Bedbugs have developed resistance to many pesticides, with DDT resistance appearing before 1972 and infestations resurging; professional extermination is often required as DIY methods can be insufficient or risky.

Historical and recent evidence show bedbugs can cause severe health impacts, including extreme anemia from extensive feeding.

Bedbug infestations are rising and tend to peak in warmer months, though the threat persists year-round.

Bedbugs bite at night and are a public health concern; while experiments have suggested links to MRSA, there is no proven disease transmission between humans.

They hide in furniture, clothing, and mattresses, making detection difficult; dark excrement stains can signal their presence.

Bites are often painless but can become itchy welts, and may go unnoticed, leading to prolonged infestations if undetected.

Prevention includes inspecting hotel rooms and luggage, avoiding placing luggage on beds, and carefully checking secondhand items; cleaning steps involve washing, drying, vacuuming, steaming or heating, and isolating items during treatment.

Alternative control methods like silica dust and sustained dry heating can help, but should be applied by professionals to avoid damaging belongings.

EPA DIY guidance exists, yet remediation is labor-intensive and may need professional intervention, with costs ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

The article cites real-world bedbug incidents in public spaces such as NYC buses and Paris public transport to show why vigilance matters.

Infestations are more common in low-income housing and urban settings, with city rankings reflecting call volume rather than comprehensive surveys.

A 2020 Paris case described a man with thousands of bedbugs who developed anemia from chronic blood loss, illustrating health risks beyond itching.