Iowa Grapples with Escalating Bed Bug Concerns

There seems to be a rise in bed beg infestations all across the globe. It all started with an infestation in Paris, France and there are reports claiming that it is spreading across Europe.

People reported seeing them on public transport, hotel beds, and in movie theater seats in the French city. Officials are working to get this bedbug epidemic taken care of just in time for the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Some experts don't believe this outbreak in Paris is as outrageous as it appears. They've been in Paris for a while now, but with added attention on the city and a return to international travel, they are being given a lot more attention.

So, yes it's bad, but it's been bad for a while now...

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An Eastern Iowa city actually is one of the worst places in the globe for bed bugs, and this was before the news of this outbreak came out.

This study is based on data gathered between December 1, 2021 – November 30, 2022. It focuses in on just how many bed bug treatments were performed in that particular metro area, according to Orkin.

Adult bed bugs are brown and are the size of an apple seed, according to officials. They are VERY smelly as well. These pests give off a "musty sweetish" odor.

One of the best ways to help detect bed bugs early is to keep a careful eye on your luggage at hotels. Oftentimes the creatures can be found in common places in a hotel room like the luggage rack.

If you don't already feel kind of grossed out by all of this bed bug stuff...it's going to get a bit worse.

Last year, Cedar Rapids made an appearance on the list. However, there is a bit of a silver lining with this year's results. The 2023 results have placed the "City of Five Seasons" at thirty-one on the list. Cedar Rapids came in right behind Knoxville, Tennessee and before Omaha, Nebraska.

The year before, it was thirty.

A common misunderstanding is that bed bugs are attracted to poor hygiene and are mainly found in poorer communities. However, according to experts they can be found anywhere, from five-star hotels to bus seats in your hometown.

If people cannot afford to get rid of them, then the population of the bed bug colony will grow.

And just in case you were curious, here are the top ten worst city for bed bugs in the nation:

1. Chicago

2. New York

3. Philadelphia

4. Cleveland-Akron, OH

5. Los Angeles

6. Detroit

7. Indianapolis

8. Baltimore

9. Washington, D.C.

10. Columbus, OH

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