The North Korea bedbug infestation has triggered a sweeping military response during the country’s summer training season. On July 11, a military source revealed that the army’s General Staff Department discovered the North Korea bedbug issue during early summer drills. These drills took place in units under the Reconnaissance General Bureau in Hyongjesan District, Pyongyang.
Inspectors noticed the infestation while reviewing troop conditions between July 1 and 3. During morning roll call, they saw numerous soldiers with insect bites on their faces and necks, indicating the presence of North Korea bedbugs. These bites quickly raised alarm. Military personnel urgently reported the situation to higher authorities on July 4.
Last year, soldiers had also suffered from bedbug bites during the monsoon season. Officers blamed the pinewood beds used in the barracks. Pine is known to offer hiding spots for bedbugs. As a result, many officers had long requested bed replacements made from harder wood.
After receiving the report, the General Staff Department declared July the official fumigation month. The goal is to wipe out the North Korea bedbug infestation completely. On July 7, they filed an incident report and instructed all military corps to begin fumigation work.
Military officials believe that barracks hygiene directly affects combat performance and overall troop readiness. Consequently, addressing the North Korea bedbug issue through fumigation became part of this year’s summer exercises. The Reconnaissance General Bureau’s logistics and medical teams began distributing pest control supplies to every unit.
Each day, they fumigate one platoon’s barracks, starting with the most affected areas. While fumigation is underway, soldiers sleep in nearby platoon barracks. Workers seal the windows and doors before spraying pesticides and releasing fumigant gas. The treatment lasts for 48 hours.
The General Staff Department has ordered each barracks to be fumigated two to five times throughout July. However, the plan must not disrupt the summer exercise schedule.
So far, soldiers have welcomed the move. Many say the short-term inconvenience is worth it. One soldier noted, “It’s better to sleep elsewhere for a few days than keep scratching all night.” Another said, “We’re already low on food. We don’t need bugs sucking more out of us.”
Clearly, the military sees this North Korea bedbug infestation as a threat to both morale and health. With coordinated efforts now underway, troops hope relief is finally in sight.
