Pesky bed bugs, known for causing itchy bites, may also pose a public health risk by spreading deadly, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, according to resurfaced research.
Scientists have raised concerns that these small insects, measuring about the size of an apple seed, could transmit pathogens like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to humans. MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to common antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat. If MRSA enters the bloodstream through an open wound, it can lead to multi-organ failure and is fatal for approximately one in five patients.
In a study conducted by researchers at the University of South Dakota, bed bugs were exposed to artificial skin contaminated with MRSA. The findings indicated that the bugs could acquire the bacteria after a single feeding and potentially spread it to others during subsequent feedings.
Jose Pietri, an author of the 2023 study now at Purdue University, emphasized that further research is necessary to confirm if bed bugs can indeed transmit MRSA to humans. However, he noted that these findings "change the perspective of what bed bugs do, in terms of public health."
Bed bugs are believed to have originated over 245,000 years ago, initially feeding on bat blood before shifting to human hosts. They have been documented in ancient Egypt and Greece and were brought to the American colonies by European settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, they are found in all 50 U.S. states, with infestations often concentrated in areas with high tourism and population density, such as hotels and apartments.
The research emerges as bed bug infestations are reportedly surging across the United States. Experts estimate a five-fold increase in the bed bug population over the last decade, with major metropolitan areas experiencing the most significant impacts. Data from pest control company Orkin identified Chicago as the most bed bug-infested city in the U.S. for the fifth consecutive year, a trend attributed to its dense population, heavy tourist traffic, and numerous multi-unit buildings. Los Angeles, Detroit, Cleveland, and Indianapolis were also among the top five most infested cities.
Dr. Shannon Sked, an entomologist and national technical director at Orkin, described bed bugs as resilient and difficult to control once introduced into a living space. They are adept at hiding in cracks, crevices, and personal belongings. Travelers are advised to inspect hotel rooms and belongings carefully upon returning home to reduce the risk of bringing bed bugs back.
While the potential link between bed bugs and MRSA transmission has generated concern, experts currently lack clear evidence that bed bugs can spread other diseases from person to person due to their specific anatomy and digestive processes.
Identifying a bed bug infestation can be challenging due to the pests' small size. Subtle signs include minor blood stains on bedding, tiny black dots from fecal matter, a faint musty odor, and small, pale yellow or pearly-white oval eggs, which are about one millimeter in length.
To prevent infestations, experts recommend inspecting luggage for signs of bed bugs after traveling and avoiding placing luggage directly on beds. Laundry should be washed immediately upon returning home. For existing infestations, professional exterminators are often recommended, though treatments can be costly. In addition, microscopic crystal spray, such as silica dust, can be used to kill bed bugs by dehydrating them.