Ohio is facing a persistent and severe bed bug crisis, with five of its major cities ranking among the worst in the nation for infestations. The problem has grown so acute that both public health officials and local governments are mobilizing resources and strategies to combat these resilient pests.
The Epicenter: Ohio’s Top Bed Bug Cities
Recent annual reports from major pest control companies, including Orkin and Terminix, consistently rank the following Ohio cities among the worst for bed bug infestations:
- Cleveland-Akron (No. 4 nationally)
- Columbus (No. 11)
- Cincinnati (No. 12)
- Youngstown (No. 20)
- Toledo (No. 32)
- Dayton (No. 33)
For this analysis, we focus on the top five: Cleveland-Akron, Columbus, Cincinnati, Youngstown, and Toledo.
Why Ohio? The Perfect Storm for Bed Bugs
Several factors make Ohio especially vulnerable to bed bug outbreaks:
- Major Transportation Corridors: Interstates like I-71 connect Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, facilitating not only human travel but also the inadvertent spread of bed bugs through luggage, clothing, and personal belongings.
- Densely Populated Urban Areas: High population density and multi-unit housing, such as apartments and nursing homes, create ideal conditions for bed bugs to spread rapidly from unit to unit.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Low-income and overcrowded neighborhoods often lack resources for effective pest control, perpetuating cycles of infestation.
The Scale and Impact
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood, typically at night. Their bites cause itchy, red welts and can lead to significant psychological distress. Infestations are notoriously difficult and expensive to eradicate, sometimes costing thousands of dollars per household. The stigma associated with bed bugs further complicates reporting and effective intervention.
City Responses: Strategies and Challenges
Cleveland-Akron
The Cleveland Department of Aging and local health agencies provide education, inspections, and assistance programs. The city has implemented a Bed Bug Assistance Program, particularly targeting vulnerable populations such as seniors and those in multi-unit housing.
Columbus
Columbus Code Enforcement offers inspections for both single-family and multi-unit buildings. If an infestation is confirmed in a rental property, the city can order landlords to treat the problem. Persistent non-compliance may result in cases being referred to Environmental Court. Columbus Public Health also provides extensive educational resources in multiple languages.
Cincinnati
Hamilton County Health Department works with tenants and landlords to address infestations, providing fact sheets and guidance. Local ordinances clarify responsibilities for eradication, with landlords generally responsible for hiring exterminators.
Youngstown & Toledo
Local health departments in these cities respond to complaints, particularly in multi-unit dwellings. Tenants are encouraged to report infestations, and landlords are typically required to take action. Public education campaigns focus on prevention, early detection, and safe remediation practices.
Statewide and Community Initiatives
Ohio has established regional and local bed bug task forces, such as the Central Ohio Bed Bug Task Force, to coordinate education, prevention, and response efforts. The Ohio Bed Bug Workgroup, convened by the Department of Health, has recommended:
- Standardized educational materials and public awareness campaigns
- Clear protocols for reporting and remediation
- Collaboration between state, local agencies, and pest management professionals
Prevention and Public Guidance
Experts recommend the following steps to prevent and manage infestations:
- Regularly inspect mattresses, seams, headboards, and furniture for signs of bed bugs
- Reduce clutter to limit hiding places
- Carefully examine secondhand items before bringing them home
- Use protective covers on mattresses and box springs
- For travelers, follow the S.L.E.E.P. protocol: Survey, Lift, Elevate, Examine, and Place clothing in a hot dryer after travel
The Road Ahead
Ohio’s bed bug battle is ongoing. While cities are ramping up inspections, public education, and enforcement, the resilience of these pests and the complexity of urban environments mean that vigilance and coordinated action remain essential. As travel and urbanization continue to rise, Ohio’s experience offers a cautionary tale—and a blueprint—for other regions facing similar insect invasions.
Sources:
- https://www.terminix.com/blog/whats-buzzing/top-bed-bug-cities/
- https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2024/01/23/ohio-cities-bedbugs
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2024-01-25-6-ohio-cities-named-among-the-worst-cities-for-bed-bugs-in-the-us/
- https://www.ohhn.org/bed-bugs-finding-assistance/
- https://ipm.osu.edu/information/community
