CLEVELAND — After spending two years at the top of the unfortunate list, Cleveland has dropped in the national rankings for bed bug infestations.
According to Terminix, Cleveland now ranks seventh nationally in bed bug infestations, a significant fall after spending the previous two years ranked No. 1.
Philadelphia ranked first overall, followed by New York City and Dallas.
Still, Ohio had more cities in the top 50 rankings than any state:
5. Cincinnati
7. Cleveland
11. Columbus
24. Dayton
28. Toledo
48. Youngstown
According to Terminix, one in five Americans have experienced an encounter with bed bugs.
Though bed bugs are commonly found in bedding and mattresses, it's important to remember that they also travel from point A to point B on objects such as purses, jackets and luggage.
Here are some tips from Terminix on preventing a bed bug infestation:
- Check hotel headboards, mattresses and box springs for live bed bugs, their exoskeletons and dark blood spots
- Also look for newly hatched nymphs, which are cream-colored and the size of letters on a penny
- Look for small, translucent eggs, which may be in the tucks and folds of sheets
- Hang all clothing and don't leave anything lying on the bed or furniture
- Avoid storing clothing in a hotel’s furniture drawers
- Store suitcases on a luggage away from the bed
- Vacuum suitcases when you return home
- Immediately wash clothing in hot water
- Store luggage in a sealed plastic bag in a garage or basement, away from bedrooms