The Conflict With Humans and Bed Bugs

The conflict between humans and insect pests has raged for centuries, but few battles boast the sheer make-your-skin-crawl ick factor as the war between people and bed bugs. And the battle, once played out largely in hotels with high international traffic, has moved to the home front.

Nine out of 10 pest management professionals have treated single-family homes, apartments and condos for bed bug infestations in the past year, according to the 2011 Bugs Without Borders Survey by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and the University of Kentucky. Infestations are occurring in homes, hotels, hospitals, day care centers, college dorms, schools, movie theaters, department stores and even public transportation in every state.

Don't think you're safe from the little blood-suckers just because you travel little or stay at only the best hotels, professionals say. Bed bug infestations have little to do with cleanliness or quality. Bed bugs are notoriously hardy and just a few of the hitch-hiking pests - which you can pick up virtually anywhere these days - are all it takes to ultimately establish an infestation in your home or apartment.

Trends in Bed Bug Numbers

Bed bugs are believed to have been around since the time of the caveman An increase in domestic and international travel is the likely cause of their resurgence over the last 10 years.

Other factors contributing to increased activity include the use of second-hand goods, and the movement of furniture and linens, changes in pest control procedures, and a generational lack of knowledge.

According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), bed bug infestations have risen 71% since 2001 and are expected to climb.