The Windy City Tops Orkin's List: Chicago Holds #1 Spot in the US for Bed Bugs Four Years in a Row

The Windy City, Chicago, has once again secured its position as the worst city for bed bugs, topping Orkin's Top 50 Bed Bug Cities List for the fourth consecutive year. The list, based on treatment data from December 1, 2022, to November 30, 2023, highlights the prevalence of bed bug issues across the United States. In this blog post, we explore the cities with the most bed bugs, discuss the increase in concern among travelers, and provide essential tips for identifying and preventing bed bug infestations.

Bed bugs are typically 3/16 inch long and red to dark brown in color.

The Bed Bug Cities Ranking: The top three cities on Orkin's list remain unchanged, with Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia claiming the first, second, and third spots, respectively. Noteworthy shifts include Greensboro, N.C., making a substantial jump of twenty-five spots to enter the Top Twenty. Milwaukee and Tampa also moved up by fifteen and ten spots, respectively.

Why the Concern? As the Paris Bed Bug craze continues, travelers are increasingly vigilant about avoiding these stealthy pests. With the prospect of increased travel in 2024, it becomes crucial for individuals to learn how to identify and thoroughly check for bed bugs in hotel rooms, both internationally and domestically, while also taking precautions not to bring them home.

Characteristics of Bed Bugs: Bed bugs are typically 3/16 inch long and red to dark brown in color. These nocturnal insects feed on the blood of sleeping humans and are adept at hiding. Travelers are advised to be cautious, as bed bugs can easily cling to luggage, purses, and personal belongings, facilitating their transportation from one place to another.

Top Bed Bug Cities: The list of cities with the most bed bugs is extensive, and Chicago leads the pack, followed by New York, Philadelphia, and others. The ranking is based on treatment data from both residential and commercial treatments conducted by Orkin.

What cities have the most bed bugs? 

1. Chicago
2. New York 
3. Philadelphia 
4. Cleveland-Akron, OH 
5. Los Angeles 
6. Detroit 
7. Washington, D.C. (+2)
8. Indianapolis (-1)
9. Charlotte (+5)
10. Champaign, IL (+1)
11. Columbus, OH (-1)
12. Cincinnati (+1)
13. Atlanta (+3)
14. Grand Rapids, MI (-2)
15. Denver 
16. Baltimore (-8)
17. Richmond, VA (+9)
18. Greensboro, N.C. (+25)
19. St. Louis (+6)
20. Youngstown (+7)
21. Pittsburgh (-3)
22. Dallas-Ft. Worth (-5)
23. Flint, MI (-2)
24. Raleigh-Durham (-4)
25. Milwaukee (+15)
26. Charleston, W.V. (-7)
27. Greenville, SC (-3)
28. Norfolk, VA (-5)
29. Davenport (+8)
30. Nashville (+3)
31. Tampa (+10)
32. Toledo (+6)
33. Dayton, OH (+1)
34. Knoxville (-4)
35. Las Vegas (new to list)
36. Omaha, NE (-4)
37. South Bend, IN (-9)
38. Houston (+6)
39. Cedar Rapids, MI (-8)
40. Ft. Wayne, IN (-5)
41. San Francisco (-19)
42. Buffalo, NY (-13)
43. Harrisburg (-7)
44. Seattle (-5)
45. Miami 
46. Orlando (+1)
47. Minneapolis (new to list)
48. Oklahoma City (new to list)
49. Louisville, KY 
50. Lexington, KY (-4)

Proactive Tips for Prevention:

To help homeowners and travelers prevent bed bug infestations, Orkin recommends the following proactive tips:

At Home:

• Regularly inspect your home for signs of bed bugs, focusing on hiding spots such as mattress seams, behind baseboards, and electrical outlets.
• Decrease clutter to make it easier to spot bed bugs during inspections.
• Thoroughly examine secondhand furniture before bringing it inside your home.
• If you are a frequent traveler, there are bedbug resistant mattress covers for your home.

During Travel (S.L.E.E.P.):

• Survey the hotel room or cruise cabin for signs of infestation.
• Lift and look in bed bug hiding spots, including the mattress, box spring, and furniture.
• Elevate luggage away from the bed and wall.
• Examine luggage carefully while repacking and upon returning home.
• Place dryer-safe clothing in the dryer for at least 30-45 minutes after a trip.

Conclusion: With bed bugs proving to be resilient and challenging to control, awareness and proactive measures are essential. As we navigate the potential increase in travel, staying informed and following preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of encountering bed bugs. For more information on bed bug prevention and control, visit Orkin's website.