The city of Philadelphia had the second-most bed bug infestations among 50 others in the U.S. over the past year, trailing only Chicago for the top spot in the nation. Philly made the biggest year-over-year jump, moving up 12 spots from No. 14 to No. 2 on the pest control company’s 2022 list.
The annual “Top 50 Bed Bug Cities List” is based upon data from metro areas nationwide where the company performed the most treatments from December 2020 through November 2021. The data includes both residential and commercial treatments.
Harrisburg also experienced a surge in bed bug infestations over the past year, as Pennsylvania’s state capital was a newcomer to this year’s list at No. 42.
Below are the top 10 U.S. cities with the most infestations over the past year.
1. Chicago, Ill.
2. Philadelphia, Pa.
3. New York, N.Y.
4. Detroit, Mich.
5. Baltimore, Md.
6. Indianapolis, Ind.
7. Washington, D.C.
8. Cleveland, Ohio
9. Columbus, Ohio
10. Cincinnati, Ohio
Homeowners and renters are encouraged to regularly inspect their homes during the day. Bed bugs typically gather in mattress tags, seams, and box springs, as well as behind baseboards, headboards, electrical outlets, wallpapers, and picture frames.
Experts advise decreasing clutter around one’s home to make it easier to spot them. Inspections should be conducted anytime guests stay overnight or when previously used furniture is brought into the home.
Given how easily bed bugs can travel by latching onto luggage and purses, thorough inspections should be conducted during and after a trip.
Travelers should always check their hotel room for signs of an infestation. Tiny, ink-colored
stains on mattresses, in furniture and behind headboards are indications that bed bugs may be present.
All luggage should be kept away from beds and walls and placed in the bathroom or atop counters. Suitcases should be inspected carefully when repacking and returning home. Any clothing that can be dried should go in the dryer for at least 15 minutes at the highest setting upon returning home.
Bed bugs are difficult to remove once they are discovered and infestations can spread quickly. Anyone who finds the tiny insects in their homes should call a pest professional immediately. Bed bugs are a concern for everyone because they are master hitchhikers, traveling home with people when they likely don’t realize it. Their nature of hiding in difficult-to-find cracks and crevices can make them hard to control, which is why involving a trained professional at the sight of bedbugs is strongly recommended.
If you suspect you’ve picked up bed bugs, and an infestation has taken root in your home, call Universal Pest Services (610)449-0740 and schedule a free inspection today!
Article by: Pat Ralph, Philly Voice