Bed Bugs in Michigan – Updated for 2022
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At the beginning of 2022, we published a blog showing the four worst cities in Michigan for bed bugs. While the official numbers won’t come out until the beginning of the year, you can track bedbug reporting in hotels when visiting these cities. With more people traveling this year, it’s almost certain that we’ll see more bed bug cases popping up across major US cities.
The information we posted earlier this year came from a top-50 list of the most badly hit bed bug cities, and guess who didn’t disappoint? – Michigan! Four cities from Michigan appeared on the list as follows:
- Detroit: 4th place
- Grand Rapids: 11th place
- Flint: 23rd place
- Lansing: 48th place
Based on the latest report, Detroit and Lansing still retain their spot from the previous list released the year before in 2021. The report ranks these cities based on data obtained from bed bug treatments carried out in metro areas across the country (home and business). The report covers the period from December 1, 2020, to November 30, 2021. Bed bugs in Michigan aren’t going anywhere.
Important Facts About Bed Bugs
Beg bugs measure around 3/16 inches long and tend to carry out most of their activities when it gets dark. Since they reproduce fast, female bugs can lay as many as 200-500 eggs throughout their lives. These nocturnal pests have just one food source – blood, making them hematophagous. Human blood is the primary source of sustenance for these red to dark-brown insects, which is why they are a huge concern for many. They also possess a great ability to survive for months until they find a new food source and will then come out when they spot a human to feed on.
Bed bugs in Michigan are transported either by hitchhiking or migrating. Bed bugs rank among the most efficient hitchhiking insects as they can climb into your personal belongings, such as bags, purses, and clothing, unsuspectingly and then follow you all the way into your home. Alternatively, they can migrate by getting into your home through electrical lines, plumbing, hallways, and other access routes.
How to Protect Yourself From Bed Bugs
Bed bugs can be hard to detect due to their ability to hide in cracks and crevices. To protect yourself during travel, we recommend applying the S.L.E.E.P. strategy:
- S – Survey the room for signs of infestation.
- L – Lift and look for bed bugs in potential hiding spots.
- E – Elevate luggage away from walls and beds.
- E – Examine your luggage with care before leaving.
- P – Place clothing in the dryer for a minimum of 15 minutes when returning.
Make sure you often examine beds, outlets, frames, and baseboards at home, and then declutter your home. Inspect any second-hand materials before moving them into your house.
Get Professional Help With Bed Bugs
A common misconception is that bed bugs only happen in dirty residences. This isn’t always the case, especially since bed bugs can easily travel with you in your luggage. Once even just a few bed bugs make it indoors, they can quickly take over. Even throwing out your mattress may not get rid of them for good. It’s best to contact a professional bed bug removal company when dealing with a bed bug infestation. Bed bugs can make you feel uncomfortable in your home. They can make your tenants or guests move out.
Get in touch with Solidified Pest Control today at (248) 820-3057 to get your home checked for bed bugs. We offer free quotes and have the experience you need to get rid of bed bugs for good. We offer bed bug removal services in all of Metro Detroit, Michigan, including Redford, Livonia, Troy, Oakland, Auburn Hills, Bloomfield, Rochester, Commerce, and Rochester. Fill out our easy online form today to have one of our experienced pest removal experts contact you.