SouthernWorldwide.com – As summer travel season approaches, a leading pest control company has identified the U.S. cities most likely to host bedbug infestations.
Bedbugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They tend to reside in areas where people or animals sleep or rest, such as beds, couches, and surrounding furniture. Their bites can lead to itching, skin irritation, and in some instances, allergic reactions.
Chicago has once again secured the top spot on Orkin’s 2026 Bed Bug Cities List, maintaining its position as the city where the pest control and extermination company conducted the highest number of bedbug treatments.
Last year, Orkin reported that the Windy City had held its number one ranking for the fifth consecutive year as the most bedbug-infested city in the nation.
This year’s top five also includes Los Angeles, Detroit, Cleveland, and Indianapolis. Orkin noted an increase in bedbug activity in popular tourist destinations such as Tampa and Myrtle Beach.
Orkin stated in a press release that many cities experiencing the worst bedbug activity are also major travel hubs. These cities are anticipated to welcome a significant number of visitors for prominent concerts, festivals, and sporting events throughout the summer and beyond.
The company also reported that Nashville and Oklahoma City each saw their rankings climb by 10 spots this year. Conversely, Youngstown, Omaha, and Knoxville experienced some of the most substantial declines in bedbug activity.
According to Orkin, these year-over-year changes underscore the persistent and evolving nature of bedbug issues across the country.
The rankings are determined by treatment data collected from metropolitan areas where Orkin performed the most bedbug treatments between May 2025 and May 12, 2026. This data encompasses both residential and commercial bedbug treatments.
In a separate analysis focusing on specific cities, Warren, Michigan, was identified as the top city for bedbugs in the U.S. North Las Vegas, Nevada, and Madison, Wisconsin, were also highlighted as significant hotspots according to the report.
The casino.ca analysis integrated bedbug data from Orkin and Terminix with information from TripAdvisor hotel reviews, treatment records, and social media posts to estimate the risk travelers face of encountering bedbugs.
An expert commented that a primary concern with these rankings is their tendency to suggest that bedbug problems are exclusive to urban areas. However, recent research and anecdotal evidence indicate that bedbugs can appear anywhere, whether in urban, suburban, or rural settings.
The expert further explained that while urban environments, with their higher population density, might increase the likelihood of encountering bedbugs, individuals in rural areas may have more limited access to effective pest control services, potentially making eradication more challenging.
Experts advise travelers to inspect mattress seams, upholstered furniture, and the areas behind headboards for any signs of bedbugs.
They also recommend using a sticky lint roller on clothing, upholstery, and the soles of shoes. This can help detect any bedbugs that may have hitched a ride.
