Terminix Released Top 15 Cities For Bed Bugs

by Lex18.com

Terminix has released the top 15 most bedbug infested cities, and it appears we are partially surrounded by the unwanted visitors.
Number one is New York City. Just up the road from Lexington, the Queen City, Cincinnati, is No. 2. The list includes Chicago, Washington, D.C., and sitting at No. 14, Louisville.
The 2011 most bedbug-infested cities include:

1. New York City
2. Cincinnati
3. Detroit
4. Chicago
5. Philadelphia
6. Denver
7. Washington, D.C.
8. Los Angeles
9. Boston
10. San Francisco
11. Columbus, Ohio
12. Dayton, Ohio
13. Baltimore
14. Louisville, Ky.
15. Dallas
Infestation Signs
Bedbugs are difficult to catch in the act of feeding; however, they will leave behind signs of their presence. Infestation signs include:
· Blood spots on bedding.
· In heavily infested areas, their dark-colored excrement may be visible.
· Bedbug bites generally result in raised, itchy areas similar to those of mosquito bites.
· In heavy infestations, a strong, musty odor may develop.

Travel Tips
· Check around headboards, mattresses and box springs for bedbugs and the dark blood spots they leave behind.
· Hang all clothing. Leave nothing lying on the bed or furniture.
· Avoid unpacking clothing and storing them in the hotel's furniture drawers.
· Don't allow your baggage to sit on the floor. Store it on a luggage rack as far from the bed as possible.
· If you notice evidence of bedbugs, request another room or change hotels.
· When returning home, leave luggage in the garage or basement until you are able to thoroughly inspect it for bedbugs.
· Vacuum suitcases when returning from trips and immediately wash clothing in hot water.

Home Prevention and Protection
· Inspect vintage furniture, antiques, used appliances or consignment items for signs of bedbugs before purchasing or bringing into the home
· Never pick up used mattresses or furniture left curbside
· Inspect and wash (in warm water) previously-worn clothing that has been donated or purchased from consignment shops
· Quarantine infested items. Moving them within the home can spread the problem
· Use zippered encasements on infested mattresses and box springs
· If you suspect you have bedbugs, have your home inspected by a trained professional. Bedbugs cannot be controlled by over-the-counter treatments and will require the assistance of a pest control operator.