Bed bugs have become a nationwide epidemic, affecting millions of people in hotels, apartments, houses, buses, schools, and other places. They were once common before World War 2 but were eliminated by DDT and have recently resurged due to bans on DDT, pesticide resistance, immigration, and international travel. Bed bugs feed on human blood and can reproduce rapidly, with females laying hundreds of eggs over their lifespan. Their bites can cause itching, swelling, and discomfort. Prevention and thorough treatment are important to avoid spreading or bringing in bed bugs.