Why have bed bugs been increasing?

Bed bugs started to increase in number since the early 2000s, and several factors contribute to this.

A key factor is bed bugs growing resistance to common pesticides, making them harder to eliminate.

Another factor is the more frequent and farther away travelling, which allows bed bugs to hitch ride on luggage, clothing and other belongings, spreading them across greater distances.

Secondhand businesses of furniture have also contributed to dispersal of bed bugs, as bed bugs easily can be transported with these items.

Additionally, earlier times knowledge of preventive measures and peoples lack of knowledge to identify bed bugs early, added to the increase. Furthermore, the inefficiency (because of resistance) of traditional pest control spraying methods initially led to increased bed bug numbers.