A new survey by the University of Kentucky and the National Pest Management Association shows bedbug infestations are spreading around the country.
"This pest shows no signs of retreating," said Missy Henriksen, a spokeswoman for the trade group. "In many cases, professionals who have reported treating certain types of businesses and commercial facilities have seen double-digit growth."
The first problems came up on the East Coast several years ago. But media reported incidents have since become common in other parts of the world.
Experts say the most likely explanation of the growing problem include the pests' increased resistance to pesticides and the growth in foreign travel.
That is particularly true with hotels. In 2011, 80 percent of pest control companies surveyed said they treated hotels for bedbugs. That's up from 67 percent last year, according to the survey.
By David Wilkening
