If you have upcoming plans to visit Florida, it’s advisable to inspect your hotel room for unwelcome guests. A recent study by Orkin, a pest control company, reveals that Florida is one of the most bed bug-infested states in the US. Three cities within the state are listed among the top 50 areas with the highest bed bug occurrences.
The report’s data is derived from the bed bug treatments conducted by Orkin in both residential and commercial spaces, spanning from December 1, 2022, to November 30, 2023. The ranking encompasses both metropolitan and non-metropolitan regions.
Top 3 Cities Plagued by Bed Bugs
The three Florida cities that made the list are Tampa, Miami, and Orlando.
Miami: Miami is the top bed insect hotspot in Florida, coming in at number 24 in the country. The problem is made worse by the city’s popularity as a tourist destination and the considerable number of low-income and homeless people living there.
Furthermore, bed bugs thrive in Miami’s warm, muggy atmosphere, which makes it an excellent breeding habitat.
Tampa: Tampa is right behind, occupying the 35th position in the country. Bed bug growth is widespread due to its attractiveness to travelers and the diverse population that stays in shared accommodations.
Their survival and expansion are further aided by the subtropical climate.
Orlando: Orlando, which ranks 44th in the country and is well-known for its theme parks, welcomes millions of tourists each year. The sporadic character of vacation rentals combined with a thriving service sector adds to the frequency of bed bugs.
Their expansion is further encouraged by the hot, muggy weather of the city.
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Which Ten Cities Have the Most Bedbugs?
Orkin said that Chicago held the dubious distinction of being ranked number one for the fourth consecutive year. The top ten were as follows:
- Chicago
- New York
- Philadelphia
- Cleveland-Akron, Ohio
- Los Angeles
- Detroit
- Washington, D.C
- Indianapolis
- Charlotte
- Champaign, Illinois
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About Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are tiny, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood, with heightened activity at night and a tendency to hide in cracks and crevices during the day.
They can easily hitch a ride on luggage, clothing, and personal items, leading to infestations in homes, hotels, and other places where people sleep.
These pests can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. Eliminating them proves challenging, as they can endure months without feeding and develop resistance to pesticides.
According to Orkin entomologist Ben Hottel, the presence of bed bugs is not an indication of poor hygiene or sanitation but is rather linked to increased travel and mobility.
Travelers are advised to inspect hotel rooms for telltale signs of bed bugs, such as bloodstains, fecal spots, and shed skins. Hottel recommends keeping luggage away from the bed and the floor to prevent potential infestations.
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Tips to Prevent Bed Bug Infestations:
Orkin suggests using the acronym S.L.E.E.P. to prevent bed bug infestations during your stay:
1. Survey: Inspect the hotel room for signs of an infestation.
2. Lift and Look: Check for bed bugs in the mattress, box spring, and bed frame.
3. Elevate: Place your luggage and belongings on a luggage rack or a hard surface.
4. Examine: Carefully inspect your luggage and clothing upon returning home.
5. Put in Dryer: Toss all dryer-safe clothing into the dryer on high heat for at least 15 minutes.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a bed bug-free return from your Florida vacation.
