answersLogoWhite

0

Bed bugs are parasites that preferentially feed on humans. If people aren't available, they instead will feed on other warm- blooded animals, including birds, rodents, bats, and pets.

Bed bugs have been documented as pests since the 17th century. They were introduced into our country by the early colonists. Bed bugs were common in the United States prior to World War II, after which time widespread use of synthetic insecticides such as DDT greatly reduced their numbers. Improvements in household and personal cleanliness as well as increased regulation of the used furniture market also likely contributed to their reduced pest status.

Although above answer is basically correct, it needs to be noted Wikiamswers/answer.com is a worldwide site not exclusive to the USA and similarly bedbugs are a worldwide problem that affect peoples in tropical, temperate and cold climates worldwide and there is no nation in the world that does not have them. It is also incorrect to imply that poor personal hygiene is what attracts them into a home. According to pest extermination specialists here in the UK, where we have had a 700% increase in infestations over past five years, most new infestations seem to occur in the most spotlessly clean homes with high standards of hygiene. The commonest way they seem to get into homes is when bedbug eggs laid in people's luggage when they were away on holiday hatch and the newly born bugs are attracted to beds in their new home by the CO2 breathed out by people asleep in that home during the night.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?