Bed bugs are persistent urban pests affecting households, businesses, and public institutions across the United States. The resurgence of bed bugs coincides with increased human movement and insecticide resistance. Ohio has emerged as a hotspot for infestations, with Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus ranking among the top infested cities in the United States.
Key Challenges
Exposure to bed bugs feces, histamines, shed skins, and bites can trigger respiratory issues, skin reactions, and psychological distress
Cost of control is estimated at $5 billion annually, with many low-income households unable to cover costs.
Bed bugs have developed resistance to many commonly used classes of insecticides.
Their small size and high reproduction rate help them establish quickly and make eradication difficult.
Beg Bug Life Cycle
Understanding bed bug biology and their habits reveals why they are remarkably resilient and difficult to eradicate.
Bed Bugs on the Rise in the Midwest
We rated states based on their presence in the top 50 cities with the most bed bugs reports (Orkin, 2024).
- High (red): Three or more cities in the top 50.
- Medium (orange): Less than three cities in top 50.
- Low (green): No cities in the top 50.
Breaking the Bed Bug Cycle
Steps can be taken to break the bed bug cycle:
- Tumble dry infested clothing or bedding on high heat (≥130 F) for 30 minutes to kill bed bugs.
- Declutter and seal cracks to eliminate hiding spots.
- Use HEPA-filtered vacuums to physically remove bed bugs.
- Encase mattresses/box springs to trap bed bugs, prevent feeding, and simplify inspection.
Bed Bug Biology: Key Facts
- Developmental time: Eggs to adults takes 37 days at optimum temperatures (>72 degrees Fahrenheit) and blood meal.
- Reproduction: Females can lay up to 113 eggs.
- Night feeders: They are most active between midnight and 5 a.m., attracted by breath and body heat.
- Resilience: Bed bugs can survive up to 70 days without feeding.
Common Signs of Bed Bug Infestation
Knowing how bed bugs operate is crucial for identifying their presence. Recognizing early signs of infestation can prevent severe outbreaks and costly damage.
Common Hiding Spots
By understanding the signs and hiding places of bed bugs, you can detect them early and take action before an infestation worsens.
Join the Fight Against Bed Bugs
Stay informed, get involved, and take action. Together, we can reduce infestations and protect our communities. To find a credible pest control company in Ohio, ensure they are licensed by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, belong to the Ohio Pest Management Association, and participate in ongoing training. Ask for proof of insurance, compare bids, and understand the treatment plan before work begins.
For assistance or questions on bed bug infestations, email bedbugs@osu.edu or read more at u.osu.edu/bedbugs.
Acknowledgments
This work is supported by the Crop Protection and Pest Management, Extension Implementation Program, project award no. [2024-70006-43574], from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. government determination or policy.
Ohio State University Extension is part of The Ohio State University; College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).
CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information, visit cfaes.osu.edu/nondiscrimination.
References
Orkin. (2024). Chicago joins Paris in global bed bug spotlight, ranking as the worst city on Orkin’s U.S. bed bug cities list.
orkin.com/press-room/2024-worst-cities-for-bed-bugs