Philly Named #1 For Bedbugs - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

Pest-control company Terminix has released the findings of its annual survey on bedbug infestation that places Philadelphia at the top of the list.

Philly had been named the fifth highest for bedbug infestation in 2011, but managed to unseat the previous national leader, New York, which dropped to number three this year.

The 2012 most bedbug-infested cities:

1. Philadelphia
2. Cincinnati
3. New York City
4. Chicago
5. Detroit
6. Washington, D.C.
7. Columbus, Ohio
8. San Francisco
9. Denver
10. New Haven, Conn.
11. Dallas
12. Houston
13. Indianapolis
14. Miami
15. Cleveland

The rankings were determined from service calls from customers and confirmed cases from professional exterminators.

Summer travel can help spread bedbug infestations, as the bugs can be spread through encounters at hotels, airports and on public transportation.

The company offers tips for preventing a possible bedbug infestation while traveling, including:

• 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 the hotel's furniture drawers.
• Store suitcases on a luggage rack as far from the bed as possible.
• Vacuum suitcases when returning home, and immediately wash clothing in hot water.
• Between trips, store luggage in a sealed plastic bag in a garage or basement, away from bedrooms.
• If you suspect your hotel has bedbugs, ask for a change of rooms.
• Bedbugs should only be treated by a trained pest control professional.