Scientists in Malaysia say bedbugs, often regarded as pests, could become valuable tools in solving criminal cases. Researchers from the Science University of Malaysia (USM) have found that bedbugs present at crime scenes may help identify victims or suspects, potentially serving as unconventional forensic “detectives.”
The USM research team, led by Abdul Hafiz Ab Majid, studied bedbugs for nearly five years in laboratory conditions. Their study revealed that bedbugs retain human DNA for up to 45 days after feeding. Even without biting humans, bedbugs crawling over mattresses, pillows, or blankets used by suspects or victims were found to carry trace DNA, making them useful in investigations where direct evidence is limited.
Bedbugs offer several advantages over other insects like mosquitoes or flies. Because they cannot fly and generally travel no more than 20 feet after feeding, they remain close to the location where they obtain blood, reducing the risk of evidence loss. Moreover, their habit of hiding inside bedding and pillows ensures that the DNA they carry is unlikely to be destroyed or removed by suspects.
Scientists also note that DNA extracted from bedbugs could provide information such as gender, eye color, hair color, and skin tone, offering investigators additional forensic insights. With these findings, researchers suggest that bedbugs could play a significant role in future crime investigations, helping law enforcement identify individuals and gather critical evidence at crime scenes.