Why Do Ohio’s Major Cities Have So Many Bed Bug Infestations?
Bed bug infestations can happen in any home and any state. But, how come these infestations seem to happen in Ohio’s major cities?
Bed Bug Infestations
What are bed bugs? Bed bugs are pesky tiny brown insects that bite humans. Their bite can leave red, itchy bumps on your body usually in a line formation. They can be found on your mattress, box spring, headboard, outlets, and other folded areas. Bed bugs can easily hitchhike when you are traveling. They can be transported from someone’s luggage, clothing, or other personal belongings. They can also move from room to room in your home. Unfortunately, bed bugs reproduce insanely fast, making them even harder to eliminate.
Why Ohio?
Some of the top pest control companies in the country listed the cities with the most bed bug problems, including five Ohio cities. The Ohio cities that made the list include Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, and Toledo. Why is it that there were five major Ohio cities on that list?
Highways
I-71 connects Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati making for easy travel for humans and bed bugs. If someone with an unknown bed bug infestation living in Cleveland decides to visit a friend in Columbus, those bed bugs might hitch a ride on that person’s clothes or bags. Those bed bugs may end up in their friend’s apartment in Columbus.
Low-Income Areas
Most major cities have low-income areas. These areas are where bed bugs can be an issue. Low-income households are most likely not able to afford a solution to the infestation. The lack of access to a solution creates a terrible cycle of bed bug infestations. Low-income areas also experience overcrowded living situations. Overcrowded areas are the perfect opportunity for bed bugs to transport from person to person.
Densely Populated Areas
Major cities are heavily populated and have multi-tenant living situations such as apartments. These types of living situations are perfect for bed bug infestations to occur. Nursing homes and other assisted living facilities are also at risk for bed bug infestations.
What To Do
When you first notice signs of bed bugs in your home, call an exterminator. While you wait for them to arrive, clean your sheets, curtains, clothing, etc. in hot water and dry them on the highest setting. Collect your stuffed animals, shoes, and other items you cannot wash and put them in the dryer on high. Then, use a stiff brush to scrub your mattress, box spring, headboard, and other surfaces. Vacuum those areas as well. Make sure you place your vacuum bag in a sealed bag and throw it away in a garbage can outside. This is so bed bugs cannot escape the vacuum bag and enter your home again.
Bed Bug Prevention
One way to prevent bed bugs is by buying a zippered mattress cover for your mattress and box spring. Unfortunately, bed bugs can still hide in power outlets. Covering your outlets is another way of preventing bed bugs. Vacuuming carpets and other surfaces such as your mattress and couches can also eliminate bed bugs in your home. Lastly, being well-educated on bed bugs can help you identify an infestation early. Contacting an exterminator as soon as possible is always the best idea.
Have a Bed Bug Infestation?
Bed Bug BBQ, in Cleveland, OH, specializes in proper bed bug extermination. Our services include bed bug extermination, eradication, heat treatment, and killing bed bugs and their eggs. We guarantee that your property will be bed bug free! Want to hear more about our guarantee? Call us at (216) 221-1227 or visit our website.
