Wemmel (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Campus W in Wemmel reopens library, cafeteria, and restaurant after bedbugs found in 3 senior apartments. Mayor Walter Vansteenkiste confirms preventive measures are in place.
As VRT News reported, the library and cafeteria at Campus W in Wemmel, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, have reopened today, Nov 5, 2025, after being temporarily closed due to a bedbug infestation. Mayor Walter Vansteenkiste (LB Wemmel) said the situation is now fully under control.
What measures is Wemmel taking to control the bedbug outbreak at Campus W?
A re-inspection on Tuesday, Nov 4, 2025, confirmed that all rooms were completely free of bedbugs, allowing public facilities to safely reopen. Authorities stressed that the preventive measures and rapid response ensured the safety of residents and visitors.
The 3 senior apartments where the insects were discovered are now being treated by a specialised pest control company. Authorities said the rooms are being heated to 60 degrees Celsius, a measure designed to destroy both the bedbugs and their eggs and fully eradicate the infestation.
Mayor Walter Vansteenkiste (LB Wemmel) said the municipality is also taking preventive steps to avoid future outbreaks.
“Special monitoring strips will be placed in classrooms and public areas,”
he explained.
“This will allow us to detect bedbugs early and respond quickly.”
The municipality emphasised that the combination of thorough inspections, professional treatment, and preventive monitoring ensures a safe and hygienic environment for residents, staff, and visitors at the campus.
The insects were found last week in 3 senior apartments at Residence Geurts, which is part of the same campus that includes the library and other public facilities. Bedbugs cause swelling, redness, and persistent itching. The municipality acted quickly to close public areas as a precaution and prevent any potential spread while inspections and treatments were carried out.
Bedbug infestations have become a growing concern in residential and public buildings across Belgium in recent years. Around 2015–2016, reports of outbreaks in senior residences and public facilities increased. In 2020, Flemish cities, including Wemmel, began using advanced detection methods such as sniffer dogs and professional heat treatments to handle infestations quickly and safely.
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