According to Terminix:
Terminix Top 15 Ranking Shows Bedbug Population Growing Across U.S.
MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Philadelphia has won the
dubious title of most bedbug-infested U.S. city, according to the annual
Most Bedbug-Infested Cities ranking, released today by Terminix, the
world's largest pest control provider and a division of the
ServiceMaster Company.
Philadelphia took the top spot from New York City, which held the title for two years.
The 2012 most bedbug-infested cities include:
1. Philadelphia 9. Denver
2. Cincinnati 10. New Haven, Conn.
3. New York City 11. Dallas
4. Chicago 12. Houston
5. Detroit 13. Indianapolis
6. Washington, D.C. 14. Miami
7. Columbus, Ohio 15. Cleveland
8. San Francisco
The list was created by compiling data from the 300 Terminix branches
across the country. The company created the ranking by evaluating
service calls from customers, as well as confirmed cases by service
professionals.
The 2012 ranking proves bedbugs continue to be a problem across the
country, with five cities - Cleveland, Houston, Indianapolis, Miami and
New Haven - joining the top 15 this year. Other cities, such as
Columbus, Dallas, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., saw
growing bedbug populations this year.
Ohio continues to be a hotbed of activity, with three of its cities making the top 15.
"Bedbugs continue to increase their presence across the U.S.," said Stoy
Hedges, an entomologist with Terminix. "While major metropolitan areas
are most at risk, it is important to note that bedbugs have been spotted
in cities and towns across the country."
Terminix, the country's largest provider of pest control services, has
seen an increase in the prevalence of bedbugs in most states since
releasing its first bedbug ranking in 2010. The company expects bedbugs
to continue to plague the nation this summer as travelers encounter the
tiny pests in hotels, airports and public transportation.
"Bedbugs can cause itchy welts and rashes, and may go undetected for
months in a home or business," Hedges added. "It is important for
consumers to know the signs of an infestation and to have their home
inspected by a professional if they suspect a problem."
Astravelers prepare to hit the road this summer, Terminix offers tips to slow the spread of bedbugs:
-- Check hotel headboards, mattresses and box springs for bedbugs and dark
blood spots.
-- Hang all clothing. Leave nothing lying on the bed or furniture.
-- Avoid storing your clothing in the hotel's furniture drawers.
-- Store suitcases on a luggage rack as far from the bed as possible.
-- Vacuum suitcases when returning home, and immediately wash clothing in
hot water.
-- Between trips, store luggage in a sealed plastic bag in a garage or
basement, away from bedrooms.
-- If you suspect your hotel has bedbugs, ask for a change of rooms.
-- Bedbugs should only be treated by a trained pest control professional.
