All articles tagged with #infestations
Bethesda has reduced Infestations' boss HP and pacing in Fallout 76, added an option to hide Infestations from the UI and disable related notifications, and plans to roll out updated rewards and clearer indicators later this year to address player concerns about the event.
Chicago leads Orkin’s 2026 Bed Bug Cities List with the highest bedbug infestations per capita, followed by Los Angeles, Detroit, Cleveland and Indianapolis. The Midwest is the hardest-hit region, driven by dense housing, high turnover of residents and travelers, and warm summers. Experts recommend quick inspections of hotels or short-term rentals and belongings when traveling to prevent bringing pests home, as bedbugs are tiny, elusive pests that feed on blood and can hitchhike on luggage.
Bethesda’s Fallout 76 Infestations update spawns random, high-difficulty enemies across about 40 locations, with the live map adjustable in real time. The devs admit they underestimated players' killing prowess and relish the challenge of tuning for everyone, hinting at expanding infestations to busier areas while preserving exploration and variety.
From June 7–15, Fallout 76 players can earn free rewards by logging in daily to support the Brotherhood’s P.R.O.T.E.C.T. Protocol Community Challenge, including Atom Shop items and freebies like Clean Mr. Fuzzy Headwear and T-51 Power Armor Abraxo Paint, plus a grand prize Brotherhood Protector Power Armor for clearing 500,000 Infestations. The same window also runs a Fallout 1st Limited Preview Trial with crafting storage, Aid Box, Survival Tent, and a 10% S.C.O.R.E boost, with full Fallout 1st benefits after the trial; players must own the game and log in via Bethesda.net.
Bethesda confirms Fallout 76 will get an Xbox Series X|S upgrade this summer, delivering 4K on Series X, higher draw distances, enhanced shadows, VRR support, and a target 60fps; public testing begins this month via the Microsoft Store, with the upgrade rolling out after testing. The update also introduces Infestations—a new content type across multiple regions that pits players against tougher factions for a mix of standard 3‑Star loot and a guaranteed 4‑Star Legendary item when the boss is defeated.
Fallout 76’s Infestations update adds new Infestations across Appalachia with faction-led territories and elite bosses that guarantee 4-Star Legendaries, introduces two exclusive 4-Star mods (Vector and Tarnished), and a Deathclaw C.A.M.P. Pet via bundles; Season 25—Appalachia Under Siege—brings fresh rewards, plus a new seasonal fish and a Next-Gen Update public test for Xbox Series X|S and PS5 to deliver up to 60 FPS, 4K, and VRR, alongside broad balance and quality-of-life fixes and a major radiation-resistance rework.
Bethesda previews Fallout 76: Infestations, a new dynamic activity that overhauls 40 outdoor locations with roaming faction bosses, creating emergent co-op chaos across Appalachia. Infestations appear as you explore and can be joined by nearby teammates; each boss has a unique weapon and a random Mutation. Up to five infestations can run simultaneously on a server, spawning every 10 minutes, with players chasing 4-star Legendary loot drawn from a common pool plus content-specific items like the Vector Armor Mod and Tarnished Weapon Mod. Loot and difficulty scale from level 50 to 200, supporting both solo and group play, and infestations despawn after 5 hours if ignored. Interiors may come later as the map refreshes, emphasizing a living, iterative world.
The article humorously details various infestations and pest issues faced by staffers at The Autopian, including bats, ants, mice, and invasive ducks, along with their experiences and solutions for managing these problems.
Orkin has released its annual ranking of worst cities for bed bugs, with six Ohio cities making the list. Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia top the list, while Cleveland-Akron, Columbus, Cincinnati, Youngstown, Toledo, and Dayton are among the top 50. Orkin provides tips for identifying and preventing bed bug infestations, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections, reducing clutter, and being cautious while traveling.
Orkin's annual ranking of the most bed bug-infested cities in the US places Chicago at the top spot for the fourth year in a row, with New York City following closely. The list is based on the metro areas where the company provided the most treatments for bed bugs in the last year. Complaints about bed bugs in New York City surged 17% in 2023, with an increase in cases reported. Experts attribute the rise to increased domestic and international travel, particularly from Central and South America.
South Korea has declared war on bedbugs after a surge in reported cases, with bathhouses, university dorms, and train stations on high alert. The sudden resurgence of the pests, following similar outbreaks in other countries, has caused alarm among the public. Pest control firms are inundated with requests for help, and social media is filled with pictures and accounts of encounters with the insects. Concerns over being stigmatized for hygiene reasons may lead to underreporting of cases. The government is collaborating with private pest control companies and expediting the import of new pesticides. The capital city of Seoul is launching a bedbug reporting and management system and will provide pest control support for small housing units. Resistance to insecticides and increased travel post-Covid are believed to be contributing factors to the outbreaks. Preventive measures and early responses are emphasized.
Infestations of more resilient bedbugs have been reported in Japan, with the Japan Pest Control Association receiving a significant increase in inquiries about bedbugs. The rise in bedbug population is attributed to an increase in travelers to Japan, although the number of inquiries remained consistent during the COVID-19 pandemic when borders were closed. Bedbugs are difficult to locate as they live in cracks and gaps of various objects and feed on human and pet blood. The insects are well-adapted to human habitats and can survive for several months without feeding. Despite the decline in inbound tourists, the rate of bedbug inquiries did not decrease significantly, indicating that bedbugs may be spreading within the country.
France has been gripped by a national hysteria over a rise in bedbug infestations, with media coverage and discussions dominating the public discourse. While there has been a real increase in cases, the panic seems disproportionate to the actual threat posed by bedbugs. Although highly unpleasant, bedbugs do not spread diseases and their bites are not long-lasting. The panic may be fueled by concerns about France's reputation among visitors, as the country is currently hosting the rugby union World Cup and will host the Olympic Games next year. The government has held a crisis meeting and taken measures to address the issue, including increased inspections and cleaning regimes.
France's transport minister has called for calm as reports of bedbug infestations in Paris and other cities increase. The minister pledged to work with transport operators and cleaning companies to find more efficient solutions to tackle the issue. Videos showing bedbugs on public transportation and in public areas have gone viral on social media, causing concern among the public. The French environment ministry attributes the resurgence of bedbugs to international travel and increased resistance to pesticides. Experts note that bedbug infestations tend to rise during late summer due to increased travel. Bedbugs are difficult to eliminate and require professional treatment. Lower-income households in Paris are being supported with the costs of dealing with infestations.
Paris is grappling with a bedbug infestation ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, with social media posts showing the insects on public transportation and in movie theaters. The city's deputy mayor has called for urgent action to address the problem, stating that "no one is safe" from infestations. A recent survey revealed that about 1 in 10 French households have been infested with bedbugs, and the issue is on the rise due to increased travel and pesticide resistance. Bedbugs are not known to transmit diseases but can cause sleep disorders and mental health issues. Similar sightings have been reported in Marseille, prompting residents to take precautions to keep the pests out.