Indianapolis jumped 5 spots on list of worst cities for bed bugs. Here’s how to prevent them. – IndyStar

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Indianapolis has jumped five spots on a top 50list it doesn't want to be on.

Orkins 2020 Bed Bug Cities List puts Indianapolis at No. 9for bed bugs. Last year the city was ranked at No.14.

The list is based on data from metro areas where Orkin performed bed bug treatments between Dec. 1, 2018, and Nov. 30, 2019. Itincludes residential and commercial treatments.

If you're feeling itchy, just remember that it could be worse:Washington, D.C., took the No. 1 spot, dethroning Baltimore after three consecutive years at the top of the list.

Flint, Michigan, saw the biggest jump in rank, moving up 16 spots to 31.Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Toledo, Ohio, joined the top 50 list for the first time.

Here are the top 10 cities for bed bugs:

Bed bugs, which are typically 4-5 mm in length and red to dark brown in color, can travel from place to place with ease, including luggage, purses and other belongings, according to Orkin. The nocturnal bugs will come out of hiding to take "blood meals" from sleeping orresting humans.

Telltale signs of bed bugs could include small black spots indicating bed bug feces or nymph bed bugs in places such as mattress seams, bed frames and furniture, Orkin says.

Orkin suggests the following tips to prevent an infestation:

Contact IndyStar reporter Elizabeth DePompei at 317-444-6196oredepompei@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter: @edepompei.

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Indianapolis jumped 5 spots on list of worst cities for bed bugs. Here's how to prevent them. - IndyStar

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