Bed bugs: back, biting, and baffling

LAKELAND - They are creepy little creatures, that can make your skin crawl, and they're on the rise. The bed bug population has been exploding in recent years. Getting rid of them is not easy.

"It can really be a fight, depending on the severity of the infestation," Tim Phillips, a manager for Truly Nolan Pest Control, told FOX 13. "It can be a 30, 40 day process."

In the old days, DDT would stop them dead in their tracks, but it's been banned. Bed bugs won that battle, and seem to be gaining ground in other ways. They are developing resistance to many of the other chemicals that homeowners can buy.

Frustration has set in. Many people are buying stronger pesticides meant to be used outside, and they're using them inside.

The problem has become so widespread, the Environmental Protection agency has issued a warning. It says many of the outdoor pesticides can be dangerous, and even carcinogenic if used in your home.