What factors have contributed to the resurgence of bed bugs?

International travel has significantly contributed to the resurgence of bed bugs due to the ability of these pests to hitch rides on luggage, clothing, and other personal belongings of travelers. As people move across borders and between countries, they can unknowingly transport bed bugs to new locations where infestations can establish and spread rapidly. The increasing frequency and affordability of international travel have resulted in more opportunities for bed bugs to disseminate, leading to a re-emergence of these pests in various regions that were previously free of them.

This explanation highlights the critical role of modern travel patterns in the spread of bed bugs, providing an essential context for understanding how infestations can occur across different geographical areas. Factors such as reduced travel, lower human population, and public awareness do not contribute in the same direct manner as international travel in facilitating the movement of bed bugs.