Bed bug infestations are rising across the USA, but some cities are suffering more than others. Pest control company Orkin recently released a report highlighting the worst affected US cities in 2017. The data was based on the number of new bed bug treatments provided to residential homes, as well as commercial hotels and motels.
For the second year in a row, Baltimore took the number one spot, followed by Washington DC, Chicago, LA and Columbus, Ohio. According to Orkin entomologist Tim Husen, no town or city is safe from the unwelcome parasites. “The number of bed bug infestations in the United States is still rising,” said Husen. “They continue to invade our homes and businesses on a regular basis because they are not seasonal pests, and only need blood to survive.”
Here’s the top ten list:
- Baltimore
- Washington, D.C.
- Chicago
- Los Angeles
- Columbus, Ohio
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Detroit
- New York
- San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose
- Dallas-Fort Worth
Although bed bugs are an unwanted pest, they’re not believed to transmit disease. Nevertheless, they do cause red itchy bites that can lead to secondary infection if scratched. So if you’re travelling to an area with high bed bug rates, it’s wise to take appropriate precautions such as checking sheets, mattresses and sofas for bed bugs, eggs, droppings and blood spots.
Bed bugs can also be contracted in public places like movie theatres, hospitals, busses and planes. If you suspect you might have come in contact with the creatures, then examine your clothes and luggage carefully before you return home, and inspect your bedroom for signs of infestation regularly.
Use the acronym SLEEP to help you remember what to do.
- Survey the room for signs of infestation, especially mattress and furniture seams, headboards and crevices
- Lift up any mattresses, furniture and other items to look for bugs lurking underneath
- Elevate luggage on desks or tables when travelling (bed bugs find it difficult to climb smooth surfaces)
- Examine your luggage when packing and again when you return home
Place your clothing in the dryer for 15 minutes to kill any uninvited visitors
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