Bedbug nightmare spreading across South as cases surge in multiple states

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Spring break travelers heading to popular destinations in the United States may want to be extra cautious about what they bring home.

Pest control reports indicate thatbed bug infestationslinked to travel appear to be increasing in several Southern states.

A recent report from Terminix in Atlantaranked Georgia sixthnationwide for bed bug service requests among the 50 most affected U.S.cities.

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Other southern states such as Florida, Texas and Tennessee have also reported growing concerns tied to travel-related infestations.

Close-up of a reddish-brown bed bug crawling on light-colored fabric, highlighting the small parasitic insect commonly found in bedding and mattresses.

Spring break travelers should be cautious, as bed bug cases linked to travel are rising in some Southern states.(iStock)

“Bed bugs often arise in places frequented by younger, morebudget-friendly tourists,” Abbamonte said.“Places like popular spring destinations for students or youth hostels.”

Traveler packing clothes into a suitcase on a hotel bed.

Travelers may be more likely to encounter bed bugs in lower-cost accommodations popular with younger tourists, such as spring break spots.(iStock)

Bed bugs are small, flat insects that typically hide in dark cracks and crevices near where people sleep, according to the Terminix report.

hotel roomsand short-term rentals.

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Hotels with frequent guest turnover and crowded rooms can make it easier for bed bugs to spread and harder to maintain thorough cleaning.(iStock)

�hitchhiking” on personal belongings.

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He noted that travelers can unknowingly carry bed bugsonto planes, into hotels and eventually back home.

Hottel recommends inspecting luggage and clothingafter tripsand placing travel clothes in a dryer on high heat for about 30 to 45 minutes if exposure is suspected, which can help eliminate the insects before they spread inside the home.