Several cities in Ohio are dealing with significant bed bug infestations, according to recent studies and reports. These pests, known for their ability to thrive in various environments, have made a noticeable impact in Ohio’s urban areas.
Key Ohio Cities Affected
- Cleveland-Akron: This area has consistently ranked among the worst in the United States for bed bug infestations, holding a spot in the top five for the second consecutive year.
- Columbus: Survey data from 2016 indicated that Franklin County, where Columbus is located, had the highest bed bug prevalence in Ohio. More recently, Columbus was ranked 11th worst in the US.
- Cincinnati: The city was ranked as the 12th worst in the US for bed bugs.
- Dayton: Dayton secured the 33rd position in a national ranking of bed bug-infested cities.
- Youngstown: This city was ranked 20th worst in the US, marking a notable increase of seven places from the previous ranking.
- **Toledo: Ranked 32nd, with an increase of six places from the previous ranking.
Factors Contributing to Infestation
The resurgence of bed bugs since the 1990s is attributed to increased international travel and commerce, which allows these pests to spread easily via luggage, clothing, bedding, and furniture. Bed bugs can infest various modes of transportation, including airplanes, ships, trains, and buses, further contributing to their dispersal. Although they are commonly found in places with high turnover rates like hotels and apartments, they can appear in nearly any building.
Identification and Life Cycle
Adult bed bugs are typically brown to reddish-brown, with an oval shape and flattened body, measuring about 3/16 to 1/5 inch in length. Their ability to hide in small cracks and crevices makes them difficult to detect. After feeding on blood, their bodies become more elongated, swollen, and dark red. Female bed bugs can lay one to 12 eggs per day, totaling 200 to 500 eggs in their lifetime. These eggs hatch in approximately six to 17 days, and the nymphs begin feeding immediately. The time it takes for a bed bug to develop from egg to adult varies with temperature, ranging from 21 days at 86 °F to 120 days at 65 °F.
Implications
The EPA, CDC, and USDA recognize bed bugs as a public health pest. Infestations can be identified by blood stains from crushed bugs or dark spots of excrement.
Sources:
[1] https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2024/01/23/ohio-cities-bedbugs
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7913827/
[3] https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/bedbug-infested-cities-see-where-dayton-ranks/V3QIJJCGUFFMLNQU5O3ZJBAWGU/
