Bedbugs are found worldwide, but they are most common in developingcountries (They mean unsanitary, Third World, non-white countries. — Ed). In the past, bedbugs were rare in North America and Europe,but they may be on the rise in these areas. (Mattress infestation, right)
The biggest bedbug outbreak since World War II has sent a collective shudder among apartment dwellers, college students and business travelers across the nation.
The bugs — reddish brown, flat and about the size of a grain of rice —suck human blood. They resist many pesticides and spread quickly incertain mattress-heavy buildings, such as hotels, dormitories and apartment complexes.
Two shelters have closed temporarily in Charlotte, N.C. , because ofbedbugs, a Yahoo chat group dedicates itself to sufferers and countlessbedbug blogs provide forums for news, tips and commiseration. Stateinspectors say that more emphasis may be needed to tackle the creatures.
Bedbugshave hit hotels and homes in every state. The creatures are amazinghitchhikers, experts say, and easily travel in suitcases, boxes orpackages. They can live for up to a year without food.
Where can you find bedbugs?
Bedbugs are found worldwide, but they are most common in developingcountries. In the past, bedbugs were rare in North America and Europe,but they may be on the rise in these areas.
Bedbugs are most often found in hotels, motels, hostels, shelters,and apartment complexes where large numbers of people come and go (such as legal and illegal immigrants. –Ed).