Halloween is over, but we still cringe as bed bugs continue to feed on the blood of their hosts. Despite studies by the Centers Disease Control there is no conclusive evidence linking bed bugs to illnesses; the bites are real.

Bed bugs are equal opportunity pests. They have not limited their infestations to homes. They are also found in hotels, schools, office buildings, locker rooms and even hospitals. Likely their infestation is a result of "hitch hiking" on clothing, luggage or cars to new locations. They are not easily seen and the evidence of their presence may be small stains on sheets or unexplained bites on a person.

Many pest control companies are seeing an uptick in the amount of bed bug remediation work that they are performing. At the same time there is an increase in claims for bed bug bites, infestations, emotional distress and diseases – whether or not causation can be tied to bed bugs.

Who is bringing the claims?