If you were born after World War II, you probably never heard of bed bugs until recently. But that old bedtime ditty, “Sleep tight; don’t let the bed bugs bite,” had some teeth to it when your great-grandparents were young.

Historic evidence dates bed bugs to Ancient Egypt 3,300 years ago; but entomologists say their relationship with humans likely dates back to the early days of human history. A fact of everyday life worldwide, bed bugs were common in the U.S. until the 1950s when they were wiped out by the powerful insecticide DDT.

Eventually found to be harmful to humans and wildlife, DDT was banned by the EPA in the 1970s. At the same time, affordable airline travel made it possible for people who lived where bed bugs were still a problem to come to the U.S. Adroit hitchhikers, bed bugs came along for the ride, stowing away in luggage and personal possessions. The first major bed bug infestations were reported in New York City and have since spread to all 50 states.

An informative bed bug infographic prepared by our pest control colleagues at Moxie Pest Control in Washington D.C. helps elucidate the bed bug problem. For the facts about bed bugs and bed bug extermination, visit the Stern Environmental website. We are the bed bug experts in New York City and New Jersey.
Bed bug graphic by Moxie Pest Control