Bed bug infestations have been reported in almost all types of human-occupied structures and various means of mass transportation. Publicity has led to increased public awareness, with bed bug 'sightings' and infestations reported across the country. They have starred in compelling, creepy stories and videos on local and national news. Particularly in developed countries, bed bugs nearly disappeared, with only sporadic infestations occurring in dwellings with high occupant turnover and questionable sanitary conditions.īy the early 2000s, bed bugs began a surprising resurgence into our modern society. A turning point in the history of bed bug control occurred after the advent of highly effective synthetic insecticides such as DDT in the mid-1940s, and subsequently organophosphates and carbamates. Numerous control methods were used to eliminate infestations, but with little success. Bed bug infestations, particularly in poorer and overcrowded places, were a common issue in the U.S. homes during the beginning of the 20th century.

Historical accounts suggest bed bugs were in Europe by the time of the Greeks and early Romans, northern Europe by the 11th century, and North America by the mid-1700s, thanks to early sailors and colonists.Īn escalation of bed bug infestations coincided with increased use of central heating in European and U.S. Desperate for a good night's sleep, bed bug-bitten humans developed various practices, potions, and poisons to battle the little pests. Thus, an opportunistic, parasitic relationship may have begun, transcending the ups and downs of civilization, war, occupation, slavery, peace, poverty, trade, and travel. When the humans moved their few belongings, tiny bed bugs could easily hide in the furs, riding to new locations without missing a meal. From the bed bug's perspective, humans were warm-blooded and nearly hairless they probably returned to their caves regularly to sleep on pallets of dried grasses heaped with furry animal skins-perfect accommodations for the bugs. With birds and bats leaving the area in pursuit of food, early humans were moving into caves, probably using fire to keep themselves warm and ward off predators. Bed bugs may have switched hosts from bats and birds in caves to humans some 10,000 or more years ago when the area grew hotter and drier. If archaeologists and historical climatologists are correct, the common bed bug probably originated in the Middle East. Further escalation of this public health problem should be expected. In the last decade, bed bug infestations have been reported in all 50 U.S. But now, hordes of insecticide-resistant, resilient bed bugs are surging back into not only beds of all shapes, sizes, and brands but also used furniture, used clothing, and even seats in theaters and mass transit in various parts of the country. With the development of effective, synthetic insecticides after World War II, these flightless bloodsuckers nearly disappeared from American dwellings. Growing global economies, ease of affordable travel, and increased insecticide resistance have likely contributed to bed bug redistribution and reappearance around the U.S. In recent years, the common bed bug 2 has shown that age, race, sex, national origin, current address, sleeping arrangements, quality of accommodations, and socioeconomic status do not affect its use of human blood as a food source.

Guide G-324 Carol Sutherland and Alvaro Romero College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State UniversityĪuthors: Respectively, Extension Entomologist, Department of Extension Plant Sciences, and Assistant Professor/Urban Entomologist, Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science, New Mexico State University. ( Print Friendly PDF) Introduction Sleep Tight! Don't let the Bed Bugs Bite! Practical Information for Dealing With and Eliminating Bed Bugs

Bed bugs pictures actual size