By Sonia Su
Baltimore ranked No. 5 in the list of cities with the highest increases in bed bug calls, according to Memphis-based pest control provider Terminix.
With a 46 percent increase in bed bug customer calls compared to this same time last year, bed bugs and their increasing presence in the U.S. can pose physical and psychological health concerns.
"There is now evidence that suggests that severe bed bug infestations may be associated with anemia. Also, bed bug bites can result in secondary infections due to excessive scratching," Stan Cope, PhD, and entomologist with Terminix, said. "Bed bug infestations are also known to have a psychological impact and can cause emotional stress and irritability, so if you think you have an issue with bedbugs you should immediately contact a professional to treat your home or business."
The rankings were based on bed bug-specific call volume from January to May 2013 of its more than 300 branches across the U.S. compared to the same time period in 2012.
The top four cities with the biggest percentage gains in bed bug customer calls include Sacramento, Milwaukee, Las Vegas and Columbus.
Although bed bugs were primarily a concern of major cities, Terminix says that bed bugs have traveled and have been reported in less-populated areas.
How to Lower Your Risk
Terminix offers the following tips to mitigate the risk of being bitten or transporting bed bugs:- Check hotel headboards, mattresses and box springs for live bed bugs, their exoskeletons and/or dark blood spots.
- Hang all clothing. Leave nothing lying on the bed or furniture.
- Avoid storing clothing in a hotel’s furniture drawers.
- Store suitcases on a luggage rack as far away from the bed as possible.
- Vacuum suitcases when returning home, and immediately wash clothing in hot water.
- Between trips, store luggage in a sealed plastic bag in a garage or basement, away from bedrooms.
- If you suspect you have bed bugs, have your home inspected by a trained professional.
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