Study Reveals Florida City with Highest Bedbug Infestations

Just in time for summer, pest-control company Terminix has released its annual report on the most bedbug-infested cities in the nation.

According to the study, some of the states that appeared the most on the list include places like Ohio, Texas, California — and of course, the Sunshine State itself.

Researchers said the study was put together using data from over 300 Terminix branches across the country, looking at which places saw the most issues with bedbugs.

However, it turned out that the demand for bedbug control has been on the rise all over the U.S.

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“We have seen a consistent increase in bedbug control service performed since the ‘new normal’ post-COVID-19 pandemic,” said Eric Braun, a technical service manager with Terminix.

Fortunately for Florida, none of its cities managed to even crack the top 10.

Instead, the highest-ranked city turned out to be the Tampa-St. Petersburg metro area at No. 26.

Meanwhile, the top 50 cities included in the ranking were as follows:

To avoid unwanted infestations, Terminix provided the following tips and tricks:

• Before settling into a hotel or rental:

  • Inspect the mattress seams, headboard, and nearby furniture for small, rust-colored stains, shed skins, or live bed bugs. Adult bed bugs are around the size of an apple seed, so be sure to examine closely, as they can be easy to miss.

  • Use a flashlight (your phone works) to check deep crevices, folds, and corners.

  • Look for evidence around nightstands, the edges of chairs or sofas, and in drawer joints.

  • Avoid placing your luggage on the bed or floor while you inspect the room.

• While traveling:

  • Keep your suitcase zipped and consider storing it in a large, sealed plastic bag when not in use.

  • When you return home, unpack on a hard surface (not the carpet or your bed) and away from your bedroom (exterior or garage), so you can easily spot any unwanted hitchhikers and not introduce them into sleeping areas.

  • Place your clothing in the dryer before washing it. Thirty minutes on high heat should help eliminate any live bed bugs or eggs before you wash them. If you cannot place certain items in the dryer, steam cleaning can also help kill bed bugs.

  • Vacuum your suitcase inside and out before storing it, preferably in a space far away from sleeping areas.

“Once you have returned home, unpack your suitcases along the exterior of your home or in an area like the basement or garage to avoid introducing bedbugs into sleeping areas,” Braun stated.