As winter approaches, the common perception is that bed bugs take a seasonal hiatus. However, a recent study challenges this assumption, revealing that bed bugs continue to be a concern even in the colder months.
According to experts, the shift in temperature doesn’t deter these resilient pests, with Oklahoma taking the lead as the state most plagued by bed bugs.
Bed Bug Search Score: Oklahoma’s Unwanted Crown
With the official start of winter looming, a study released today by wellness experts at PureCare has uncovered a concerning trend. Analyzing Google search data from all 50 states, PureCare developed a “Bed Bug Search Score,” indicating the severity of the bed bug problem in each state. With a staggering score of 99/100, Oklahoma emerges as the state with the most significant bed bug problem in the nation. Neighboring states, including Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas, also rank high on this disconcerting list.
Worst States Rank: Bed Bug Search Score
- Oklahoma: 99.1
- West Virginia: 91.2
- Kansas: 81.6
- Kentucky: 78.2
- Indiana: 76.5
- Arkansas: 76.4
- Missouri: 73.2
- South Dakota: 72.5
- Ohio: 70.3
- South Carolina: 68.2
The increasing prevalence of bed bugs in Oklahoma has not gone unnoticed. Animal education website A-Z-Animals highlights Oklahoma as a state grappling with various pests, particularly bed bugs.
The acknowledgment of the bed bug problem is further underscored by a recent article on the site, emphasizing the pests’ common occurrence in the state.
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Surviving the Seasons: Bed Bugs’ Resilience
While the summer months see a spike in internet searches related to bed bugs, the pests are not bound by seasonality.
Bed bugs, known for their resilience, can withstand the changing seasons, including the chill of winter. Cooler temperatures or limited access to blood may extend their development time, but with indoor heating providing a continuous warm environment, bed bugs persist by feeding on human blood.
The bed bug problem extends beyond Oklahoma, painting a concerning picture across the United States. Rorie Hansen, owner and service manager of Bug-A-Way Pest Control in southwest Missouri, notes that the increase in human travel over the last decade has exacerbated the bed bug problem.
As these pests continue to thrive, it’s evident that combating bed bugs requires a comprehensive and sustained effort.
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