Bedbugs are flat, somewhat oval shaped insects that thrive where people sleep and feed on blood.

They were nearly eradicated after WWII with the use of the pesticide DDT, but when DDT was banned because of its toxicity, the bugs slowly began a resurgence. International travel, as well as unfamiliarity, may have contributed to the comeback too.

The important thing to remember about bedbugs is that their existence in a home or hotel has very little to do with cleanliness, though general clutter can make it more difficult to recognize and end an infestation.