This is a superlative that nobody wants their city to win. Pest control company Orkin recently released its list of the Top 50 Bed Bug Cities, which includes data on the places Orkin performed the most treatments for bed bugs from December 2019 to November 2020. The reality is that bed bugs have appeared in cities and towns across America, from mansions to cramped apartments. In the United States, the numbers have increased since the turn of the century due to increased travel and restrictions on certain insecticides, but the numbers have been particularly high in these cities. You can’t do too much to stop them. Early detection is important as there is no foolproof way to keep them out of your home. Here are the warning signs that you are going to have a bed bug problem.
First place on the list went to Chicago. Bed bugs love the Windy City. Baltimore rounded off the top (bottom?) Five one at a time; Washington, DC; Detroit; and Columbus, Ohio. Chicago rose from number three on the list last year and exchanged views with Washington, DC, which took the top spot in 2020. Chicago also took the top spot for the most rat infested city. Yuck!
Cities six through ten were Cleveland; Indianapolis; Cincinnati; Los Angeles; and Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Grand Rapids, in tenth place in 2021, jumped a whopping eight places compared to the previous year. Los Angeles is down five places from last year, and New York, a city you think is way higher on the list, is down six places from last year, moving up to number 12 in The Only Places How To Find These Pests – Here’s How To Spot Bed Bugs In Your Airplane Seat.
So if you live in or visit one of these cities, it is advisable to be a little more vigilant about your susceptibility to bed bugs and maybe stock up on such a bed bug killer. According to the CDC, bed bugs often come into contact with people through luggage, bags, clothing, bedding, furniture or anywhere they can easily hide and hitch a ride. Always check the hotel rooms or any place you are staying. Here is a guide on how to do this correctly.
Sources:
Things you should do to prevent bed bugs
Secrets about bed bugs, termites and other pests
Best bed bug killer in every state
This city has the worst bed bug infestation in America first appeared on Reader’s Digest.
