Pittsburgh Has Persistent Bed Bug Problem: Terminix

PITTSBURGH, PA - Pittsburgh has received a high ranking in yet another study, but it's one that civic leaders and tourism officials probably won't tout: The city is among the most bed bug infested places in the nation.

The report by pest control company Terminix ranked Pittsburgh as the 22nd-worst city in the nation when it comes to bed bug problems. The rankings were determined using service data from more than 300 Terminix branches across the country.

Terminix released the rankings just before Thanksgiving for reasons that might kill your appetitie for a hearty turkey meal.

“One of the busiest travel days of the year is approaching, but one thing travelers might not think about is the risk of picking up bed bugs on their trips,” a company release stated. “Contrary to their name, these bloodsucking insects can be found in many household objects, including curtain rods and even behind baseboards or switch plates.”

Wait. There’s more.

“The bugs are also expert hitchhikers and can spread by being on or in consumers’ belongings as they go about their daily activities using mass transit, staying in hotels and moving around the country through airports.”

How can you tell if you have bed bugs? Signs include blood spots on sheets or mattresses, a musty odor, or sightings of the bugs, which resemble apple seeds in size, shape and color.

Here are the Terminix Top 25 bedbug cities:

1. Cleveland
2. Philadelphia
3. Los Angeles
4. Indianapolis
5. Cincinnati
6. Dallas-Fort Worth
7. New York
8. Columbus, Ohio
9. Houston
10. Dayton, Ohio
11. St. Louis
12. Chicago
13. Detroit
14. Atlanta
15. San Francisco
16. Baltimore
17. Tampa, Fla.
18. Washington, D.C.
19. Louisville, Ky.
20. Phoenix
21. Nashville, Tenn.
22. Pittsburgh
23. Memphis, Tenn.
24. Boston
25. Denver

Photo: Getty Images.

Subscribe to Pittsburgh Patch for more local news and real-time alerts.