According to pest control company Orkin, “bed bugs are still very much a threat,” which makes traveling domestically even more complicated.
Atlanta-based company Orkin recently compiled a list of the 50 US cities with the highest density of bed bug infestations. In efforts to properly prepare travelers, the list is a reminder to travel with awareness and always check hotel rooms for signs of an infestation.
“Bed bugs are a concern for everyone because they are master hitchhikers, traveling home with people when they likely don’t realize it,” shared Ben Hottel, an Orkin entomologist.
Unluckily for Chicagoans, for the second year in a row, Chicago finds itself at the top of the list. New York (jumping nine spots from last year) and Philadelphia (jumping 12) also find themselves high on the list, third and second place respectively.
Newcomers to the list include Harrisburg, PA (42nd place) and Lincoln, Nebraska, just making the list at 50th place.
According to Orkin, the list was compiled based on treatment data from the metro areas where the pest control company performed the most bed bug treatments from December 1, 2020 – November 30, 2022.
In the list below, the ranking includes both residential and commercial treatments.
Here are the top 20 US cities with the highest level of bed bug infestations. Be sure to check your hotel or Airbnb beds TN fam!
- Chicago
- Philadelphia
- New York
- Detroit
- Baltimore
- Indianapolis
- Washington
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Cincinnati
- Grand Rapids
- Los Angeles
- Champaign
- Atlanta
- Charlotte
- Dallas-Ft. Worth
- Denver
- Louis
- San Francisco
- Pittsburg
View the complete list of 50 here.
The danger and real concern of bed bugs is their ability to reproduce and spread rapidly. The notorious bugs are very difficult to remove once found, which means that travelers should be extra careful when arriving in a new space.
Travelers should look out for tiny, ink-coloured stains on mattresses, in furniture and behind headboards, which is a sign that the accommodation may have a bed bug issue.
For more tips and information on how to avoid the unwanted complications of bed bug infestations while traveling, check out Orkin’s advice here.
