According to an article by Robert A. Schwartz, professor and head of dermatology at the New Jersey Medical School, transmission of hepatitis B through bedbugs is possible, even though the link hasn't been firmly established in medical studies.

What is certain is that bedbug bites do cause considerable anxiety.

Schwartz's article, at www.emedicine.com/derm/topic600.htm, also states that bedbugs produce a peculiar, pungent odour, and that heavy infestations might result in “specklike masses of dung” behind wallpaper.

Bites often show up in linear groups of three, sometimes called “breakfast, lunch, and dinner”. Old furniture makes an excellent home for the tiny pests.