The Hartford-New Haven market has an unwanted distinction: Both regions are experiencing an increase in bed-bug treatments both residentially and commercially. The market is now 34th on Orkin’s top 50 markets for bed-bug treatments.
Hartford-New Haven was ranked 37th in 2014, according to Orkin. The list ranks cities by the number of bed-bug treatments Orkin serviced from January through December 2015 and after an Orkin inspection verified bed bugs were present.
At least the Hartford-New Haven market is not Chicago. The Windy City holds the distinction of being the top city nationally for bed bugs.
A report earlier this week by the CT-Health Investigative Team said bed bugs are a potential public health nightmare that can show up almost anywhere. The story reported a full treatment for a home can range from $500 to $1,500.
Orkin said in a statement it has treated bed bugs in all 50 states. Bed bugs are not necessarily a sign of uncleanliness, the pest treatment company said. They have been found in upscale homes and hotels, movie theaters, schools and in public transit.
According to recent surveys by the National Pest Management Association, 99.6 percent of pest professionals surveyed treated for bed bugs in 2015 and one out of five Americans has had a bed bug infestation in their home or knows someone who has encountered bed bugs at home or in a hotel.
