The results might surprise you. Certain genes only manifest themselves after a meal, and they can vary not just from place to place, but between material types. Did you know that bedbugs found on benches have different genes than those on subway turnstiles? Critters within a given neighborhood will tend to share traits, but you could see significant changes as you go from district to district in a given city.

The discoveries might change pest control for good. Observers could better map infestations and find a way to cut off migrations before they create problems in other neighborhoods. Also, antibiotics that kill bedbug-friendly bacteria could be useful complements to pesticides. While it's doubtful that you'll ever be completely safe from bedbugs in urban environments, they might not be quite as much of a persistent nuisance as they are today.