Philadelphia rated most bedbug-infested

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MEMPHIS, June 15 (UPI) -- Philadelphia took the top spot from New York as the most bedbug-infested U.S. city, officials of a pest control company said.

Stoy Hedges, an entomologist with Terminix, said the company developed the ranking by evaluating service calls from customers, as well as confirmed cases by service professionals from 300 branches.

Terminix ranked Cincinnati as second most bedbug-infested, followed by New York; Chicago; Detroit; Washington; Columbus, Ohio; San Francisco; Denver; and New Haven, Conn., in that order.

Ohio is a hotbed of activity, with three of its cities making the top 15 -- Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati, Hedges said.

"Bedbugs continue to increase their presence across the United States," Hedges said in a statement. "While major metropolitan areas are most at risk, it is important to note that bedbugs have been spotted in cities and towns across the country."

Terminix suggest travelers:

-- Check hotel headboards, mattresses and box springs for bedbugs and dark blood spots.

-- Hang all clothing. Leave nothing lying on the bed or furniture.

-- Avoid storing your clothing in hotel furniture drawers.

-- Store suitcases on a luggage rack as far from beds as possible.

-- Vacuum suitcases when returning home and wash clothing in hot water.

-- Store luggage in a sealed plastic bag in a garage or basement, away from bedrooms.