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

Bedbugs are often referred to as the "vampires" of the insect world, as they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed on human blood. These pests are increasingly becoming a problem, with infestations being at their worst during this time of year. Some scientists even suggest that bedbugs could potentially spread antibiotic-resistant infections such as MRSA.

Bedbugs are reddish-brown, apple seed-sized insects that have been around since the time of dinosaurs. They can hide in narrow crevices in furniture, clothes, linens, and mattresses, making them hard to detect. The bugs are not known to transmit diseases, but their bites can cause itchy red welts after several minutes, and some people may not react at all.

In recent years, bedbugs have made headlines again in places like New York City (2018) and Paris (2023), causing city buses and movie theaters to be closed temporarily. One report from 2020 describes a case in France where a 70-year-old man, living alone, experienced dementia and anemia caused by blood loss from bedbug bites. An investigation found thousands of bedbugs in his apartment.

One of the biggest challenges in dealing with bedbugs is their resistance to pesticides. While they were nearly eradicated after World War II due to the use of DDT, the bugs have developed resistance to the chemical over time, leading to a resurgence in recent decades.

To prevent bedbugs from entering your home, experts recommend inspecting hotel rooms for signs of the pests, not placing luggage on beds or floors, and treating secondhand furniture before bringing it inside. If you suspect a bedbug infestation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers guidance on how to get rid of them, though the process can be labor-intensive and time-consuming.