Ohio is facing a significant bed bug crisis, with several of its major cities consistently ranking among the worst in the nation for infestations. According to recent data from pest control companies, five Ohio cities are particularly hard-hit:
- Cleveland-Akron
- Columbus
- Cincinnati
- Youngstown
- Toledo
Ohio’s Bed Bug Hotspots: Rankings
Based on Orkin’s 2024 annual report, these cities are ranked among the top 50 most bed bug-infested cities in the U.S.:
| City | National Rank (2024) |
|---|---|
| Cleveland-Akron | 4 |
| Columbus | 11 |
| Cincinnati | 12 |
| Youngstown | 20 |
| Toledo | 32 |
Dayton also appears on the list at No. 33, underscoring the widespread nature of the problem in Ohio.
Why Are Ohio Cities So Vulnerable?
Several factors contribute to the high rates of bed bug infestations in these urban centers:
- Major Highways: Interconnected highways like I-71 facilitate easy travel between cities such as Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, allowing bed bugs to hitch rides on travelers’ belongings and spread rapidly.
- Densely Populated and Multi-Unit Housing: Urban areas with high population density and many apartments or multi-family dwellings provide ideal conditions for bed bugs to move between units and buildings.
- Low-Income and Overcrowded Areas: Limited resources in some neighborhoods make it difficult for residents to afford effective extermination, creating a cycle of persistent infestations.
- Travel and Secondhand Items: Frequent travel and the exchange of used furniture or clothing increase the risk of introducing bed bugs into new environments.
How Are Cities and Residents Fighting Back?
Efforts to combat the bed bug onslaught include:
- Education and Awareness: Residents are encouraged to regularly inspect mattresses, seams, headboards, baseboards, and even electrical outlets for signs of bed bugs.
- Decluttering: Reducing clutter makes it easier to spot and eliminate bed bugs.
- Careful Examination of Secondhand Items: Thoroughly checking used furniture and clothing before bringing them home helps prevent new infestations.
- Professional Extermination: Promptly contacting trained pest control professionals is critical for effective eradication.
- Laundry Precautions: Washing and drying bedding and clothing on the highest heat setting can kill bed bugs and their eggs.
- Travel Precautions: Following the S.L.E.E.P. protocol-Survey, Lift, Elevate, Examine, Place-can help travelers avoid bringing bed bugs home from hotels or other accommodations.
Ohio’s major cities are on the front lines of a persistent bed bug invasion, driven by urban density, travel patterns, and socioeconomic factors. Vigilance, education, and prompt professional intervention remain the best defenses as these communities continue to battle the resilient pests.
Sources
[1] https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2024/01/23/ohio-cities-bedbugs
[2] https://bedbugbbq.com/why-do-ohios-major-cities-have-so-many-bed-bug-infestations/
[3] https://wrkr.com/ohio-has-six-cities-on-bed-bugs-most-infested-top-50-list/
[4] https://www.orkin.com/press-room/2024-worst-cities-for-bed-bugs
[5] https://www.terminix.com/blog/whats-buzzing/top-bed-bug-cities/
