bugs, and if it’s a bedbug, we alert the property owner immediately. Quick action prevents guests from getting bitten.” Why turn to startups when we have chemical sprays? The old ways react too slowly, allowing bedbugs to cause chaos before they’re dealt with. Plus, these methods are harsh on the environment. Startups offer a smart, sustainable alternative, says Martim Gois of Valpas. “Using technology is the only affordable, scalable solution. Traditional inspections just can’t keep up,” Fryers adds. Despite the promising advancements, there is hesitancy in the hospitality sector, primarily due to the associated costs. Hotels are indeed recognizing the effectiveness of these innovative solutions, but the investment is substantial. “I’m a fan, but it’s not cheap. In places like New York or Paris, where bedbugs are a real problem, it makes sense, but it might be a harder sell elsewhere,” Cole acknowledges. The fight against bedbugs is an ongoing challenge, akin to the battle with cockroaches, as these resilient pests have coexisted with dinosaurs and will likely outlive us. As Robert Cole soberly notes, “They were around a long time before humans and will probably be here a long time after we’re gone.” Nonetheless, the rise of tech solutions in pest control hints at a future where, at least, humans can rest easier on their vacations, thanks to the relentless innovation of these startups. Related Articles