Bedbug Woes: Unveiling the Top Afflicted Cities in America

By J. Alex- Jan 8,2024

In just eight months, France will host the highly anticipated 2024 Summer Olympics, drawing sports enthusiasts from around the globe. However, among the excitement, there's an unwelcome attendee—a certain six-legged creature.

Researchers note a concerning "global resurgence" of bedbugs in recent years. Travelers encountered these blood-sucking insects in hotels, trains, and even at Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport in early October.

Describing the Paris bedbug outbreak as "a real source of concern," the mayor of London highlighted its severity. Yet, this issue isn't confined to Europe alone. Bedbugs plague numerous U.S. cities, as reflected in regular lists released by pest control giants , cataloging the Top exterminators, 50 cities grappling with this problem.

Eric Braun, an entomologist and technical service manager for Top Company, explained that popular travel destinations inherently face heightened vulnerability to bedbug introductions compared to less frequented cities. He highlighted a gradual rise in bedbug reports over the past years, coinciding with the increased comfort of post-pandemic travel.

Exterminator, identified Philadelphia as saving the most severe bedbug problem in 2023, closely trailed by Chicago and New York City. Orkin's list echoed these cities in the top spots, albeit with a different order, placing Chicago at the summit, followed by New York and Philadelphia.

Mapping these lists revealed a concentration of cities with significant bedbug problems in the Midwest, spanning states like Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, as well as prominent urban centers along the East Coast.

In Ohio, five cities—Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo—featured on both lists. In neighboring Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh were among the overlapping cities.

Braun emphasized that population centers, travel hubs, and urban infrastructure drive the pests' spread more than geography or climate. He highlighted that densely populated areas and shared living spaces facilitate their proliferation.

Bedbug-related laws or regulations have been enacted in over 20 states, primarily focusing on hotels, landlords, or property managers, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Some of these laws have been in place for nearly two decades, with the possibility of local-level regulations.

Travelers concerned about bedbug infestations are advised to seal clothing in plastic bags and carry a bright light for hotel room inspections. At home, the EPA recommends frequent bedding washing, clutter reduction, and cautious handling of second-hand furniture. Professional assistance is available for identifying suitable treatment options if an issue arises.

Photo byJOSHUA COLEMANonUnsplash

[Credit] US News