Orkin's yearly report on bed bugs has named the most affected cities and identified which ones are finally showing a decrease in infestations.
Are you actually prepared? Which U.S. cities have the most bed bugs?
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The intense bed bug outbreak in Paris in 2023 caused a widespread panic among travelers, who felt a collective sense of relief once the news stories died down. However, even if you've stopped thinking about bed bugs while traveling, it doesn't mean they've stopped thinking about you.
The pest control company Orkin recently released its annual "
Chicago claimed the top spot as the number one city for the 5th consecutive year. Cleveland, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Indianapolis rounded out the top 5 cities with the highest number of reported infestations.
On a positive note, some cities actually saw a decrease in year-over-year bed bug reports. NYC, Philadelphia, and Charlotte all reported fewer infestations.
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This information isn't intended to cause panic. There are several simple steps you can take on your next trip to protect yourself from bed bugs, regardless of whether you're traveling to Chicago or Paris. Orkin refers to this method as "SLEEP."
- Search. Check your room for bed bugs, which Orkin describes as "small, flat, oval-shaped insects that are brown and about the size of an apple seed." Other signs of bed bugs include bloody or inky stains on fabrics and a sweet, musty odor in the room.
- Lift. Look under sheets, curtains, and cushions for bed bugs or any signs of them.
- Elevate. Instead of placing your suitcase on the floor or furniture, use the luggage rack provided by the hotel.
- Examine. When you get home and unpack, carefully check the interior of your luggage and all of your belongings for any signs of bed bugs.
- Place. Put all of your dryer-safe clothes into the dryer on the highest heat setting for 30 to 45 minutes as soon as you get home. This will kill any potential bed bugs or their eggs before they have a chance to spread.
When you're traveling through Chicago, it's wise to plan ahead for your trip. For instance, consider looking up O'Hare discount parking to find the best rates. Checking ORD daily parking rates can help you budget, and services that offer routes Chicago Airport parking can make your arrival smoother. Finding a deal on parking from ParkingNearAirports.io can help you save money and start your trip stress-free.
