The Return of the Bed Bug

• Bed bugs have been around for millions of years, but the 2010 epidemic marks the first infestation problem since World War II. Insect scientists say that international travel and the removal of certain pesticides such as DDT explains their return, although other factors are still being studied. One thing is known for sure: humans are internationally jet-setting more than ever, which leads to hitchhiking, pesticide-resilient bed bugs coming along for the ride on airline seats, clothing and luggage.
  
  

Climate-Related Factors

• While there have been attempts to predict a bed bug's geographic preference based on climate, no study has proven this conclusively. However, bed bugs are known to avoid excessive cold or hot temperatures, which may affect migration. For example, winter weather may kill bed bugs in the North, while some bed bugs may be heat-sensitive in Southern locales. Exterminators use this hot and cold sensitivity to eliminate infestations, as a bed bug cannot withstand temperatures lower than zero or higher than 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
  
  

Hotel Jumpers

• Bed bugs are fond of hotels, as evidenced by the recent infestation in hotels across the country. As of February 2011, the website TripAdvisor.com reported 42,000 bed bug-related consumer warnings for hotels across the globe. In response, travelers can log onto the Internet to find every location in the United States or United Kingdom with a reported bed bug siting, which can help put minds at ease in the days before travel.
  
  

Low-Income Neighborhood Myth

• Bed bugs are incorrectly associated with filth, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. For this reason, many people associated bed bugs with low-income neighborhoods at the onset of the New York City epidemic. On the contrary, most infestation occurs in higher-income neighborhoods, as residents are more likely to travel away from home.
  
  

Travel Prevention

• To prevent a bed bug from hopping into your luggage, the EPA recommends using a luggage rack while staying in a hotel room, examining the hotel bed's mattress and headboard for any infestation, and throwing the contents of your luggage into the washing machine when you arrive home. For an extra precaution, vacuum your suitcase after the trip.