ELI5 Bed Bugs - why they came back after nearly being eradicated?

ELI5 Explain Like I'm 5: Bite sized answers to stuff you should know about - in a mini podcast

What are bed bugs? Can you see them? How long have they been around? We thought we had eradicated them at one point in the mid-20th century but why did they come back? Are there any health risks? How do I tell if I have them, and how does one get rid of bed bugs?

... we explain like I'm five

Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: jigmest, loimographia, animaanon and btrpiii

To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter:

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