Orkin Map Reveals Chicago Tops List of Worst Bed Bug Cities Again

As summer heats up across America, so does the surge of bed bug infestations. These pests pierce human skin to feed on blood, leaving behind itchy red welts that can trigger allergic reactions and secondary infections from excessive scratching. Victims often face sleepless nights and significant psychological distress. A new map released by pest control company Orkin identifies the 50 worst cities for these blood-sucking pests.

Chicago claimed the top spot for the fifth consecutive year, driven by its dense population, heavy tourist traffic, and abundance of multi-unit buildings that facilitate rapid spread. Los Angeles, Detroit, Cleveland, and Indianapolis rounded out the top five. The rankings reflect metro areas where Orkin performed the most bed bug treatments since May 12, 2025.

Several cities experienced notable shifts in status. Nashville and Oklahoma City each climbed ten spots on the list, while Hartford and Seattle advanced nine places. Youngstown, Omaha, and Knoxville saw significant declines, with Knoxville dropping eleven positions to fall out of its previous ranking spot. Conversely, Tampa, Kansas City, and Myrtle Beach entered the top 50 for the first time this year.

Dr. Shannon Sked, Orkin's entomologist and national technical director, explained that bed bugs are resilient pests skilled at hiding in cracks, crevices, luggage, purses, and other personal belongings. Once introduced into a home or hotel room, they become difficult to control. He advised travelers to inspect hotels and short-term rentals before settling in and to check their belongings before unpacking at home to reduce the risk of bringing infestations back with them.

The insects thrive during summer because warmer temperatures accelerate their life cycle, allowing them to breed faster. Additionally, peak travel season increases the likelihood of hitchhiking on planes or trains. Adult bed bugs measure just 3/16 inch long, roughly the size of a sesame seed, while immature nymphs are even smaller. Their flattened bodies enable them to hide in hard-to-spot locations.

Female bed bugs can lay one to five eggs per day and produce between 200 and 500 eggs over their lifetime. They can also survive for several months without feeding, lying dormant until they locate a blood meal. Sked noted that changes in the rankings result from various factors including travel trends, treatment-resistant strains, and public educational campaigns. Regardless of these variables, bed bugs remain a persistent concern in communities across the United States, affecting residents irrespective of socioeconomic demographics, sanitation facilities, or maintenance levels.