North Carolina is struggling with a significant bed bug problem, with three communities ranking in the top 25 most infested in the US, according to pest management company Orkin. Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh-Durham are among the worst cities in America for bed bugs, according to the number of treatments conducted by Orkin between December 2022 and November 2023.
Bed bugs are small, blood-sucking insects that may travel on baggage, clothing, and furniture to infest homes, hotels, and other sleeping areas. They may inflict irritating bites, allergic responses, and psychological discomfort on human hosts.
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Charlotte
Charlotte is tenth on Orkin’s list, up five positions from last year. In 2020, the city treated 1,027 bed bugs, up 14% from 2019. Charlotte is North Carolina’s largest city and a popular tourist attraction, with millions of tourists each year. The city also has multiple colleges and institutions, which are prone to bed insect infestations due to frequent student turnover and communal living areas.
Greensboro
Greensboro is ranked 18th on Orkin’s ranking, representing the largest increase of 25 positions from the previous year. In 2020, the city treated 812 bed bugs, representing a 32% increase over 2019. Greensboro is North Carolina’s third-largest city and a major center for commerce, culture, and education.
The city offers a number of events and festivals throughout the year, attracting tourists from all around the state and beyond. The city also has a big student population, with various colleges and institutions nearby.
Raleigh-Durham
Raleigh-Durham is 24th on Orkin’s ranking, down four positions from the previous year. In 2020, the city treated 698 bed bugs, representing a 7% rise over 2019. Raleigh-Durham is North Carolina’s capital and part of the Research Triangle, which is noted for its high-tech industry and research institutions.
The city is also a famous tourist destination, with a diverse range of sights and activities. The city is home to a varied and educated population, including many students and professionals.
Why Are Bed Bugs Increasing in Certain Cities?
Bed bugs are little bloodsucking insects that may infest homes, hotels, and other sleeping areas. They are a worldwide issue, although certain cities are more vulnerable to them than others. According to the online search results, some of the likely reasons why bed bugs are so prevalent in certain cities include:
Also read: New York is Crawling With Bed Bugs; Three Cities Are Among the Worst Infested
Urbanization: Bed bugs flourish in densely crowded regions, where they may readily travel from one location to another on luggage, clothing, and furniture. Bed bugs have a greater opportunity to feed on human hosts in urban locations, and they may go undetected until it is too late.
Travel: Bed bugs may spread worldwide by infecting unwary visitors, who may carry them back to their homes or hotels. Some cities, such as Paris, New York, and Los Angeles, are popular tourist destinations and may have increased bed bug infestations due to the large number of tourists.
Resistance: Bed bugs are growing increasingly resistant to popular pesticides like pyrethroids, making them more difficult to treat and eradicate. Some bed bugs have genetic changes that protect them against the effects of these toxins, which they can pass on to their progeny.
To prevent or control bed bug infestations, check for signs of bed bugs before bringing anything into your home, use protective covers on your mattress and box spring, wash your bedding and clothing in hot water frequently, vacuum your home regularly, and reduce clutter, and contact a professional pest control service or use integrated pest management techniques if you suspect a bed bug problem.
Prevention and Control Measures
- Before bringing them into your house, inspect your baggage, clothing, and furniture for bedbugs.
- Apply a protective cover to your mattress and box spring, and wash your bedding and clothing periodically in hot water.
- To eradicate bed bugs’ hiding areas, vacuum your home regularly and decrease clutter.
- If you suspect a bed bug infestation, check your bed, mattress, and surrounding furniture for signs of bed bugs, such as black patches, eggs, skins, or live bugs.
- If you discover a bed bug infestation, contact a professional pest control agency or employ integrated pest management (IPM) approaches to treat it. Bed bugs may be killed using IPM procedures such as heat, steam, freezing, or insecticides.
- Do not try to treat bed bugs on your own using untested treatments like rubbing alcohol, kerosene, or mothballs, since they can be detrimental to your health and the environment.
Summary
To summarize, North Carolina has a substantial bed bug problem, with Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh-Durham being among the top 25 most afflicted cities in the United States. Increased urbanization, frequent travel, and pesticide resistance among bed bugs all contribute to their proliferation. Preventive measures, including as thorough examination, protective coverings, frequent cleaning, and expert pest control, are critical for managing and eradicating bed bug infestations in these cities.