Bedbug infestations, which can disrupt sleep and lead to blood loss, are reportedly on the rise and tend to be at their peak during this time of year, according to pest control experts and entomologists. These nocturnal pests, about the size of an apple seed, hide in narrow crevices, furniture, clothing, and linens, emerging at night to feed on human blood.
The bites themselves are often painless, and while some individuals develop itchy welts, others experience no immediate reaction. This lack of visible symptoms can contribute to undetected infestations spreading rapidly. In a notable case from France in 2020, a man was hospitalized with severe anemia attributed to a long-standing, undetected bedbug infestation in his apartment, where thousands of the insects were found.
While historically there has been limited evidence of bedbugs directly transmitting diseases between people, recent research suggests a potential, albeit unproven, link to the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections. A 2023 study by University of South Dakota researchers demonstrated that bedbugs could acquire and transmit Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in laboratory conditions. Further research is needed to confirm if this occurs in real-world human-to-human transmission scenarios, but it alters the public health perspective on these pests.
Bedbug populations saw a significant decline after World War II due to the widespread use of the pesticide DDT. However, the subsequent ban of DDT in the U.S. in 1972, coupled with the insects' developing resistance to other insecticides, has contributed to their resurgence in recent decades. The exact prevalence of infestations is difficult to quantify, as rankings from pest control companies are based on call volumes and may not capture all affected areas, particularly in low-income housing.
Experts emphasize prevention as the most effective strategy. Travelers are advised to inspect hotel rooms for signs of bedbugs, such as excrement stains, and to keep luggage away from beds and floors. Upon returning home, luggage should be unpacked outdoors, and laundry should be immediately washed and dried.
Secondhand furniture and other items can also be a source of infestation. Visual inspection and treatment before bringing such items into the home are recommended. Methods like vacuuming, steaming, heating, or even quarantining items in a garage or storage unit can help mitigate risk. For clothing, a thorough drying cycle is advised, while smaller items like shoes can be frozen for a week.
Eliminating an existing infestation can be challenging and labor-intensive. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides guidance for do-it-yourself methods, which often involve sealing potential hiding spots and treating infested items. However, the insects' resistance to many common insecticides means that simply applying random chemicals is often ineffective.
Professional exterminators are often recommended for effective bedbug removal, though services can be costly. Alternative treatments include silica dust, which dehydrates the insects, and sustained dry heat, which can kill both adult bedbugs and eggs. Sustained heat treatments must reach at least 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) and require professional application to avoid damaging furnishings.
Christopher Hayes, an assistant professor at North Carolina State University who has researched bedbugs extensively, advises the public not to panic but to take swift action if an infestation is suspected. Early detection and intervention are key to managing and eradicating the pests.