“Bedbug Epidemic Attacks New York City” is the headline the Daily News slapped on a December 30, 2007, special investigation. The article, by Douglas Feiden, reported that “In the fiscal year that ended in June, [in New York City] 6,889 infestation complaints were logged and 2,008 building owners were hit with summonses,” a substantial jump from 537 complaints and 82 landlords citations in 2004.

“The scourge has left no section of the city untouched,” the story continued. “Complaints and enforcement actions soared in 57 of the 59 community boards.” Even designer Ralph Lauren’s offices had an outbreak of bedbugs, according to the piece.

As we reported last summer, infestations of Cimex lectularius are on the rise in the United States and elsewhere in North America, Western Europe, and Australia.

Read “How to Deal With Bedbugs” to learn more about these annoying pests, including advice on avoiding them at home and on the road.—Steven H. Saltzman