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It's Always Buggy in Philadelphia

In a new study, New York City ranked behind Philadelphia and Cincinnati in terms of bed bug outbreaks.
In a new study, New York City ranked behind Philadelphia and Cincinnati in terms of bed bug outbreaks.
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NEW YORK CITY — The war on bed bugs seems to be finally tipping in the city's favor.

Philadelphia and Cincinnati overtook New York for the most bed bug plagued cities in the country, according to a new study by pest control company Terminix.

"Bedbugs continue to increase their presence across the U.S.," said Stoy Hedges, an entomologist with Terminix. "While major metropolitan areas are most at risk, it is important to note that bedbugs have been spotted in cities and towns across the country."

Philadelphia took the top dishonor with Cincinnati coming in second. We haven't lost too much stature, though, with the city still ranking above Chicago, Detroit and San Francisco.

Terminix rated the cities through data from their 300 branches across the country, ranking service calls and confirmed outbreaks.

The company added that summer can be a particularly tough time for bed bugs. Increased travel can contribute to a spread in bed bug outbreaks.

They recommend hanging all your clothes when staying in a hotel, stashing your suitcase as far from your bed as possible and immediately washing your duds in hot water after returning home.  

Bed bug complaints to 311 dropped nearly 11 percent in 2011 from 2010. New city rules that require building owners to treat infested apartments and nearby units have helped turn the tide, experts say.