MEMPHIS, TENN.—Thought to be eradicated since World War II, in recent years, bed bugs have been making a comeback throughout the United States. Beyond their annoying bites and welts, research indicates bed bugs can pose physical and psychological health concerns as well. Additionally, reports of bedbugs are increasing in some areas of the country not previously prone to outbreaks, indicating they are on the move.
Terminix has released its list of cities experiencing the largest increases in bed bug activity, with Sacramento, Calif. taking the top spot. The city reports a 54 percent jump in bed bug customer calls compared to this same time last year.
Terminix’s 2013 list of cities with the highest increases in bed bug infestations include:
1. Sacramento, Calif. 54%
2. Milwaukee 53%
3. Las Vegas 50%
4. Columbus, Ohio 47%
5. Baltimore 46%
6. Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif. 41%
7. St. Louis 40%
9. Louisville, Ky. 31%
Terminix created the list by compiling and analyzing bed bug-specific call volume to its more than 300 branches throughout the country. The rankings represent cities with the biggest percentage gains in bed bug customer calls from January to May 2013 compared to the same time period in 2012. Eight of the cities — Columbus, Los Angeles, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, Baltimore, Louisville, Cleveland and San Francisco — are also among the Top 15 cities in total number of bed bug customer calls year-to-date for 2013.
Once relegated to primarily major cities, bed bugs are good travelers and have been reported by nearly all of the Terminix branches throughout the country.
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