Using its own data, the extermination company
Terminix has ranked the top bedbug-infested cities in the U.S. and, not surprisingly, New York City, which recently saw infestations at upscale lingerie shop Victoria's Secret and the Empire State Building, topped the list.
Other major cities on the list included Philadelphia and Detroit.
Ohio was ranked the most
bedbug-infested state.
Terminix compiled its
Top 15 list anecdotally by analyzing market-specific call volume about bedbugs to the 350 Terminix service centers throughout the country.
The top ranked cities are:
1. New York
2. Philadelphia
3. Detroit
4. Cincinnati
5. Chicago
6. Denver
7. Columbus, Ohio
8. Dayton, Ohio
9. Washington, D.C.
10. Los Angeles
11. Boston
12. Indianapolis
13. Louisville, Ky.
14. Cleveland
15. Minneapolis, Minn.
As
AOL Health reported last month, the creepy blood-sucking insects aren't an actual health risk per se, however their bites and presence alone can be unnerving.
"It's no surprise that highly trafficked cities such as New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles are on the list," Paul Curtis, entomologist for Terminix, said in a
news release from the company. "It's the bedbug problems in cities like Dayton and Louisville that prove bedbugs are back and can pop up anywhere. The bedbug problems in these cities outpace markets of far greater size despite their having a fraction of the population and typically fewer travelers and hotels."
Bedbugs were almost eradicated from the United States following World War II, but increasing international travel and the bugs ability to "hitch" rides with the people whose clothing and luggage they infest have allowed the pests to regain a foothold in the United States, according to Terminix.
What to Do if You Have Bedbugs
Terminix offered these tips for
preventing and contending with bedbug infestations:
-- Inspect furniture, antiques, used appliances or consignment items for signs of bedbugs before bringing them into the home. Signs of bedbugs can be tricky to find, especially because the bugs are tiny and don't often come out of hiding until you are sleeping. The first sign to look for is small mosquito-like bites on your body. Also, bedbugs tend to leave behind waste. Inspect clothing, blankets, sheets and carpeting for shed skins, eggs and dead bedbugs. Sticking some pieces of double-sided carpet tape to your sheets and bedspread may also snag a couple of the creatures when they come out at night.
-- Never pick up used mattresses or furniture left curbside.
-- Inspect clothing for bedbugs and wash (in hot water) new items after bringing them into the house.
-- Use zippered encasements on infested mattresses and box springs.
-- If you suspect you have bedbugs, have your home inspected by a trained professional.
Avoiding Illness From Everyday Germs and Bugs
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Are These Household Germs Dangerous?
Adenovirus: While you are unlikely to catch the most common manifestation of adenoviral conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, from touching a doorknob or other inanimate object, the virus thrives on the human body and is spread easily by skin contact, so wash your hands frequently and avoid people with obvious
symptoms. For most, the virus is little more than an annoyance that causes red, itchy eyes. In more extreme cases, an adenovirus can result in
sore throat, fever or pneumonia.
Dr. Hans Gelderblom
Are These Household Germs Dangerous?
Adenovirus: While you are unlikely to catch the most common manifestation of adenoviral conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, from touching a doorknob or other inanimate object, the virus thrives on the human body and is spread easily by skin contact, so wash your hands frequently and avoid people with obvious symptoms. For most, the virus is little more than an annoyance that causes red, itchy eyes. In more extreme cases, an adenovirus can result in sore throat, fever or pneumonia.
Are These Household Germs Dangerous?
Aspergillus: Another common mold, Aspergillus may intensify asthma or allergies but is rarely the cause of illness in healthy people. People who have had lung diseases or with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to more serious complications such as a "fungus ball" in the lungs or infections of the lungs, brain or heart.
Are These Household Germs Dangerous?
Campylobacter: Another bacterium that can be spread through food, Campylobacter is one of the most common causes of bacterial diarrhea. It can also be spread person to person or through pets. Axelrod said most times people don't know where they picked up the microorganism, and it rarely causes serious complications.
Are These Household Germs Dangerous?
Candida albicans: This opportunistic fungus lives on skin and usually presents itself in dark, moist areas such as the mouth or genital region. Candida albicans is often responsible for diaper rash and yeast infections. In healthy people, these infections are mostly a temporary nuisance, but for those with a weakened immune system (such as transplant patients, people with AIDS or those taking steroids), the fungus can be more invasive and dangerous. According to Axelrod, there's not much you can do to avoid this type of fungal infection other than keeping your skin clean and dry.
Are These Household Germs Dangerous?
Cladosporium: A common environmental mold, Cladosporium rarely results in health effects in people with healthy immune systems, Axelrod said. In some cases, it may result in skin or nail infections, or aggravate allergies. "If I see one Cladosporium infection every five to 10 years, that's a lot," Axelrod said.
Are These Household Germs Dangerous?
Clostridium perfringens: This bacterium is common in the environment and in our own intestines and can also be the cause of food poisoning. If it enters the body through a wound, it can also destroy tissue as another type of flesh-eating bacteria. Axelrod said safe food-handling techniques, such as keeping perishables refrigerated, can help thwart the growth of this pathogen.
Are These Household Germs Dangerous?
Dental plaque: Bacteria can live in dental plaque and potentially cause pneumonia if they enter the airway. This is mainly a concern for at-risk patients in hospitals or nursing homes. For healthy people, the presence of bacteria in plaque doesn't usually cause any illness, according to Axelrod. But, as your dentist would tell you, that's no excuse to abandon your brushing and flossing regimen.
Are These Household Germs Dangerous?
Dust mites: Household dust mites feed off flakes of dead skin and can be found in furniture, bedding and carpets. They are a common allergen and an aggravator of asthma. While some people may not have any reaction to dust mites, others are very sensitive. Vacuuming, washing linens in hot water and using dust-mite resistant bedding may help alleviate symptoms.
Are These Household Germs Dangerous?
Lice: This parasite is the bane of school nurses and parents everywhere. The tiny white eggs that live on the scalp cause severe itching and skin irritation but can be treated with lotions and shampoos and the removal of the eggs, or nits, with a very fine-toothed comb. Avoiding close contact and the sharing of hairbrushes is a good idea when there is an outbreak. Pubic lice are transmitted by sexual contact, but unlike other STDs, wearing a condom won't prevent its spread. People infected with pubic lice can often see the little critters crawling around. "That freaks people out," Axelrod said.
Are These Household Germs Dangerous?
Ringworm: This superficial fungus gets on skin and can cause a rash, nail infections or athlete's foot. Despite its name, ringworm is not a worm. It does cause itchy skin legions that often appear in a circular pattern. People do not usually know where they picked up the fungus, which can be spread by skin contact, pets or contaminated surfaces or clothing. Treatments with topical antifungal creams generally clear up ringworm within a week or two, Axelrod said.
Are These Household Germs Dangerous?
More on Bedbugs:
What Are Bedbugs?
Are Bedbugs a Health Threat?
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