[Reading Science] The Bedbug Invasion, Ultimately Human Fault

During my vacation, I traveled to the United States. Fortunately, I did not encounter bedbugs even once. In the past, I had worried about the possibility of bedbugs while traveling in the U.S., but this time was different. News that bedbugs are rampant worldwide, attacking humans, and spreading in the eastern U.S. was a cause for concern for the health of my traveling family. Was it luck, or was it due to the thorough disinfection by the hotels? Although we stayed in various types of accommodations in several regions, we did not perceive any confusion caused by bedbugs. The trip remained a pleasant memory.

Perhaps the reporter’s worry about bedbugs was unfounded, or maybe hotels, accustomed to disinfection during the COVID-19 period, took thorough precautions. However, bedbug attacks are still ongoing. The scientific community generally views the increase in bedbugs as not a sudden event. After restrictions on the use of chemical insecticides developed by science, bedbugs quietly reappeared near humans. Scientists attribute the spread of bedbugs to human movement. Following the endemic phase (periodic outbreaks of infectious diseases), the explosive demand for travel has increased opportunities for bedbugs to spread worldwide by hitching rides on people more than ever before.

Climate change is also identified as a factor accelerating the spread of bedbugs. The increase in bedbugs in Europe, where temperatures approached 40 degrees Celsius last summer, is interpreted as a natural outcome. French entomologist Jean-Michel Berengeur found that bedbug eggs hatch in about five days when indoor temperatures are around 25 to 26 degrees Celsius. Compared to the usual 10 days at about 20 degrees Celsius, this explains why bedbugs can multiply rapidly.

Bedbugs have also evolved. They have developed strong resistance to pyrethroid and neonicotinoid insecticides commonly used for bedbug control. There is even analysis suggesting that bedbug shells have become thicker than before, making it harder for insecticides to penetrate. Robert Puckett, an entomologist and associate professor at Texas A&M University, admitted that humans are running out of arrows to shoot at bedbugs.

Even as science advances and the era of artificial intelligence (AI) dawns, it is difficult to surpass the mysteries of life. Humans do not feel pain the moment bedbugs or mosquitoes suck their blood. Insects release chemicals that paralyze human nerves. We have yet to find a way to block this. Even if new insecticides are introduced, it is unlikely that bedbugs will disappear immediately.

There are not many countermeasures humans can take. Professor Puckett’s advice is simple. When entering a hotel room, place your luggage on the bathtub or kitchen counter. Bedbugs cannot climb slippery surfaces. After safely placing your belongings where bedbugs cannot reach, lift the mattress on the bed and carefully check for bedbugs or bloodstains.

How likely is it that bedbugs will follow you home through clothes or belongings? Professor Puckett says the likelihood is not very high. He himself has never returned home with bedbugs after trips to collect bedbug specimens.

Still, it is better to be prepared. After returning home, I washed all the clothes I wore during the trip and dried them for a long time in a dryer. This is the most reliable way to eliminate bedbugs, which cannot withstand high temperatures. Even with advanced science, this remains the only way humans can protect themselves from bedbugs.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.