Travelers preparing for summer excursions are being advised to be aware of bedbug risks, as a recent report highlights specific U.S. cities and states where encounters with the pests are more likely. Michigan has been identified as the state with the highest risk, and Warren, Michigan, as the top city hot spot for bedbugs.
The report, published by casino.ca, analyzed data from pest control company rankings, hotel reviews on TripAdvisor, and social media posts to estimate the likelihood of encountering bedbugs. Michigan was found to have an estimated 1 in 57 chance of travelers encountering bedbugs, with Warren, MI, leading the list of risky cities.
Following Michigan, Ohio and Maryland were ranked as the second and third riskiest states, respectively. Pennsylvania and Wisconsin rounded out the top five. In terms of cities, North Las Vegas, Nevada, and Madison, Wisconsin, were identified as the second and third highest risk locations after Warren.
Conversely, Hawaii and Oregon were found to be the states where travelers are least likely to encounter bedbugs.
Experts caution that these rankings should be viewed with some perspective. Zachary DeVries, an associate professor of urban entomology at the University of Kentucky, noted that while urban areas may appear more frequently in such reports due to higher population density and the presence of large pest control companies, bedbugs can appear anywhere, including suburban and rural settings. He added that rural areas might have less access to effective pest control services, potentially making infestations harder to resolve.
Dini Miller, a professor of urban pest management at Virginia Tech University, suggested that certain locations might gain notoriety due to increased visitor attention, especially during major events or travel seasons. She theorized that Warren, MI, a less common tourist destination, might have topped the list because people visiting family during the summer could be encountering bedbugs in homes and subsequently bringing them to hotels.
According to experts, bedbugs are more commonly found in apartment complexes and private residences than in hotels. Hotels, they explain, are often more vigilant about pest control to avoid negative publicity and maintain customer satisfaction. Frequent linen changes and washing are also effective in eliminating bedbugs.
DeVries advised travelers to remain alert and conduct a brief check of their sleeping areas, including mattress seams, headboards, and nearby furniture. He also suggested using a sticky roller on clothing and upholstery as a precautionary measure, and checking the bottoms of shoes. Miller recommends that individuals who frequently visit homes with known infestations, such as social workers, consider bringing their own portable chairs and storing belongings in sealed plastic tubs.
While bedbugs can be a nuisance, experts emphasize that proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of encountering them. Washing items that may have come into contact with bedbugs in high heat for approximately 30 minutes is generally effective in killing them. For persistent infestations, professional pest control services may be necessary.
"Bedbugs are a part of life now," DeVries stated. "Given the difficulty in getting rid of them and the harm they can cause, it’s worth being proactive when traveling and when living in multi-family housing."