Epidemiology

Bed bug infestations occur worldwide.[1]​ The incidence of infestations in industrialised nations decreased dramatically in the 1950s, and this was attributed to the increased use of insecticides with prolonged environmental persistence, such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT).[11]​ However, a resurgence of the common bed bug has occurred in industrialised nations since the 1980-1990s, with particularly high rates reported in the US, the UK, and Australia.[2][3][12]​​​​ Insecticide resistance, increased travel, increased use of second-hand furniture, and increased turnover of residents from specific environments (such as hotels or hostels) have been implicated as likely causes.[4][10]​​[11][13]​​​

In Europe, there was a 21% increase in the treatment of bed bugs by local authorities between the years 2010-2011 and 2013-2014. In Australia, between 1999 and 2006, there was a 4500% increase in cases compared with previous years.[2] In 2014, the prevalence of bed bug infestation was up to 12% in some areas of New York City.[14]​ Between 2017 and 2022, France reported large increases in bed bug activity, with the government estimating that 11% of French households were infested with bed bugs.[15]

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer