More than 300 people have gathered at the National Bedbug Summit in Washington DC to try to find ways to deal with the growing problem of infestations. Experts say bedbugs are now the "toughest pests to control", and that the insects are becoming more resistant to chemical treatments.
You wake up with your sheets stained by faecal matter and blood; can you think of anything worse?
When you ask pest control operators what is the most difficult pest to control - is it termites, cockroaches, bedbugs or ants - close to 80% say bedbugs are the most difficult," says Mr Rosenberg.
"There's not any one silver bullet, not one magic thing you can do that works all the time."
Bedbugs often live in the seams of mattresses, sofas and sheets, emerging to feed on their victims at night.
They are not known to carry diseases, but many people develop an itchy swelling when bitten.
Many people are now trying to deal with bedbugs themselves, and while this was a topic for discussion on the summit's agenda, experts say DIY treatments such as home chemicals and "foggers" - bug bombs - should be used with caution.
- Don't take in second-hand beds or mattresses
- Don't allow clutter to build up where you sleep - it's a perfect nesting place for bedbugs
- When looking around rented accommodation, watch out for telltale blood spots or smears on sheets, and in the seams of furniture and upholstery
- Don't wait to report a problem - nip an infestation in the bud before it grows
- Bedbugs are not thought to be able to bite through clothing. So as a last resort, you can zip yourself into a sleeping bag or all-over body suit
- Call pest control to deal with an infestation
