The 10 Cities With The Worst Bed Bugs Problem
Let me set your mind at ease. Boston didn’t even come in the top 50 on this new national list of the cities in America with the worst bed bugs problem. But if you travel often, you might want to take a look at this list to see if the cities you visit saw an uptick in bed bugs this past year. Orkin compiled data from their treatments performed from December 1, 2022 to November 30, 2023 both for homeowners and businesses.
One city has the dubious distinction of topping the bed bug list for the FOURTH year in a row. Sorry Chicago! Here’s the rest of the Top 10 cities you might wanna check under the mattress before you go to sleep.
10. Champlaign, Illinois
9. Charlotte, North Carolina
8. Indianapolis, Indiana
7. Washington, D.C.
6. Detroit, Michigan
5. Los Angeles, California
4. Cleveland, Ohio
3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2. New York, New York
1. Chicago, Illinois
Why Bed Bugs So Hard To Beat
Orkin says it’s not easy to find bed bugs. They are creatures of the night and their ONLY food source is your BLOOD! They’re usually less than a quarter inch long and are a red to dark brown in color. They cling to luggage so the experts say travelers really should pay extra attention when unpacking after a trip. They are GREAT at hiding. The other thing that presents a challenge is that bed bugs can go a REALLY long time without a meal… we’re talking several MONTHS!
What Can You Do?
Orkin has these tips to avoid bed bugs invading your bedroom. First, when you get to a hotel, inspect for small ink-colored stains on your mattress and on soft furniture. As for your luggage, keep it far away from the wall. Your best place to put luggage is in the bathroom or on a counter. Finally, when you get home, toss everything in the dryer for at least a half hour on the warmest temperature setting. [Source: USA Today]