Finding the bed bug in your bedroom is even harder than finding one on this page.

Don’t feel bad if you couldn’t find the bed bug. People are only about 30% effective. But Nyx is up to 98% effective. She’s a fox terrier who’s had 800 hours of bed bug detection training. So if your location has bed bugs, she’ll find them. And we’ll get rid of them.

Top 4 Infested Cities in the US

#5: CINCINNATI, OH

Bed bugs in Cincinnati

For various reasons, the state of Ohio has faced some of the worst of this bed bug epidemic over the years. Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati have all been frequent flyers on our lists of bed bug cities, and this year is no different. For 2019, the third-largest city in Ohio is the fifth worst of the big bed bug cities.

Cincinnati has three major sports teams, a huge university, a modern streetcar system, and a nearby airport that acts as a major travel and shipping hub. There’s a lot in the city to attract visitors and residents, and a lot of opportunities for those newcomers to bring bed bugs with them. While winters are colder in Ohio than in the subtropic states, summers in Cincinnati are long and warm enough to give bed bugs plenty of time to mature and reproduce.

 

#4: DETROIT, MI

Bed bugs in Detroit

While the city itself has seen major population decline over the last several years, Detroit’s metro area is second only to Chicago’s in the American Midwest. With its busy airport and riverport, as well as the busiest crossing between the US and Canada, Detroit welcomes visitors for business and pleasure every day. That means bed bugs have ample opportunity to get around town to their next infestation.

While their rank as one of the worst bed bug cities may seem bleak, it’s actually a nice improvement for a city that once topped our list. Due to active efforts by both government agencies and pest management professionals, reports of infestations are down by about 15% this year compared to 2017 and 2018.

 

#3: CHICAGO, IL

Bed bugs in Chicago

The third most populous city in the country is also the third most popular city for bed bugs. The metro area that’s affectionately referred to as “Chicagoland” is an absolutely enormous array of cities and suburbs that is home to 10 million people. This gives bed bugs plenty of options to hitchhike from one of Chicago’s airports or public venues to one of so many nearby residences.

As an international hub for finance, industry, and transportation, Chicago has heaps of planes, trains, and cars moving in and out all day, every day. Bed bugs love hiding in clothes, luggage, and personal belongings to travel from their birthplace to a new home, where they can settle down and start a new infestation of their own.

 

#2: PHILADELPHIA, PA

Bed bugs in Philadelphia

Continuing the trend of bed bug cities in the Northeast and Midwest is Philadelphia, the second top travel destination for American bed bugs. Sitting at the center of the densely populated Boston-Washington corridor, Philadelphia welcomes travelers from Boston, New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, and DC, along with other visitors from around the world.

Much like neighboring Baltimore, Philadelphia features a humid subtropical climate. This means hot and muggy summers with short winters, a favorite arrangement for bed bugs looking to start a family.

 

#1: COLUMBUS, OH

Bed bugs in Columbus

Back to defend its title, Columbus has retaken the rank of one of the worst bed bug cities in America. But with less population, less travel, and colder winters than many other cities on the list, how does Columbus keep coming up as number 1?

Like with other cities, the popularity of Columbus is definitely a factor. As one of the fastest-growing cities in North America, Columbus features both a bustling urban populace and a rapidly expanding metro area made up of suburban communities. This means that both urban pedestrians and local commuters face a risk of crossing paths with bed bugs in the city’s many public places.

While not as warm year-round as the southern bed bug cities on this list, Ohio’s capital still has long, hot, and muggy summers thanks to its humid continental climate. The average daily high is over 60 degrees Fahrenheit for more than half of the year, and the cold and dry winter period tends to come on gradually rather than snap in overnight. This works out favorably for bed bugs that have grown accustomed to the same temperatures that humans are comfortable in.

Did your city make the list? Do your part by reducing the risk of infestation! Early prevention is key, so check out our guide on how to prevent bed bugs, both at home and on the go.

As you can see, Chicago is among America’s bed bug hotspots. Greater Chicagoland and its outskirts are no less infested.

(Images and information Courtesy of bedbugregistry.com)

 

Man’s Best Friends, Bed Bugs’ Worst Enemy.

Despite 30 years of exterminating experience in the Chicagoland areas, the most valuable member of our bed bug detection team is a fox terrier named Nyx. Having logged over 1,000 hours, she continues to train seven days a week to keep her bed bug detection skills in top form. In fact, a thorough bed bug inspection by a seasoned professional offers only a 30% accuracy. Nyx boasts up to a 98% accuracy. Illinois Bed Bug Dog will find your problem then treat the area with safe, organic pesticides in the quickest, most cost-effective means possible.

Are You Prepared?

Bed bugs bites, multiply, repeat. That’s it. Once one enters your building or residence, the problem only gets bigger and more difficult to treat the longer you wait to act. And worse, once a guest or tenant is affected, your building can be added to a Bed Bug Registry, ultimately affecting your business. Even lawsuits are common. A Bed Bug Prevention Strategy is the most important tool you can have, which Illinois Bed Bug Dog will provide — at no cost to you.

For more about everything you need to know about bed bugs; how they spread, where they hide, why the epidemic is making an international comeback and other pertinent information that will only better prepare you in preventing or managing an infestation, see more of our “bed bug bits” that follow.

Bed Bug Biology.

Another important tool in preventing a bed bug infestation is an understanding of them. Did you know bed bugs actually live longer with an inadequate food supply than they do with an available blood host? Knowing where to look, what to look for, and when to act will save you time and money.

Bed Bug Biological Bits.Bed bugs actually live longer without an adequate food supply than they do with available food. Ands, because bed bugs are nocturnal, they search for quiet undisturbed places to settle. They usually stay put unless they’re provoked by any of the following:

  • Furniture moving
  • Improper pesticide application
  • Food shortage
  • Vacuuming

Here’s why bed bugs are making a comeback:

  • Reduced use of pesticides
  • Discontinued use of certain pesticides
  • Ineffective pesticides
  • Second-hand furniture and clothing

Can bed bugs spread disease?

Bed bugs have been found to carry as many as 28 different pathogens, however, research has yet to show that bed bugs can transfer diseases to people.