CONTROL OF BED BUGS 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. In the past decade,
bed bugs have begun making a comeback across the United States,
although they are not considered to be a major pest. The
widespread use of baits rather than insecticide sprays for ant
and cockroach control is a factor that has been implicated in
their return. Bed bugs are blood feeders that do not feed on ant
and cockroach baits. Internationa