Terminix compiled a list of the top cities with the highest reported bed bug infestations in 2018. Here are the top 25:
- Cleveland
- Philadelphia
- Los Angeles
- Indianapolis
- Cincinnati
- Dallas-Fort Worth
- New York
- Columbus, Ohio
- Houston, Texas
- Dayton, Ohio
- Louis
- Chicago
- Detroit
- Atlanta
- San Francisco
- Baltimore
- Tampa, Fla.
- Washington, D.C.
- Louisville, Ky
- Phoenix
- Nashville, TN
- Pittsburgh
- Memphis, TN
- Boston, MA
- Denver, CO
New York
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/ny#
New York is home to approximately 19.5 million people. It is one of the most famous landmarks of the United States of America. As you can imagine, with a great number of bodies roaming the streets and inhabiting so many homes, there is a good chance you will meet a little pest that will crawl up unexpectedly.
Infestations are higher in places where there are crowds of people and of course, clutter. This is why New York is susceptible to bed bug infestations.
The New York Times article by Michael Kolomatsky reveals the worst neighborhoods in New York for higher rates of land lord violations for failure to inform the infestation problems:
- Flatbush, Brooklyn
- West Harlem, Manhattan
- Morrisania, Bronx
- Tremont, Bronx
- Wakefield, Bronx
These are just the toppers of the list over the last five years. He mentions that there is an overall decline in bed bugs but there is not enough control of them. Nowadays, landlords have been taking the infestation matter more seriously which contributes to the decrease in number of bed bugs.
If you’re worried about bed bug infestation in a hotel, you’re planning on staying at in New York City, consult the Bed Bug Registry for more information on hotels and their history of bed bugs. No matter the hotel, location, event the best 5-star hotels can be a nesting place for these critters.
Hawaii
Back in 2007, a bed bug epidemic broke out in Hawaii. Carlton Agena, Terminix exterminator expressed his concern over the infestation in an interview with Hawaii News Now. He mentions that the bed bugs will find their way into even the 4-star hotels and luxury hotels.
He believes Hawaiians should take extra precaution and inspect every part of their homes for the critters, especially when travelling. The only reason for the resurgence of bed bugs worldwide is simply because of international travel. After World War II, bed bugs were almost completely eradicated but now they have managed to crawl their way into the luggage of frequent travelers.
In 2010, Oahu, Kauai, Maui reported the increase in these pests. There was also an increase in home exterminations and inspections. According to the Bed Bug Registry, a search on bed bugs in Hawaii showed 24 reports for hotels and apartment buildings having cases of bed bug infestations.
Florida
Lots of people own cottages and homes in Florida to hibernate to during their cold seasons. Florida is home to many vacations as well as residents of the large state.
Due to increased tourism, bed bugs are becoming a bigger issue. Matthew Miller from arrow Environmental Services spoke with News Channel 8 about the growing infestation in the Sunshine State. He says that people should be extra vigilant when sleeping in hotels, where bed bugs usually spread from tourists as the insects will crawl out of luggage bags and make a new home in these hotels. The most commonly searched for destinations in Florida for bed bugs is Fort Lauderdale.
Chicago
An Orkin entomologist she interviewed said:
Any type of home is prone to bed bugs. It has nothing to do with sanitation. We have treated for bed bugs everywhere, from newly built upscale homes to public housing.
According to Bedbugs.net, Chicago had 93 reports of bed bugs last year, but this is just the number reported by those who publish the information online. They’ve been reported by the Marriot Courtyard Downtown River North Chicago, Embassy Suites By Hilton Chicago, Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago and the Swissotel.
Not all states have bed bug laws but now that it has become an increasing problem all over the nation, states have now implemented specific laws to take care of the issue. Currently, there are 21 states in the US, that have a law about bed bug regulation. It outlines the requirements and expectations for tenants, landlords, hotels and property managers. These regulations were enacted in 2005.
Las Vegas
Elvis Presley Look-A-Like’s, casinos, bars and bed bugs? The city that never sleeps has it all, including the bloody hitchhikers. Las Vegas is one of the most well-known cities in the United States. It is filled with people from all over the world who visit for a short time to have fun.
There are approximately 148,896 Las Vegas hotel rooms, and an annual visitor count of 36.7 million! That’s a big number with bigger chances of travelers bringing in bed bugs. In the case that you do get bitten by one, take a picture of your bite and a picture of the bed bug to show to the concierge.
