Full Breakdown
Chicago Leads 2026 U.S. Bed-Bug Rankings, Orkin Reports
7/10/2026, 1:58:59 PM
Core Findings: 2026 Bed-Bug Cities List
Pest-control firm Orkin released its annual “2026 Bed Bug Cities List” on July 8, 2026. Chicago, Illinois ranked #1 for bed-bug infestations per capita, followed by Los Angeles (2), Detroit (3), Cleveland (4) and Indianapolis (5). The list also placed Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at #9, moving up three spots from the previous year. Ohio contributed the most cities to the top 50, with Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Youngstown, Dayton and Toledo all appearing. Other notable entries include New York (12), Nashville (34), Las Vegas (43), Tampa (46) and Miami (47).
Background & Context
Bed-bug populations have surged nationwide as dense housing, high resident turnover, and warm summer temperatures create ideal conditions for the insects. Increased travel and short-term rentals amplify the risk of hitchhiking infestations, allowing bugs to spread rapidly across cities and states.
Data & Statistics
- Top 5 cities: Chicago (1), Los Angeles (2), Detroit (3), Cleveland (4), Indianapolis (5).
- Top 10 cities: Chicago, Los Angeles, Detroit, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Springfield (IL), Washington, D.C., Columbus (OH), Pittsburgh (PA), Grand Rapids (MI).
- Ohio’s representation: Six cities (Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Youngstown, Dayton, Toledo) rank within the top 50, the highest state count.
- State risk ranking: Pennsylvania ranks #4 nationally for bed-bug risk, behind Michigan, Ohio and Maryland.
Official Statements & Responses
Orkin’s national technical director, Dr. Shannon Sked, emphasized that early detection and professional treatment are essential because infestations rarely resolve without intervention. The company advises travelers to inspect hotel mattresses and furniture for live bugs, shed skins, or dark stains before unpacking, keep luggage elevated off beds, and launder clothing on high heat for 30–45 minutes after trips. Sked also notes that “a city becoming worse for bed bugs is influenced by a variety of factors such as travel trends, treatment-resistance strains and educational campaigns to the public.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Travel season brings excitement, but it also makes awareness especially important,” — Dr. Shannon Sked, Orkin entomologist and national technical director
- “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.” — Dr. Shannon Sked
- “Sked said bed bugs rarely disappear on their own, making early detection and prompt professional treatment the best way to prevent infestations from spreading.” — Dr. Shannon Sked
- “Sked recommended a quick inspection of hotels or short-term rentals while traveling, or belongings before unpacking at home.” — Dr. Shannon Sked
- “Bedbugs measure only 3/16 inches long as adults and are even smaller as nymphs, making them near-impossible to spot.” — Dr. Shannon Sked
Why It Matters
High infestation rates increase the burden on homeowners, landlords, and hospitality businesses, driving up pest-control costs and potentially affecting tourism. Travelers unaware of the risk may inadvertently transport bugs across state lines, perpetuating the cycle. Public-health officials view the rankings as a tool for targeted education and resource allocation to mitigate spread.
What’s Next
Orkin’s report urges continued vigilance during peak travel periods and recommends that municipalities incorporate bed-bug awareness into housing-inspection programs. No specific legislative or regulatory actions were announced in the source material.
