Columbus Among Worst Cities In The U.S. For Bed Bug Infestations

The list of top cities for bed bugs was created by compiling inbound lead data from the more than 300 Terminix branches across the country. The rankings represent Metropolitan Statistical Areas with the highest volume of calls from Jan. 1, 2015 to Dec. 17, 2015.

"We've seen a steady increase in bed bugs since the 1990s, which has been influenced by increased international travel and infestations left untreated," said Paul Curtis, manager, technical services at Terminix. "Most of the cities in our top 15 are big tourist and business destinations, making travelers even more at risk for encounters with bed bugs -- whether it's on the plane, at their hotel, in a movie theater or riding in a taxi. The name 'bed bug' is deceptive, as these pests can thrive just about anywhere."

Here’s the full list.  Parentheses indicate last year’s ranking:

1. Detroit, Mich. (4)
2. Philadelphia, Pa. (1)
3. Cleveland-Akron, Ohio (15)
4. Los Angeles, Calif. (14)
5. Dayton, Ohio (-)
6. Chicago, Ill. (5)
7. Columbus, Ohio (8)
8. Cincinnati, Ohio (2)
9. Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas (7)
10. San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, Calif. (-)