Don't Let Bed Bugs Ruin Your Business Travel; Prevention Tips from Columbia-based Terminix Service, Inc.

COLUMBIA, SC – July 24, 2012 – Terminix, the world’s largest pest control provider, recently released its annual list of Most Bedbug-Infested Cities. Although no South Carolina cities appear on the list, many of the most infested cities will be popular destinations this summer for both business travelers and vacationing families.

Topping the list is Philadelphia. Other popular tourist destinations on the list include New York City (#3), Chicago (#4), Washington, D.C. (#6), San Francisco (#8) and Miami (#14). For a complete list visit http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/philadelphia-takes-top-spot-in-annual-bedbug-infested-cities-list-158410705.html

Bed bugs continue to pose a serious problem in this country, said Trevor Knox, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Columbia-based Terminix Service, Inc. We encourage business travelers, families going on vacation, college students returning home and the public in general to be vigilant for signs of bed bugs wherever they go and to take preventative measures to keep from infesting their homes.

According to a 2011 National Pest Management Association and the University of Kentucky survey of professional pest control companies, bed bugs are the most challenging pest to treat. Additionally, the survey found that 99 percent of pest professionals have encountered bed bug infestations in the past year – a sharp increase from the 25 percent in 2000.

Knox offers the following bed bug prevention tips when traveling:

• Pull back hotel bed sheets and inspect the mattress seams, box spring, around and behind the headboard, sofas and chairs for telltale brownish or reddish spots, shed skins or bugs. 
• Avoid putting luggage on the bed or upholstered furniture.
• If changing rooms, be sure the new room is not adjacent to the infested room. 
• Use a large plastic bag to store luggage.
• Upon returning home, inspect and vacuum suitcases thoroughly before bringing them into the house. 
• Wash clothes – whether worn or not – in hot water or have them dry cleaned.

For more information about these and other pests, please visit www.trustterminix.com.

About Terminix Service, Inc.
With annual revenue in excess of $100 million, the family owned and operated Terminix Service, Inc. is the largest franchise of the Terminix International franchise system and the ninth largest pest control company in the nation. Terminix Service, Inc. operates in South Carolina, western North Carolina and the Central Savannah River Area of Georgia. Visit www.trustterminix.com or call 1-800-TERMINIX.