Bedbug infestation increases in Seattle area

The Seattle-area is making a big jump up a new list, but we might not be itching to be on it. A pest control company says we’re now the nation’s thirteenth ranked city when it comes to bedbugs.

Seattle/Tacoma jumped 14 spots on the annual rankings by Orkin, which measures the number of bedbug treatments the company performed.

“This list shows that bedbugs continue to be a problem throughout the U.S.,” said Orkin entomologist and Technical Services Director Ron Harrison , Ph.D.

Chicago topped the list, followed by Detroit, Los Angeles, Denver and Cincinnati.

“Based on the diversity of cities on the list, we all need to be very cautious when we travel—whether it is business or pleasure, or to visit family, friends or vacation. We need to be vigilant wherever we are and take the proper precautions,” Harrison said.

Harrison said education and prevention are key to battling the bloodsuckers.

“Inspect your bedroom regularly, and be cautious when traveling. Adult bed bugs resemble apple seeds in size and color, while newly-hatched babies can be about the size of a pinhead and pale in color. Check mattress seams, sheets and furniture, behind baseboards, electrical outlet plates and picture frames.”