Most people of this generation have never seen a bed bug. Bed bugs are mentioned in medieval European texts and in classical Greek writings back to the time of Aristotle. Until recently, they also were a rarity among pest control professionals. Bed bug infestations were common in the United States before World War II but with improvements in hygiene, and especially the widespread use of DDT during the 1940s and '50s, the bugs all but vanished. The pests remained fairly prevalent, however, in other regions of the world including Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe. In recent years, bed bugs have also made a comeback in the U.S. They are increasingly being encountered in places like homes, apartments, hotels, motels, health care facilities, dormitories, shelters, schools, modes of transportation, furniture rental outlets, and office buildings. Immigration and international travel have undoubtedly contributed to the resurgence of bed bugs in the U.S. It is estimated that 70% to 80% of all structures will be infested with bed bugs in the coming decade.
