Bed Bugs In Ohio
Losing sleep over bed bugs in Ohio? If you live in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton or any other cities in Ohio, get the facts and information on how to prevent and fight against the rising infestation of Ohio bed bugs.
Six Ohio cities were included on Orkin’s list of 2021 cities with the highest number of bed bugs.
It turns out that these tiny insects are very fond of Ohio cities according to the most up-to-date figures available from Atlanta-based Orkin the company that is a specialist in pest control.
One Ohio capital city that has the highest bed bug infestation is Columbus According to the list.
Columbus, Ohio’s capital city, is ranked no. 5 in the nation for the most bed bug treatments in the period from December. 1and November. 30 2020. Cleveland is ranked No. 6.
Here’s where the six cities with bed bugs made it on the list of top cities in the nation:
- Columbus (No. 5)
- Cleveland (No. 6)
- Cincinnati (No. 8)
- Toledo (No. 27)
- Dayton (No. 28)
- Youngstown (No. 40)
Information On Bed Bugs, How to Get Rid of Them
The typical bed bug is about 3/16 inches long and is generally a nocturnal insect that emerges from hiding to eat blood meals from humans who are asleep. They may have a color between red to dark brown.
Blood is their primary food source. They are able to move from one place to another with ease and even can be carried with luggage, purses, and other belongings of personal use.
“Bed bugs pose a threat for everyone since they’re master hitchhikers and travel with other people even though they aren’t aware that they’re doing it,” said Ben Hottel an Orkin Entomologist.
“Their habit of hiding in hard-to-find crevices and cracks after being introduced into a space could make them difficult to keep in check This is the reason that involving an experienced professional upon the first sign of their existence is suggested.”
With all the excitement and anticipation of 2022’s travel season, it’s easy to overlook the fact that bed bugs are dangerous and should be at the top of the list for anyone eager to go on a vacation.
Bed bugs are able to survive for a long time, while in wait for the next meal of blood, which means they’re likely to appear as soon as food sources is discovered, such as humans.
Experts suggest that bed bugs may be dormant for months before forming a blood clot and their food source. Bed bug bites can have diverse effects on individuals, according to Orkin Technical Services Manager Benjamin Hottel.
“Everyone reacts differently. Some people do not react at all. Some people exhibit delayed reactions,” says Hottel, noting that serious infestations could cause more bite marks as well as discomfort.
Get Rid Of Bed Bugs
The process of getting rid of bed bugs isn’t easy too. Hottel states that it is possible to use heat to eliminate all stages of life bed bugs, however, the process on its own is challenging.
The majority of bed bugs reside in areas that are tightly squeezed, such as couches as well as purses, and even clothing. Hottel suggests that a professional might require involvement to thoroughly investigate the area.
“They may get in cracks and crevices could be missed, so it is recommended to hire an expert,” He also explained that pest experts use certain insecticides to eliminate bed bugs.
While staying in hotels, experts advise moving bags and suitcases from the bed in case there are bed bugs.
The majority of bugs are exterminated on a case-by-case basis. Unfortunately, some homeowners tried to take matters into their own hands, engaging in dangerous practices like using kerosene, alcohol, gasoline, diesel fuel, or overheated chimneys to try to get rid of bed bugs.
Home Prevention – How To Prevent and Reduce Infestations
For prevention and reducing home infestations, the EPA and pest control experts recommend:
- Clearing away and reducing clutter where the bugs can hide.
- Applying residual sprays to cracks and crevices and then caulk and seal them up to prevent further bed bug infestations.
- Applying diatomaceous earth to holes and around the room or house to create a defense perimeter.
- Vacuum often around the house. After vacuuming, seal up the vacuum bag in a sealed bag and dispose of it outside your house.
- Wash your bedding and clothes in high temperatures above 120°F for at least 20 minutes to effectively exterminate bed bugs.
- Invest in a mattress cover that is bed bug-resistant so you can sleep tight without worrying about bed bugs biting you.
If you suspect that you suffer from bed bug bites, it is best to inspect your house and contact a reputable pest control company for bed bugs extermination.
Call the Ohio Department of Agriculture for a list at 1-800-282-1955.
What To Do If You Have Bed Bugs in Your Apartment?
Tenants living in an apartment who discover bed bugs should immediately notify the landlord or apartment management.
Ohio bed bugs support: Call: 211 or 614-221-6766
If a landlord gets notified by a tenant about an infestation of bed bugs and it is determined that the tenant was not responsible for bringing the bed bugs into the premises.
The landlord is generally responsible for hiring someone to treat the problem. A lot of landlords also check and treat adjoining units as well as areas shared by tenants.
How Can Travelers Avoid Transferring Bed Bugs To Their Home?
Travelers planning to go to Ohio for business or holiday can do the following to reduce their exposure to bed bugs:
- When checking into a hotel room, check behind the headboard and on the mattress (without the bed linen) for any telltale signs of bed bugs – like small blood spots or fecal matter.
- Avoid leaving luggage on upholstered surfaces. Instead, choose countertops for bathroom tiles.
- Before you travel back home, spray your bags with an EPA-approved bed bug spray to kill off any hiding bugs and their eggs.
- Wash and dry all of your clothes at a high temperature once you arrive home.
Read more about bed bugs travel prevention tips to avoid and prevent bed bugs while traveling.
What Can People Do Treat Bed Bug Bites?
You’ll know you have been bitten by bed bugs by the unique bite patterns they leave behind.
At first glance, it may look like a mosquito went on a wild rampage, but if you look closely, you’ll notice the bites seem to be clustered in patterns of three – “breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” it’s sometimes called.
The bites usually occur in a straight line. To treat it, wash the bitten area with soap and running water; then apply an anti-itch topical ointment such as the Cortaid Intensive Therapy that helps to stop the itch and resolve any bite rash quickly.
Central Ohio Bed Bug Task Force
The city of Columbus is part of the Central Ohio Bed Bug Task. It includes:
- Local government
- Social service organizations
- Pest-control professionals
- Tenant and landlord rights organizations
- Fire departments
- Ohio Departments of Agriculture
- Commerce, Health as well as The Ohio State University Extension
Its mission is to reduce bed bug infestations with education and provide a source of information to people who are suffering from an infestation.
Visit the Ohio State Extension’s bed bug fact sheets at http://ohioline.osu.edu for more information.
Ohio bed bugs support: Call: 211 or 614-221-6766
I hope that the article helped, regards.
