Bed Bugs Thrive on the Blood of Chicago Residents: City Named Worst in America!
Chicago leads as the US city with the most bed bugs! Learn how to protect your home and travels from these stealthy pests with easy tips. #BedBugPrevention #TravelSafe
Chicago, Illinois – The Windy City has earned a dubious honor for the fourth year in a row, leading Orkin’s list of the top 50 U.S. cities battling bed bugs. Joining Chicago in the unwanted spotlight are New York and Philadelphia, grabbing the second and third spots, respectively. Meanwhile, Greensboro, N.C., has made a significant leap into the top 20, signaling a nationwide concern over these pesky critters.
Bed Bugs are a Global Concern
With bed bugs making headlines in Paris, the issue is now a global concern, especially for those planning to travel in 2024. These tiny pests, known for their hitchhiking abilities on personal belongings, are notorious for their resilience and rapid reproduction rates. Bed bugs thrive on blood meals from humans, making anywhere people rest an ideal hideout.
Experts at Orkin stress the importance of being vigilant, especially during travels. Spotting these pests requires a keen eye, as they’re masters of concealment, but not impossible to see. They recommend engaging professionals at the first sign of infestation.
To fend off these unwelcome guests, Orkin offers simple, proactive tips. Regular inspections at home, reducing clutter, and scrutinizing second-hand furniture can make a big difference.
Don’t Want Bed Bugs? Practice the S.L.E.E.P. Method!
For those on the move, keeping your suitcases free from bed bugs is crucial, and the S.L.E.E.P. method is a brilliant guide to doing just that. It’s not just about where you stay, but also about the choices you make with items you bring into your home, like inspecting every piece of secondhand furniture for signs of these pests before it crosses your threshold.
The S.L.E.E.P. acronym breaks down into simple steps designed to protect you from bed bugs while traveling:
- S = Survey your hotel room for any signs that bed bugs are around. Look for small, dark spots that could be their droppings on mattresses, soft furniture, and behind headboards.
- L = Lift objects and inspect common bed bug hiding places, including under the mattress, box spring, and other furniture. Don’t forget to check behind baseboards, pictures, and even peeling wallpaper.
- E = Elevate your luggage to keep it away from bed bug-prone areas. The best spots are usually in the bathroom or on hard surfaces like counters, far from the bed or walls.
- E = Examine your luggage meticulously as you pack to leave and once you get back home. It’s a good practice to keep your luggage stored away from sleeping areas to prevent any hitchhiking bugs from spreading.
- P = Place all the clothes that can be dried from your trip into the dryer on the highest heat setting for at least 30 to 45 minutes as soon as you get home. High heat kills bed bugs, ensuring they don’t infest your living space.
Understanding and applying the S.L.E.E.P. steps means you’re actively working to keep these tiny travelers out of your belongings and home. It’s a proactive approach to ensure that the only memories you bring back from your travels are the ones you want to keep.
