Bedbugs can cause people to lose sleep—and blood. Here's what to do about them

Bedbugs, often referred to as the "vampires of the insect world," are nocturnal pests that feed on human blood. These bloodsuckers, which resemble apple seeds, are adept at hiding in narrow spaces within furniture and clothing. Although their bites are typically painless, they can cause itchy red welts and, in rare cases, lead to severe conditions like anemia, as documented in a 2020 medical journal case report from France.

Although bedbugs are not known to spread diseases, recent experiments have shown they can acquire antibiotic-resistant MRSA infections and pass them on, raising public health concerns. Bedbugs were nearly eradicated in the mid-20th century with the widespread use of DDT, but they have developed resistance to this pesticide and other chemicals, resulting in a resurgence in recent decades.

To prevent bedbug infestations, experts recommend inspection and treatment of secondhand furniture, proper cleaning of clothing and luggage, and sealing hiding spaces within homes. While there is no clear evidence that bedbugs spread diseases between people, their increasing numbers and resistance to common pesticides pose a significant challenge for public health.