(NEXSTAR) — Bed bugs can be hiding anywhere but as it turns out, there are some cities across the U.S. where you're more likely to fall prey to these insidious little bloodsuckers.
Recently, pest control resource outlet Pest Gnome ranked the U.S.' 500 biggest cities based on several factors in three categories (infestation risk, pest control and urban density). Cities were given scores out of 100, which is based on an average of all factors. And while the top two bed bug cities may not be a surprise — the U.S.' most population dense, which are both travel hubs — the third biggest bed bug city may come as a surprise to Texans.
The city of Houston ranked third nationally, with an overall score of 62.55. Pest Gnome says the city's ranking reflects the fact that Houston has at least 54 used furniture stores (the second highest number in the U.S.) and a high number of accommodations (Houston was found to have 881 temporary lodgings, the third highest in the U.S.).
| Overall rank | City | Infestation risk ranking |
| 1. | New York, New York | 1 |
| 2. | Los Angeles | 2 |
| 3. | Houston, Texas | 3 |
| 4. | Chicago | 6 |
| 5. | San Francisco, California | 5 |
| 6. | Miami Beach, Florida | 4 |
| 7. | Boston, Massachusetts | 16 |
| 8. | San Diego, California | 9 |
| 9. | Washington, D.C. | 17 |
| 10. | Jersey City, New Jersey | 26 |
While Houston ranked relatively normally in terms of urban density (220), its high scores in other areas help catapult it to the top of the list. Pest Gnome also found that Houston's average monthly Google searches for bed bug-related keywords in the past year was 31,770, which ranks third nationally.
While it's not an across-the-board rule, warmer and humid areas tend to be ideal climates for bed bugs. Though extreme heat is one of many ways to kill them, they generally do well in temperatures between 65° and 85°F, explains pest control resource Orkin.
Outside of the top 10, a few other Texas cities included in the list are Dallas (11th), San Antonio (16th), Austin (17th), Fort Worth (37th), and Irving (54th). All other Texas cities that were reviewed placed outside of the top 100 — which is a win!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that bed bugs generally make their way into your home by hiding in clothes, bedding, furniture and luggage when you travel. Because bed bugs have flat bodies and can survive without food (blood) for long periods, they can hitch a ride in your travel bags and emerge even months later.
In addition to the hardiness of their bodies, bed bugs can become full adults in as few as 37 days, pest control company Terminix says. What's more: bed bug reproduction cycles are very fast, with some adult females laying 3-8 eggs each week.
Since these eggs can then hatch in as little as 10 days, it can be difficult to get populations under control before it's too late.
Often, bed bugs will feed (which can take less than 10 minutes) before going back into hiding, according to the University of Texas Austin. Common hiding places for bed bugs include curtains, nightstands, carpets and rugs, peeling wallpaper and paint, books, and baseboards.
Did you know bed bugs release an anesthetic when they bite you — meaning you might not even realize you've been bitten until several days later, according to the CDC. A few other signs to look for:
If you've been bitten by a bed bug, it's recommended you avoid scratching and apply antiseptic treatments to the bite area. Antihistamines are also advised.
Additionally, bed bugs may leave behind droppings — which may be found on sheets or wherever bed bugs hide — and blood marks from feeding.
