Sacramento Ranks #1 for Growing Bedbug Infestations in U.S.

Article written by Lindsey Hickman

Forget looking under the bed for monsters. Better make sure you’re checking under the sheets for lurking pests.

Terminex, the world’s largest pest control company, released their annual bedbug reports this week and results may have your skin crawling. Two lists were included: the top 15 cities with the largest increase in bedbug calls and the top 15 infested cities.

Sacramento may not have made the top 15 most infested cities, however, they took the top spot on the list of growing infestations. Bedbug reports grew by 54 percent in Sacramento in the past year, crowning the area No. 1 for the highest increases in the U.S.

San Francisco made both lists, ranking No. 8 in the most infested city list, and the 12th for call increases, with a 26 percent jump from last year.

Terminex reports that hotels are the major contributors to the spread of bedbugs, as they are usually transported from one location to another as people travel.  Bedbugs can travel in the seams of luggage, carry-on bags, folded clothing and furniture, while hiding in hotel headboards, mattresses and box springs for bedbugs and dark blood spots.

Turns out most hotels don't like to talk about bedbugs. After calling more than a dozen mid-town Sacramento hotel managers asking for comments, Patch was able to speak with a Downtown Sacramento, Motel 6 manager, Raj.

“Our housekeeping constantly monitors for bedbugs,” he said. “We actually have Terminex contracted for all of our pest control for maintenance.”

The pest company alerts that while major metropolitan areas are most at risk, it is important to note that bedbugs have been spotted in cities and towns across the country.

“Bedbugs can cause itchy welts and rashes, and may go undetected for months in a home or business,” said Terminex entomologist, Stoy Hedges. “It is important for consumers to know the signs of an infestation and to have their home inspected by a professional if they suspect a problem.”

As travelers prepare to hit the road this summer, Terminix offers tips to slow the spread of bedbugs:

• Check hotel headboards, mattresses and box springs for bedbugs and dark blood spots.
• Hang all clothing. Leave nothing lying on the bed or furniture.
• Avoid storing your clothing in the hotel’s furniture drawers.
• Store suitcases on a luggage rack as far from the bed as possible.
• Vacuum suitcases when returning home, and immediately wash clothing in hot water.
• Between trips, store luggage in a sealed plastic bag in a garage or basement, away from bedrooms.
• If you suspect your hotel has bedbugs, ask for a change of rooms.
• Bedbugs should only be treated by a trained pest control professional.

 The 2013 list of cities with the highest increases in bedbug infestations include:

1. Sacramento, Calif. 54%
2. Milwaukee, Wis. 53%
3. Las Vegas, Nev. 50%
4. Columbus, Ohio 47%
5. Baltimore, Md 46%
6. Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif. 41%
7. St. Louis, Mo. 40%
8. Cleveland, Ohio 36%
9. Louisville, Ky. 31%
10. Denver, Colo. 28%
11. Los Angeles, Calif.  27%
12. San Francisco, Calif.  26%
13. Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas  25%
14. Nashville, Tenn.  17%
15. Houston, Texas 15%

The 2012 most bedbug-infested cities include: 

1. Philadelphia
2. Cincinnati
3. New York City
4. Chicago
5. Detroit
6. Washington, D.C.
7. Columbus, Ohio 
8. San Francisco
9. Denver
10. New Haven, Conn.
11. Dallas
12. Houston
13. Indianapolis
14. Miami
15. Cleveland