After two consecutive years of being named the most bedbug-infested city in America, New York City has passed the torch. So who can now lay claim to the dubious honor?

In its annual rankings, pest control company Terminix awarded first place to Philadelphia, with runner-up “honors” going to Cincinnati. The Big Apple fell to third place.

Bedbugs are parasites that feed on human blood and tend to live in beds or other furniture. Since victims are often bitten in their sleep, they usually don’t even know they’ve been attacked until they wake up with itchy red welts. You may not have them at home, but you should certainly be on-guard during your summer travels.

Experts say you should “check hotel mattresses, headboards and box springs for bugs, bug exoskeletons and dark blood spots.” In addition, keep your luggage off the floor and don’t store any items in hotel drawers or lay your clothes out on the bed or other furniture — put them on hangers instead.

2012′s most bedbug-infested cities:

1. Philadelphia

2. Cincinnati

3. New York City

4. Chicago

5. Detroit

6. Washington, DC

7. Columbus, Ohio

8. San Francisco

9. Denver

10. New Haven, Conn.

More From 107.9 Jack FM