Bedbugs Are Back: How Zambians Can Fight the Bloodsuckers

They hide in your mattress by day and feast on your blood by night. Bedbugs, the ancient pests that have tormented humanity for centuries, are making a serious comeback, and experts warn that no home is safe if you are not careful. For Zambians, where warm weather and close living quarters can make infestations worse, knowing how to spot and stop these tiny vampires is more important than ever.

Why are bedbug infestations on the rise?

Bedbug populations were nearly wiped out in developed countries after World War II thanks to the heavy use of the pesticide DDT. But when the United States banned DDT in 1972 over health and environmental concerns, the bugs had already started building resistance. Today, they are stronger, more common, and harder to kill than ever before, according to Chow-Yang Lee, an entomologist at the University of California at Riverside.

Insecticide resistance has driven a steady resurgence in recent decades. Pest control companies now publish annual rankings of the worst-hit cities, with Chicago and Philadelphia topping recent lists in the United States. But experts admit these rankings are based on call volumes, not rigorous surveys, meaning the real scale of the problem could be much bigger, especially in low-income housing that often cannot afford professional exterminators.

Can bedbugs make you sick?

The bite itself is painless, but it can leave itchy red welts days later. Some people show no reaction at all, which is dangerous because they may not realise they are being bitten night after night until an infestation is out of control.

A 2020 medical case report from France told the story of a 70-year-old man who collapsed in the street and was found to have severe anaemia caused by long-term blood loss from bedbugs. Thousands of the pests were discovered in his apartment, feeding on his neck, head and shoulders.

While there is no clear evidence that bedbugs transmit diseases from person to person, a 2023 study from the University of South Dakota showed they can pick up and spread MRSA, a dangerous antibiotic-resistant infection, during feedings. More research is needed, but the findings change how scientists view the public health risk, said study author Jose Pietri, now at Purdue University.

How do bedbugs get into your home?

Travellers are the most common carriers. Bedbugs hitch rides in luggage, clothing and secondhand furniture. They hide in narrow crevices, mattress seams and even behind wall sockets. You can spot them by looking for small dark excrement stains on bedding or furniture.

Christopher Hayes, a North Carolina State University assistant professor who has been bitten more than 50 times during research, warns that people who are not vigilant can easily bring them home.

If you are unaware, if you are not on top of your game, it is easy to bring them into your home,

he said.

What can Zambians do to prevent bedbugs?

Experts say the best defence is to never bring them home in the first place. When travelling, check hotel rooms before unpacking. Pull back the sheets and look for bugs or dark spots. Do not place luggage on beds or floors. Consider keeping bags in a light-coloured trash bag or even in the bathtub. When you return home, open luggage outside and put laundry straight into the washing machine and dryer.

For secondhand furniture, inspect it thoroughly before bringing it inside. Some experts recommend vacuuming, steaming or heating items, then quarantining them in a garage or storage area for a few days. Clothes should be washed and dried on high heat for at least an hour. Shoes and other items can be frozen for a week to kill any hidden pests.

How do you get rid of bedbugs once they are in your home?

Getting rid of bedbugs is labour-intensive. The US Environmental Protection Agency offers do-it-yourself guidance, but experts warn against randomly spraying chemicals.

You cannot just blast random chemicals and expect it is going to work because there is a fairly high likelihood that they will be resistant to some of the first-line insecticides,

Pietri said.

Professional exterminators are often the best option, though it can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Alternatives include silica dust treatments, which dry out the bugs, and sustained dry heating at temperatures of at least 50°C, which kills eggs and adults alike. However, heat treatments can damage furniture and belongings, so they should only be done by trained professionals.

Should Zambians panic about bedbugs?

No, but they should act fast.

The biggest piece of advice is just people should not panic. They just need to take action. If you think you have bedbugs, do not wait to deal with it,

Hayes said.

For Zambians, the message is clear: stay alert, inspect your surroundings, and deal with any signs of bedbugs immediately. These pests may be small, but they can cost you sleep, blood and money. Do not let them win.