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- Orkin ranked metros by number of treatments from May 12, 2025 to May 12, 2026, covering residential and commercial properties.
- According to Orkin, Chicago remained No. 1; other top five were Los Angeles, Detroit, Cleveland, and Indianapolis.
- Top vacation spots included Washington, D.C., Denver, New York, and Baltimore; Tampa and Myrtle Beach were new additions.
- Use S.L.E.E.P.: inspect rooms and soft items, keep luggage elevated, dry clothes 30 to 45 minutes high heat, says Dr. Shannon Sked.
A new report shares information about where bed bugs are most common in the United States that would make most travelers’ skin crawl.
Think about it: You go on vacation and involuntarily become subject to many travelers’ worst fears — a bed bug infestation. You might see the creepy crawlies, feel their bites, or realize that you’ve unknowingly brought the invaders to your home after your trip. Regardless of how their presence is revealed, dealing with the pesky blood-sucking parasites is often unnerving and a major hassle.
In a report released earlier this month, the industry-leading pest control company Orkin shared insights into bed bug activity in a variety of United States cities between 2025 and 2026. More specifically, the ranking was based on the number of treatments Orkin performed in metro areas at both residential and commercial properties between May 12, 2025, and May 12, 2026.
While last year’s top city maintained its spot on this year’s list, travelers should know that the updated report also included the “addition of high-growth vacation destinations.”
Where Are The List’s Top Bed Bug Cities In The US?
According to Orkin, Chicago maintained its crown as the No. 1 city in America with the highest number of bed bug infestations. The rest of the list’s Top 5 bed bug cities were Los Angeles (up two points from the previous report), Detroit, Cleveland (down two points), and Indianapolis.
What were some of the common vacation spots in the Top 20? Well, Washington, D.C., ranked in seventh place (down one point); Denver was in 11th place (up three points). New York was in 12th (up three points). Additionally, Baltimore came in at 14th (down three points).
Also worth noting is that out of the Top 50 leading bed bug cities in the U.S., Tampa and Myrtle Beach were among the new additions.
How To Protect Yourself From Bed Bugs
To keep yourself and your belongings protected from bed bugs, the report recommends practicing the S.L.E.E.P. method. The method includes searching your hotel room for bed bugs, lifting and looking at soft decor items like bed linens, cushions, and curtains, and keeping your luggage elevated and away from beds, couches, and other seats. Additionally, be sure to examine your items before you repack them and then unpack them back at home. Finally, the pest control experts say, “Place all dryer-safe clothing from your luggage in the dryer for 30 to 45 minutes at the highest heat setting upon returning home.”
“Travel season brings excitement, but it also makes awareness especially important,” noted Orkin entomologist and National Technical Director, Dr. Shannon Sked, in the report. “Bed bugs are resilient pests that can be difficult to control once introduced into a home or hotel room, and they are skilled at hiding in cracks, crevices and personal belongings. A quick inspection of hotels or short-term rentals while traveling, or belongings before unpacking at home, can help travelers reduce the chance of bringing bed bugs home.”
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