Philadelphia Takes Top Spot in Annual Bedbug-Infested Cities List

We just saw this come through our news feed this morning and we thought it was something we should share with all our readers in the Philadelphia area. Not the kind of contest we really want to be winning!

If you experience any problems with bed bugs or any other pest call Green Pest Solutions. We are a recognized leader in the pest management industry in the Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. We offer the best in mice, rat , rodent, pest and termite control services using traditional treatment methods and green products.

MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Philadelphia has won the dubious title of most bedbug-infested U.S. city, according to the annual Most Bedbug-Infested Cities ranking, released today..

Philadelphia took the top spot from New York City, which held the title for two years.

The 2012 most bedbug-infested cities include:

Philadelphia
Cincinnati
New York City
Chicago
Detroit
Washington, D.C.
Columbus, Ohio
San Francisco
Denver
New Haven, Conn.
Dallas
Houston
Indianapolis
Miami
Cleveland

The list was created by compiling data from the 300 pest control 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. “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.”

“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.”

As travelers prepare to hit the road this summer, here’s a few 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.