Franklin’s Bed Bug Heat Map: How Geographic Tracking is Revealing Infestation Patterns in Township Neighborhoods

Franklin County, Ohio has emerged as a significant battleground in America’s growing bed bug crisis. Treatment data from 2005 indicated that Ohio’s bed bug problem likely started in the SW corner of the state in Hamilton County (includes city of Cincinnati), since it totaled five times more treatments (approximately 4500) than second-ranking, centrally located Franklin County (Columbus). In the first half of 2011, more than 15,000 treatments were performed in these two counties. In 2016, treatments reached nearly 38,000 in Franklin County, making it one of the most heavily infested regions in the United States.

The Power of Geographic Heat Mapping

Heat mapping technology has revolutionized how pest control professionals and public health officials understand bed bug distribution patterns. Heat map of estimated total number of bed bug treatments performed by licensed companies in each Ohio county during 2005. Heat map of estimated total number of bed bug treatments performed by licensed companies in each Ohio county during 2016. These visual representations reveal that Ohio has emerged as a hotspot for infestations, with Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus ranking among the top infested cities in the United States.

The geographic tracking data shows distinct patterns in Franklin County neighborhoods. According to 10 TV News in Columbus, Ohio there has been a growing bed bug problem in Franklin County. There have been two major infestations of bed bugs within the county but the Franklin County Board of Health unveiled a task force in hopes that it will decrease the amount of bed bug infestations. This coordinated response demonstrates how heat mapping data directly influences public policy and resource allocation.

Seasonal and Temporal Patterns

Research has revealed fascinating seasonal trends in bed bug activity. Temporal analyses of reports from December 2008 to May 2011 detected prominent seasonality in bed bug reporting, peaking in August and reaching a nadir in February each year. Controlling for seasonal cycling, the number of bed bug reports in Philadelphia increased steadily at a rate of ≈4.5% per month (or 69.45% per year) from December 2008 to May 2011. Similar patterns likely occur in Franklin County, with summer being the peak time for bed bugs.

Neighborhood-Specific Infestation Patterns

Franklin County’s heat map data reveals that infestations aren’t randomly distributed. Most major cities have low-income areas. These areas are where bed bugs can be an issue. Low-income households are most likely not able to afford a solution to the infestation. The lack of access to a solution creates a terrible cycle of bed bug infestations. Additionally, major cities are heavily populated and have multi-tenant living situations such as apartments. These types of living situations are perfect for bed bug infestations to occur.

The data shows concerning patterns in specific Franklin County locations. My daughter lives in forest creek apartments on eakin road in west Columbus and her whole place has bed bugs. her building started out with the unit next to her then spread to the whole building. This demonstrates how quickly infestations can spread through connected housing units, a pattern clearly visible in heat mapping data.

Professional Response and Treatment Strategies

The severity of Franklin County’s bed bug problem has prompted professional pest control companies to adapt their strategies. According to an exterminator who lives and works in Ohio, Andrew Christman, business has been extremely busy due to cases of bed bugs. Within a month the company he works for sees around 30 to 40 bed bug cases. Christman expects the cases to double within the next year.

For residents dealing with bed bug issues, professional bed bug inspection franklin services have become essential. We do a great job of assessing your unique situation, implementing a proper solution, and monitoring activity after the job is done! Prestige Pest Unit offers comprehensive bed bug control services, utilizing advanced treatment methods including Aprehend® targets bed bugs both in and outside of their harborages in a single application. The long-lasting spray residue maintains effective control for up to 3 months and can be used to prevent the establishment of bed bug populations in homes, hotels and public spaces as well as for the elimination of existing infestations.

The Role of Public Health Initiatives

The findings have become so wide spread that in October 2008, the Franklin County Health Department formed an inter-agency task force to address the issue (Columbus Bed Bug Task Force). Participants range from Pest Control Companies to Health, Code Enforcement and Housing Agencies. This collaborative approach leverages heat mapping data to coordinate responses across multiple agencies.

Ohio State University researchers are also contributing to the fight. With support from Ohio State’s Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity and other grants, Oladipupo’s team is mapping infestation trends in Columbus neighborhoods and developing educational materials tailored to affected communities. Much of the outreach is delivered through Ohio State University Extension.

Prevention and Early Detection

Heat mapping data emphasizes the importance of early detection and prevention. Travelers and homeowners alike should remain vigilant for signs of bed bug feces — essentially undigested blood. The stains are dark and rust-colored or black and are typically about the size of a dot from a marker. Spotting these early can make all the difference in preventing a full-blown infestation.

We guarantee our bed bug treatment for a minimum of 30 days. Of course, most of our customers enjoy the results of our bed bug treatment for much longer than that. We do offer a Quarterly Preventative treatment!!! This proactive approach helps prevent the establishment of new hotspots that would appear on future heat maps.

Looking Forward

Franklin County’s experience with bed bug heat mapping demonstrates how geographic tracking technology can transform pest management from reactive to proactive. From laboratory research to grassroots engagement, CFAES is at the forefront of Ohio’s response to a growing urban pest problem. By aligning science with service, the college is building a foundation for long-term solutions that target the root causes of infestation. Left unaddressed, bed bugs can devastate communities and burden entire systems.

The heat mapping data serves as an early warning system, helping residents, property managers, and pest control professionals identify emerging hotspots before they become major infestations. For Franklin County residents, this technology represents hope in the ongoing battle against these persistent pests, providing the data-driven insights needed to protect homes and communities effectively.