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Bedbugs Make Bloodthirsty Comeback

Once thought gone for good, pests are on the rebound in US

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 20, 2007 5:36 PM CDT

(Newser) – Despite admonitions about not letting the bedbugs bite, Americans are doing just that, and infestations are being reported across the country. Once thought wiped out by the now-banned pesticide DDT, the insects have been found in hospitals, schools, and even high-end residences, the Times of London reports. "Saturday Night Live" star Maya Rudolph is suing her landlord over an infestation.

The Hilton hotel chain is also being sued for harboring the pests. The reason the nocturnal, bloodsucking insects have returned isn't known, but some experts posit that rising levels of carbon dioxide, which attracts the insects, could be responsible. Whatever the cause, with no DDT to use against them, the bugs may be back for good.

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

A bed bug in the process of drinking blood. ((c) JLplusAL)

A pile of writhing bed bugs. The better fed they are, the more blood is visible beneath their translucent membranes. (Wikimedia; Creative Commons)

Cimex lectularius or the "bed bug" is having a revival, possibly thanks to excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. (http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/home.asp)

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Bedbugs Make Bloodthirsty Comeback