For many years, people thought bed bugs were a problem of the past. Strong pesticides in the mid-1900s nearly wiped them out across the United States. But in recent decades, bed bugs have made a huge comeback—especially in busy cities. Today, they’re one of the most talked-about pests in apartment buildings, hotels, and homes.
At Swift Pest, we know how frustrating and stressful it can be to deal with bed bugs. Let’s take a closer look at why these pests are on the rise nationwide, how they spread so easily, and what you can do to protect your home.
Why Bed Bugs Are Making a Comeback
Increased Travel
Travel has never been easier. People are constantly moving between cities, states, and even countries. Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers. They hide in luggage, clothing, and even purses. With millions of people traveling every day, it’s no surprise bed bugs are spreading faster than ever.
Resistance to Pesticides
One of the main reasons bed bugs nearly disappeared in the past was the use of powerful pesticides like DDT. But those chemicals are no longer in use due to health and environmental concerns. Modern pesticides are safer, but bed bugs have developed resistance to many of them. This makes them harder to eliminate once they infest a home or business.
Urban Living
More people are living in cities than ever before, often in apartment buildings or shared housing. These connected spaces make it easy for bed bugs to move from one unit to another through walls, electrical outlets, and pipes. A single untreated infestation can spread quickly to multiple households.
Lack of Awareness
Bed bugs don’t spread disease, so some people don’t take them seriously at first. Unfortunately, by the time homeowners notice the problem—tiny bites, blood spots on sheets, or live bugs—the infestation is usually much larger than expected. This delay gives bed bugs time to spread even further.
Where Bed Bugs Hide
One of the reasons bed bugs are so tough to fight is their ability to hide in small spaces. They don’t just live in beds. Common hiding places include:
- Mattresses, box springs, and bed frames
- Couches, recliners, and other upholstered furniture
- Behind baseboards and electrical outlets
- Inside luggage, backpacks, and clothing
- In cracks of wood furniture or flooring
Because they can hide in so many places, a single room can hold dozens—or even hundreds—of bed bugs without being obvious.
Do Bed Bugs Pose a Threat?
While bed bugs aren’t known to spread disease, they’re far from harmless. Their bites are itchy and uncomfortable, and scratching can lead to skin infections. But the biggest impact is often emotional. Bed bug infestations can cause stress, anxiety, and sleepless nights. Many people even avoid sitting on their own furniture for fear of being bitten.
For families, the embarrassment of dealing with bed bugs can be just as hard as the bites themselves. Because of the stigma, some people delay getting help, which only makes the infestation worse.
How to Protect Your Home from Bed Bugs
Inspect After Travel
Always check your luggage and clothing when you return from a trip. Wash your clothes in hot water and dry them on high heat to kill any hitchhikers.
Be Cautious with Secondhand Furniture
Bed bugs often spread through used furniture. If you buy secondhand couches, chairs, or mattresses, inspect them carefully before bringing them inside.
Look for Early Signs
Bed bugs leave behind clues. Watch for small blood stains on sheets, tiny dark spots (their droppings), shed skins, or live bugs in seams of furniture. Catching them early makes treatment easier.
Get Professional Help
DIY sprays and treatments rarely solve a bed bug problem. Because bed bugs are resistant to many chemicals and excellent at hiding, professional pest control is usually necessary. Heat treatments and targeted applications from experts can eliminate infestations more effectively.
Why Choose Swift Pest
At Swift Pest, we know how stressful a bed bug problem can be. Our team uses proven methods to find bed bugs where they hide and eliminate them safely. We don’t just treat the visible signs—we dig deeper to make sure the infestation is fully addressed. With professional care, you can get back to sleeping comfortably without the constant worry of bites.
Final Thoughts
Bed bugs are on the rise across cities nationwide, and they show no signs of slowing down. With increased travel, urban living, and resistance to pesticides, these pests are more challenging than ever. But with awareness, prevention, and professional pest control, you can protect your home and family.
Don’t let bed bugs take over your space. Trust Swift Pest to provide fast, effective solutions so you can rest easy again.