For many people, just hearing about bed bugs can send chills down their spine. These tiny insects can cause major discomfort, especially when they invade your home and disrupt your sleep. Recently, St. Louis, Missouri, has made headlines as one of the worst cities in the U.S. for bed bugs, according to a report from Orkin, a leading pest control company. This comes as a surprise to many, as the city moved up six spots from last year, now ranking 19th on the list of the most bed bug-infested cities.
Orkin’s Bed Bug Study: Key Findings
Orkin’s annual bed bug study, which is based on data collected from December 1, 2022, to November 30, 2023, highlights the cities most affected by these pests. The ranking is determined by the number of treatments carried out by pest control teams for bed bugs in homes and businesses across the country.
For the second consecutive year, Chicago took the top spot, followed by New York, Philadelphia, and Cleveland-Akron. St. Louis, however, has shown a concerning rise in bed bug activity, now ranking 19th on the list. The increase in bed bug reports from St. Louis signals a growing problem that residents need to address.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects, roughly the size of an apple seed (about 3/16 inch). These pests are nocturnal and feed on the blood of humans and animals while they sleep. They don’t jump or fly but move quickly and can hide in almost any place, including mattresses, couches, electrical outlets, and even picture frames.
Although they are small, bed bugs can cause big problems. Their bites can be itchy and irritating, and their presence is often difficult to detect until it’s too late. They are also challenging to eliminate, making them a major concern for homeowners and renters alike.
Why Are Bed Bugs a Growing Concern?
Bed bugs have become an increasing concern worldwide, especially after a major outbreak in Paris last year. The fear of these pests spreading has made people more cautious, particularly when traveling. However, Ben Hottel, a pest control expert from Orkin, explains that bed bugs are not just spread through travel. They can also be brought into your home through second-hand furniture and clothing.
The key takeaway is that it’s important to inspect anything new before bringing it into your living space, as it could be harboring these tiny pests.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs at Home
There are several simple but effective steps you can take to protect your home from bed bugs:
1. Inspect Your Home Regularly:
Check your mattress, bed frame, and surrounding areas often for signs of bed bugs. Look for small black dots (which are their droppings), shed skin, or the bugs themselves.
2. Be Careful with Second-Hand Items:
Before using second-hand furniture, clothing, or other used items, thoroughly inspect them for signs of bed bugs. These pests love to hide in soft materials, so it’s important to be extra cautious.
3. Declutter Your Home:
A clutter-free home makes it easier to spot bed bugs if they appear. The fewer places there are for bed bugs to hide, the better.
4. Be Smart While Traveling:
When staying in hotels or other accommodations, carefully check the bed, mattress, and furniture for any signs of bed bugs. Keep your suitcase off the floor and bed to avoid bringing any pests back home with you.
Top 20 U.S. Cities with the Most Bed Bugs
Here are the cities that, according to Orkin’s report, are dealing with the worst bed bug problems:
- Chicago
- New York
- Philadelphia
- Cleveland-Akron, OH
- Los Angeles
- Detroit
- Washington, D.C.
- Indianapolis
- Charlotte
- Champaign, IL
- Columbus, OH
- Cincinnati
- Atlanta
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Denver
- Baltimore
- Richmond, VA
- Greensboro, NC
- St. Louis
- Youngstown
Although bed bugs are small, they can create big problems in your home. From disturbing your sleep to being hard to remove, these pests are more than just a minor nuisance. If you live in or near one of the cities on this list—especially St. Louis—it’s crucial to take steps to protect your home. Regular inspections, careful handling of second-hand items, and smart travel habits can all help keep your living space bug-free.