After you make the phone call, they will close off the room until an exterminator eliminates the pests safely. It is required by Nevada law that when a hotel room reports that it has been infested by bed bugs, it must be fumigated, disinfected and renovated until all of the bed bugs are completely eliminated.
To search for a specific residence or hotel in Las Vegas for any recent bed bug reports, you can visit bedbugs.net and input the address. In total, the website reports that there have been 125 bed bug reports in Las Vegas so far. You may also consult the bedbugregistry.com for more information and reports.
Wisconsin
A fun party turned bloody. A family from Milwaukee, WI were feasted by bed bugs on during their stay at the Wisconsin Dells Resort in 2018. They reported that the morning they woke up, they noticed some unwanted friends that made their way into the mattress. After scratching began on one of the girls’ arms, the others noticed that they too, were victims of the infestation.
They counted 6 bed bugs and more than 15 bites all over their bodies. The hotel claims that this is the first bed bug complaint they’ve had since 2009. The other problem with reports like this is that no one will know if the travelers brought in the bed bugs to the hotel or if the bugs were already there. Nonetheless, they filed a report.
Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona has were specific laws implemented regarding bed bugs. The law outlines that the landlords and tenants are responsible for fighting any report of a bed bug infestation. It is up to them to call and arrange for an exterminator to go in and fix the problem, to use the proper treatment. Tenants are also legally required to notify landlords as soon as they notice a bed bug infestation. If a tenant decides that they want to fix the problem themselves without professional help, this is considered illegal. It is always recommended to find a licensed professional to get the job done for heath and safety purposes. For Arizona state, there have been higher reports of bed bugs in the Phoenix area than any of its other cities.
According to the Bed Bugs Arizona Law:
Arizona bed bug statutes (A.R.S. §33-1319, and related §33-1324, and §33-1341) do not clearly specify who is responsible for paying for bed bug treatment. The law states that 1) landlords must provide bed bug educational materials to the tenant, 2) the landlord cannot rent a unit that is infested with bedbugs. This part of the law DOES NOT state who is responsible for payment. The landlord does have to hire a licensed applicator to treat the apartment. (https://www.bed-bugs-handbook.com/bedbugs-arizona.html#content_51370044#arizonalaws)
Landlords in Arizona are also not allowed to lease their apartments when they have prior knowledge of having bed bugs. Even though this may be difficult to prove, they can be in a lot of trouble for not disclosing the information. If your landlord does not treat the issue than you can pay for the treatment yourself and have it billed to your landlord instead, but it is a good idea to consult a lawyer from the Attorney General’s office.
The Arizona Law suggests that if you are inclined to treat the bed bug problem yourself rather than call a professional, you are advised to purchase a bed bug kit.
Philadelphia
In 2018, a video surfaced online showing a bed bug infestation on a SEPTA bus in Philadelphia. A passenger on the bus noticed the bed bugs on her seat as she stretched her arms out. She reported an itching, burning sensation on her arm. Unfortunately, the bed bug bites resulted in a severe allergic reaction for the passenger. SEPTA removed the infested bus out of service to have the upholstered seats replaced with plastic.
Disney World
Meeting Princes and Princesses, going on rides, and watching entertainment. IT’s all fun and smiles at Walt Disney World until someone gets bitten by a bed bug. Orlando Pest Control says that finding bed bugs in Walt Disney World or Universal Studios is rare, but it has occurred. In Mickey Mouse’s Fiefdom, bed bugs have become an epidemic. Exterminators work tirelessly to fight the pests.
According to the Envirosafe Pest Control Orlando, luggage should be placed in the bathtub instead of the luggage rack. The luggage rack can carry bed bugs in the material straps, so it’s recommended to keep your belongings in the bathroom at all times. Also, inspect your entire hotel room before bringing in your luggage. Bring a flashlight to help you clearly identify bed bugs, and to check for their droppings or blood on the sheets. Don’t forget to notify the hotel management immediately after the bed bug discovery.
New Orleans
Orkin, the pest control company, reports that there was an 89 percent increase of calls for bed bug treatments in New Orleans in 2018. Orkin says they have had a 30 percent increase in treatments over a month!
A representative and company entomologist from Terminix notes that there are effective ways to treat the nasty pests and ways to spot them easily. By lifting mattresses, leaving a suitcase or luggage in heat for awhile, and washing/ drying your clothes in heat as well, will help take care of the problem.
However out of all American cities, For New Orleans’s the pest problem isn’t as great compared to other cities.
