Bedbugs were originally brought to the United States by early colonists from Europe.
Bedbugs thrive in places with high occupancy, such as hotels. Bedbugs were believed to
be altogether eradicated 50 years ago in the United States and elsewhere with the
widespread use of DDT. Investigators have found three apparent United States epicentres at
poultry facilities in Arkansas, Texas and Delaware. It was determined that workers
in these facilities were the main spreaders of these bedbugs, unknowingly carrying them
to their places of residence and elsewhere after leaving work.
New York City has been riddled with bedbug infestations since the early 21st century.
In July to November 2005, 449 violations were reported in the city, and entomology
experts believe this is because so many international travellers visit New York each day.

A bed bug is a small nocturnal insect of the family Cimicidae that lives by
hematophagy, or by feeding on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded
hosts.  The common bedbug (Cimex lectularius) is the species best adapted to
human environments. It is found in temperate climates throughout the world and
feeds on human blood.