Four Michigan cities made it onto Orkin’s list of the 50 worst cities for bed bugs in 2022, and one even made the top five.
Orkin released its annual list of the worst cities for bed bugs, with Chicago “winning” again, followed by Philadelphia and New York, both up significantly from last year, and then Detroit — in fourth place.
According to Orkin, the list is based on treatment data from the metro areas where Orkin performed the most bed bug treatments from December 1, 2020 to November 30, 2021 and includes both domestic and commercial treatments.
Included Michigan cities are: Detroit at #4; Grand Rapids at No. 11; Flint at No. 23; Lansing at No. 48.
Ohio had three cities in the top 10, so at least we’re not that bad. (Check the full list here)
Here’s more about bed bugs from Orkin:
Typically bed bugs are 3/16 inch long, red to dark brown in color and are mostly nocturnal insects that come out of hiding to take blood meals from sleeping humans. These pests are hematophagous, meaning blood is their only source of food. You can easily travel from place to place and hold on to items like luggage, purses, and other personal belongings.
Related: Michigan House Centipedes: Why You Shouldn’t Kill Them
“Bed bugs are a problem for everyone because they are masterful hitchhikers, traveling home with people when they probably aren’t aware,” said Ben Hottel, an Orkin entomologist. “Their nature of hiding in hard-to-find cracks and crevices can make them difficult to control, which is why it’s recommended to consult a trained professional when seeing an introduction.”
Bed bugs are known for rapid population growth. Females can lay one to five eggs per day and can lay 200 to 500 eggs in their lifetime. They can survive for several months while awaiting their next blood meal, so they’re likely to emerge when a food source, such as a food source, becomes available. B. humans, becomes available.
“Unfortunately, many hospitality businesses face staffing shortages, and while the industry remains committed to cleanliness, now more than ever, travelers should be alert to bed bug sightings and be proactive in inspection efforts,” Hötel said.
Here are proactive tips Orkin recommends for homeowners and travelers to help prevent bed bugs:
At home:
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Check your home regularly for signs of bed bugs. Check spots during the day, including mattress labels and stitching, and behind baseboards, headboards, electrical outlets, and picture frames. Check when moving in, after a trip, when a service employee visits or after guests have stayed overnight.
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Reduce the clutter in your home, making it easier for you to spot bed bugs yourself or during professional inspections.
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Examine all used furniture before bringing it into your home.
While traveling, remember the acronym SLEEP to check for bed bugs:
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Check the hotel room for signs of an infestation. Look for tiny, inky stains on mattress seams, in upholstery, and behind headboards.
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Lift up and look inside bed bug hideouts: mattresses, box springs and other furniture, as well as behind baseboards, pictures and even torn wallpaper.
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Lift the luggage away from the bed and the wall. The safest places are in the bathroom or on countertops.
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Examine your luggage carefully when repacking and when returning home from a trip. Always keep luggage away from the bed.
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After you return home, place all dryer-safe items in your luggage in the dryer on the highest setting for at least 15 minutes.
Related: Where Michigan is a state according to Americans (better than Ohio)
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