Contents

Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter i
2. Contents ix
3. Prologue MYSTERIOUS BITES xi
4. One CRYPTIC INSECT meet the bed bug 1
5. Two THE FALL ddt and the slaying of the beast 19
6. Three THE FORGOTTEN ERA out of sight, out of mind 31
7. Four THE RETURN a pyrethroid paradox 49
8. Five ANNIHILATION by any means necessary 84
9. Six FEAR when things go bite in the night 113
10. Seven MONEY the wild west of the bed bug economy 136
11. Eight MYSTERIOUS RASH the psychological toll of travel 160
12. Nine THE ORIGIN OF A SPECIES the bed bug’s beginning 180
13. Epilogue HORROR, CURIOSITY, AND JOY 211
14. Appedix 1 BROOKE’S BED BUG GUIDE 215
15. Appedix 2 BED BUG SONGS 221
16. Appendix 3 BED BUG LITERATURE 223
17. Appendix 4 BED BUG LIMERICKS 227
18. Acknowledgments 229
19. References 231
20. Index 253