Bedbugs in Philly: Last year's problem?

But why the disparity between the two companies' rankings? Methodology may be the answer.

Terminix compiles its list by evaluating service calls by customers and confirmed cases from its 300 branches nationwide, a representative said. Meanwhile, Harrison said, Orkin ranks based on services provided.

In any case, suggests Jon Gelhaus, curator of entomology at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, rankings aren't necessarily all they're cracked up to be.

"They kind of grab your eye . . . but I don't know what's behind them," Gelhaus said.

Regardless, he said, it's important to be vigilant about bedbugs.

"Even if Philadelphia isn't so-called Number 1, it's still important to be aware," Gelhaus said.

Plus, the numbers keep changing. Before landing atop Terminix's list, Philly ranked No. 5 on the Top 15 in 2011 and No. 2 in 2010.

By Orkin's account, the city was ranked No. 20 in 2012 and No. 9 in 2011. (The data were derived from the previous years in both cases.)

Ultimately, Harrison said, the take-home lesson is that bedbugs aren't limited to one region.

"Our ultimate goal is to [inform] the general public that bedbugs are pervasive everywhere," he said.

On Twitter: @AJFichera