Is This City The Bed Bug Capital of Tennessee?
Two little words strike fear in the hearts of men (and women!): bed bugs. One popular tourist destination tops the list for having the most bed bugs in Tennessee.
Bed Bugs Are a Big Fear for Travelers
I travel often, and have another trip coming up soon. One of my biggest fears is staying somewhere that has bed bugs and then bringing home a stray hitchhiker in my luggage.
What Are Bed Bugs
Small and reddish-brown in color, bed bugs are becoming a big fear for anyone who travels. Feeding entirely on the blood of animals, humans included, the pests have become more prevalent across the world, and frequently make a bed their home, as their name implies, according to the University of Kentucky's Department of Entomology.
Bed bugs have made a major comeback in the U.S. and around the world. The public experienced a reprieve from the pests after World War II, due in part to the widespread use of DDT. The rebound in recent years was probably due to multiple factors, including less potent insecticides, global travel, and a loss of vigilance practiced in years past. Whatever the reasons, bed bugs are again part of everyday life, with infestations common in homes, apartments, hotels, dormitories, schools and shelters. They also occur in hospitals, nursing homes, libraries, theaters, offices, municipal buildings, and on public transportation— wherever there are people there can be bed bugs.
Signs of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs can be difficult to spot and even though they feed on humans, their bites are not easily identifiable as they often look like the bites of mosquitos, or even chiggers, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The organization says that early treatment is best.
If you have a bed bug infestation, it is best to find it early, before the infestation becomes established or spreads. Treating a minor infestation, while an inconvenience, is far less costly and easier than treating the same infestation after it becomes more widespread. However, low-level infestations are also much more challenging to find and correctly identify.
Do Bed Bugs Actually Spread Disease?
A common myth is that bed bugs spread disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that they do not spread disease but that scratching the resulting itch from bed bug bites can lead to secondary infections.
Bed bugs are not known to spread disease. Bed bugs can be an annoyance because their presence may cause itching and loss of sleep. Sometimes the itching can lead to excessive scratching that can sometimes increase the chance of a secondary skin infection.
Where Are Bed Bugs Most Frequently Found?
Regardless of whether or not bed bugs carry disease, no one wants to encounter them in their bedroom or on their travels. Unfortunately, there are some popular travel towns that top the list for having the most bed bugs.
Recent Data Shows What Cities Are Most Affected by Bed Bugs
Data released by pest control company, Orkin shows that Chicago, New York City, and Philadelphia underwent the most bed bug treatments (both residential and commercial) between December 1, 2022 and November 30, 2023.
To Tennessee City for Bed Bugs
Taking a look past the Top 3 on the list, we find Nashville holding the number 30 position. Not a big surprise when you consider the amount of travelers and tourists that visit the city, but Nashville isn't the only Tennessee city on the list. Moving down a few spots, we find Knoxville ranking at number 34.
Treating and Preventing Bed Bugs in Your Home
If you discover bed bugs in your home, don't panic. Do, however, contact a reputable pest management company as insecticides will likely be needed to remediate the issue or you can try a DIY approach as well.
[Source: Orkin]
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Gallery Credit: Andrea Vale