Story perspectives

Bedbugs Can Spread MRSA, South Dakota Researchers Report

8/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

South Dakota researchers reported in 2023 that bedbugs can acquire and transmit MRSA.
Entomologist Chow-Yang Lee said experts believed bedbugs could not spread disease and linked resurgence to resistance after the EPA banned DDT in 1972.
Orkin ranks Chicago as the most infested U.S. city, while Terminix cites Philadelphia as the worst.
Christopher Hayes advises inspecting bedding, keeping luggage off beds, and using heat, steam, or freezing to kill bugs.

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Story summary

South Dakota researchers reported in 2023 that bedbugs can acquire and transmit MRSA.
Entomologist Chow-Yang Lee said experts believed bedbugs could not spread disease and linked resurgence to resistance after the EPA banned DDT in 1972.
Orkin ranks Chicago as the most infested U.S. city, while Terminix cites Philadelphia as the worst.
Christopher Hayes advises inspecting bedding, keeping luggage off beds, and using heat, steam, or freezing to kill bugs.