Bed bugs may have faded from Paris headlines after last year’s notorious outbreak, but here in the U.S., the problem is far from gone. Orkin, the national pest control company, has just released its annual Top 50 Bed Bug Cities List, and once again, Chicago claims the dubious honor of No. 1—marking the fifth straight year it has topped the rankings.
The list is based on Orkin’s residential and commercial treatments, with hotels accounting for a large share of the cases. Following Chicago, the cities with the most infestations are Cleveland, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Indianapolis. Meanwhile, some major hotspots like New York City, Philadelphia, and Charlotte reported year-over-year declines, showing that progress is possible.
But don’t let the numbers lull you into a false sense of security. “Bed bugs are some of the most resilient pests in the world, making them extremely difficult to control if brought into a home or hotel,” explained Ben Hottel, an Orkin entomologist. And with travel surging this summer, your risk of encountering them is higher than ever.
Fortunately, there are practical steps travelers can take. Orkin recommends following the SLEEP method:
- Search hotel rooms for tiny, brown, apple-seed-sized insects, stains on fabrics, or a musty odor.
- Lift sheets, cushions, and curtains to check for hidden bugs.
- Elevate your luggage on a rack instead of leaving it on the bed or floor.
- Examine your suitcase and clothing carefully when unpacking at home.
- Place all dryer-safe clothing in the dryer on high heat for 30–45 minutes to kill any lingering bugs or eggs.
Bed bugs may be stubborn, but a few smart precautions can keep them from turning your next getaway—or your home—into a nightmare.
