Philadelphia had held the title of most bed bug-infested city for four years, but Detroit was just itching to break into the top spot and Terminix obliged.
In their sixth annual nationwide review, experts at the pest control company highlighted the growing problem with bed bugs in 15 U.S. cities, particularly in areas that are tourist destinations, and put Detroit at the top of the list, according to
MarketWire.
"We've seen a steady increase in bed bugs since the 1990s, which has been influenced by increased international travel and infestations left untreated," said Paul Curtis, manager, technical services at Terminix. "Most of the cities in our top 15 are big tourist and business destinations, making travelers even more at risk for encounters with bed bugs – whether it's on the plane, at their hotel, in a movie theater or riding in a taxi. The name 'bed bug' is deceptive, as these pests can thrive just about anywhere."
Five Ohio cities, more than any other state, made the list, reported the
Dayton Daily News.
Here are the 15 cities that made the Terminix list:
1. Detroit
2. Philadelphia
3. Cleveland-Akron, Ohio
4. Los Angeles
5. Dayton, Ohio
6. Chicago
7. Columbus, Ohio
8. Cincinnati
9. Dallas-Forth Worth
10. San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose
11. Denver
12. Toledo, Ohio
13. Oklahoma City
14. Baltimore
15. New York City
In decidedly icky reading, Terminix also listed top myths about bed bugs, including the idea that they live only in beds. The creatures also are found in restaurants, subways, and daycare centers, among other places. It typically takes multiple approaches to getting rid of bed bugs, as many populations in parts of the country are resistant to common pesticides.
Although they have not been shown to transmit diseases to people, bed bugs are still listed as a public health concern, Terminix reported. Their bites can cause an allergic reaction.
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