Why are there many bedbugs? - briefly
Their resurgence stems from increased global travel, resistance to common insecticides, and the ease of hitchhiking in furniture and luggage. Urban density and reduced pesticide use in homes further support their spread.
Why are there many bedbugs? - in detail
Bedbugs thrive because they exploit several biological and ecological advantages. Their ability to survive long periods without feeding allows them to endure hostile conditions and reappear after treatment failures. A single adult can live several months without a blood meal, while eggs can remain viable for weeks, creating a persistent reservoir.
Human behavior contributes heavily to their spread. International travel transports insects in luggage, clothing, and personal items. Dense urban environments increase contact rates between infested and uninfested dwellings. Second‑hand furniture, especially upholstered pieces, often carries hidden infestations that go unnoticed until populations grow.
Control measures unintentionally support proliferation. Inadequate pesticide application, resistance development, and reliance on chemical treatments alone fail to eradicate colonies. Bedbugs have evolved resistance to common pyrethroids, reducing the efficacy of standard sprays. Overuse of insecticides also selects for more tolerant individuals, accelerating resistance.
Key factors can be summarized:
- Biological resilience: prolonged fasting ability, rapid reproductive cycle (females lay 200–500 eggs), and temperature tolerance.
- Human mobility: travel, migration, and exchange of goods.
- Urban density: close proximity of residences and shared infrastructure.
- Control shortcomings: pesticide resistance, incomplete eradication, and lack of integrated pest management.
Understanding these drivers guides effective strategies: thorough inspection, heat treatment, vacuuming, and coordinated efforts across neighboring units reduce reinfestation risk more reliably than chemical solutions alone.