Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite!

There is a growing epidemic that most people are not aware of: the resurgence of bed bugs. Because of international travel, immigration, and lack of effective pesticides this pest, which plagued our ancestors, is returning with a vengeance. They were wiped-out in North America and Europe in the 1940's and 50's with DDT, which was banned in the early 1970's. I had a temporary problem with them last summer, and let me tell you: You do NOT want to go through this. Be very careful at hotels, as they can hitch a ride back with you and infest your home. Even 5 star hotels and multi-million dollar condominiums can, and frequently do, have the problem - and it's is not due to unsanitary conditions or poverty.

They live on the blood of mammals, and people can be bitten numerous times not realizing that their welts are bedbug bites. They are not considered a serious health hazard, but some people have worse skin reactions than others. Men do not generally react as badly to them as women.

Just be very careful when you travel, and check hotel reviews online to see if anybody has had bedbug problems at places you are considering staying in.

A Google news search will surprise anybody that doubts how bad this is becoming. Usually, urban areas are affected, but it could happen anywhere humans reside.

well noted