Richmond ranked 35th worst city for bed bugs: Terminix

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The city of Richmond has been ranked the 35th worst city for bed bugs, per a new study -- and Terminix is sharing tips for how you can avoid them in your living space.

As summer travel increases, Terminix is helping those in the U.S. remain vigilant. The pest control company used service data from more than 300 branches worldwide, identifying the top 50 U.S. cities with the highest number of bed bug control services -- and the City of Richmond made the list.

"We have seen a consistent increase in bed bug control service performed since the ‘new normal’ post-COVID-19 pandemic," said Eric Braun, a Technical Service Manager at Terminix, in a press release.

Philadelphia takes the No. 1 spot for the second year in a row, while New York and Cleveland-Akron landed in the top five.

Terminix emphasized that cities in Ohio, Texas, Florida, California and Pennsylvania dominate the list, which it said is the result of "regional trends in infestations, [which] are likely tied to climate, housing trends, and travel hubs."

The following are tips from Terminix about what you can do to avoid unwanted bed bugs in your living space.

Before settling into a hotel or rental:

• Inspect the mattress seams, headboard, and nearby furniture for small, rust-colored stains, shed skins, or live bed bugs. Adult bed bugs are around the size of an apple seed, so be sure to examine closely, as they can be easy to miss.
• Use a flashlight (your phone works) to check deep crevices, folds, and corners.
• Look for evidence around nightstands, the edges of chairs or sofas, and in drawer joints.
• Avoid placing your luggage on the bed or floor while you inspect the room.

While traveling:

• Keep your suitcase zipped and consider storing it in a large, sealed plastic bag when not in use.
• When you return home, unpack on a hard surface (not the carpet or your bed) and away from your bedroom (exterior or garage), so you can easily spot any unwanted hitchhikers and not introduce them into sleeping areas.
• Place your clothing in the dryer before washing it. Thirty minutes on high heat should help eliminate any live bed bugs or eggs before you wash them. If you cannot place certain items in the dryer, steam cleaning can also help kill bed bugs.
• Vacuum your suitcase inside and out before storing it, preferably in a space far away from sleeping areas.

Terminix also gave some tips on what to do if you bring home bed bugs. First, the pest control company says to contain the infestation by moving infested items between rooms to stop the spread.

The company also discouraged the use of do-it-yourself (DIY) sprays, saying you should instead act quickly to reduce the severity of the infestation while waiting for professional treatment.