Uh Oh: Denver Lands in Top 20 of Cities That Have A ‘Bed Bug Problem’
Of all the lists out there, this is one that Denver would rather not be on, at all. Not only is Denver in the top 20, but the Mile High City has moved up since the last list came out.
They sneak out during the night to get a quick "blood meal" from humans. Doesn't that sound delightful?
As the country gets ready for the holiday travel season of 2023, something to keep in mind is how we can now (mostly) shift our thoughts away from COVID-19, and get back to worrying about bed bugs.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS OF A BED BUG BITE?
- Red and swollen, with a dark spot at the center of each bite (they may also look like a hive or welt.
- Itch, burning.
- Arranged in lines or clusters; multiple bites are grouped together.
- Fluid-filled blisters.
Orkin collected data from early December 2021 through late November 2022 on the most bed bug treatments performed in metro areas. Denver did better than Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and others, but couldn't get out of the top 20 for the most recent list.
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According to Orkin, female bed bugs can deposit five eggs a day, and can survive months while waiting for their next "blood meal." Ick, right?
WHERE DOES DENVER LAND ON THE LIST OF TOP 50 'BED BUG CITIES?'
Having moved up two spots on Orkin's latest list, Denver is at #15. This would go for not just commercial treatments, but residential as well.
Orkin has a clever way to keep yourself safer from bed bugs while you travel, their S.L.E.E.P. acronym:
- S - Survey the hotel room for signs of an infestation. Be on the lookout for tiny, ink-colored stains on mattress seams, in soft furniture, and behind headboards.
- L - Lift and look in bed bug hiding spots: the mattress, box spring, and other furniture, as well as behind baseboards, pictures, and even torn wallpaper.
- E - Elevate luggage away from the bed and wall. The safest places are in the bathroom or on the counters.
- E - Examine your luggage carefully while repacking and once you return home from a trip. Always store luggage away from the bed.
- P - Place all dryer-safe clothing from your luggage in the dryer for at least 30-45 minutes at the highest setting after you return home.
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