Bed bugs are some of the world’s worst pests (we’re sure you agree). They are a source of annoyance to everyone and don’t die on their own. If you leave them to their own devices, your bed bug problem will only exacerbate.
If you reside in Cleveland, Ohio, you may be more prone to these pesky critters than most. Here’s everything you need to know about bed bugs in Cleveland, Ohio.
Bed Bugs in Cleveland Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio, is one of the cities most affected by bed bugs in Central Ohio: apart from the area being densely populated, the I-71 connects Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati and provides the pesky critters an opportunity to hitchhike onto travelers’ clothes or luggage as they move from one state to another.
We don’t have to tell you that the worst thing about bed bugs is their tenacity. They are extremely difficult to spot, and by the time you notice strange bites and rashes all over your body, they have probably already made an infestation in your mattress. Ancient Egyptians were known to use spells to ward them off.
Signs of Bed Bugs Infestation in Cleveland
If you reside in an apartment or a multi-tenant living area in Cleveland, you may be more prone to bed bugs. These areas provide these pests the perfect opportunity to spread out amongst homes or travel from person to person. Nursing homes and other assisted living facilities are also highly susceptible.
One of the first things to note if you suspect a possible bed bug infestation is to check for black-colored stains on your mattress or soft furniture. These are bed bug droppings and blood spots.
They can also hide on bed frames and behind headboards, loose wallpaper, and drapery. If you have been traveling, they can attach themselves to your clothes and luggage. It will only take a few weeks for a single bed bug to grow to a major infestation in your Cleveland home. But what causes a bed bug infestation?
Does Cleveland Have the Most Bed Bugs?
Orkin, a leading provider of termite and pest control services in the country, has released an official list of the top 50 bed bug-infested cities based on their service requests from 2019 to 2020. Major cities like Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus have all made the list.
Bed bugs have been a common problem in a typical American home since the 1920s, with a new strain of pesticide-resistant bed bugs popping up in the 2000s. How much does an Orkin bed bug treatment cost?
What To Do
Prevention
Bed bugs are extremely difficult to get rid of once they’re there. One of the best ways to prevent a bed bug infestation in your Cleveland home is to routinely examine and maintain your belongings. Start by sealing all cracks and crevices in your home and replacing torn wallpaper, so the pests have nowhere to hide.
Next, inspect mattresses, linens, and headboards. When buying used clothes or furniture, inspect them thoroughly before bringing them inside your house. We also hope we don’t have to tell you to avoid buying old/used mattresses.
Finally, avoid putting your luggage immediately on the bed if you’ve just gone home from a trip. Inspect your luggage and clothes before you unpack to ensure no unwanted critters are stuck on your belongings.
Treatment
Professional Service
Dealing with bed bugs in your Cleveland home requires a specific skill set, and we strongly urge you to get in touch with professionals. They have access to potent insecticides that can be hazardous if not handled properly. Many over-the-counter insecticides “scatter” the bed bugs instead of killing them, only exacerbating the problem.
Terminix and Orkin provide professional pest control services in Cleveland, Ohio, that can take care of the problem for you.
DIY Treatment
If you absolutely must take care of the bed bug infestation on your own, here are some measures you can take.
Vacuum soft furniture regularly, especially the mattress, sofa, bedding, and carpets. Empty the vacuum bag into a plastic bag and discard it as far away from your home as possible.
Wash all linens, beddings, and curtains in warm soapy water and dry them at the highest setting. Doing so will kill any eggs that mature bed bugs may have laid. Steam cleaning is also a great option, as bed bugs will die when exposed to temperatures exceeding 140 degrees. [1]
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Bed Bug Laws in Cleveland
There are no laws in Cleveland that cater specifically to bed bugs. However, you and your family are still protected as landlords are under law to keep their rental properties habitable. Unfortunately, bed bugs do not make for habitable conditions.
On the other hand, some bed bug laws in Ohio penalize hotels and motels from using bed bug-infested mattresses and beddings. These establishments must always keep their beddings, carpets, and floors clean and sanitized, so you have the grounds to sue them.
FAQs
Are bed bugs common in Cleveland, Ohio?
Yes, bed bugs are highly common in Cleveland, Ohio. If there is even a single bed bug, it spreads like wildfire, especially in densely-populated living areas, which Cleveland is known for. This area also houses the I-71, allowing these pesky critters to hitchhike onto travelers as they move from one city to the other. But why are there numerous bed bugs in Ohio?
Can you be evicted for bed bugs in Cleveland?
No, you cannot be evicted for bed bugs in Cleveland. On the contrary, the tenant can break the lease without repercussions if they discover that they live in a bedbug-infested home. The landlord is also responsible for hiring someone to treat the infested area, adjacent units, and other common areas.
Key Takeaways
Bed bugs are notoriously tenacious and can be difficult to get rid of, making for nightmarish living conditions. If you suspect that your Cleveland home may have been infiltrated by these pesky critters, it’s best to call professional pest-control services immediately so they can help manage the problem before things get worse.
Reference:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4553552/
Alene Schill is a property manager from Columbus, Ohio, who has dealt with numerous pest control agencies. She helps families find the perfect homes and knows very well that bed bugs are an ultimate deal-breaker. She enjoys cycling around Scioto Mile during her spare time.
