America’s Worst Cities for Bed Bugs: Chicago Takes the Crown Nobody Wants

Chicago has accomplished a remarkable six-peat—but nobody will be organizing a parade.

For the sixth consecutive year, the Windy City has been named America’s worst city for bed bugs in Orkin’s annual ranking. The list is based on the number of residential and commercial bed bug treatments performed by the pest-control company between May 2025 and May 2026.

Los Angeles finished second, while Detroit claimed the unwanted bronze medal at No. 3.

Michigan performed especially well in this particular competition, placing three cities among the first 20. Along with Detroit, Grand Rapids reached No. 10 and Flint came in at No. 20.

Ohio managed to place several cities prominently as well, including Cleveland at No. 4, Columbus at No. 8 and Cincinnati at No. 15. According to Orkin, six Ohio cities appeared somewhere within its complete top 50.

The highest-ranking cities were:

Chicago
Los Angeles
Detroit
Cleveland, Ohio
Indianapolis
Springfield, Illinois
Washington, D.C.
Columbus, Ohio
Pittsburgh
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Denver — up three positions
New York City — up three
Milwaukee — down three
Baltimore — down three
Cincinnati — down two
Raleigh, North Carolina — up seven
St. Louis — up one
Charleston, West Virginia — up one
Davenport, Iowa — up two
Flint, Michigan — down four
Atlanta — down four
Philadelphia — up three

Raleigh recorded the largest upward movement among these cities, climbing seven positions. Flint and Atlanta enjoyed the greatest improvement, each dropping four spots—although remaining on the list is unlikely to appear in either city’s tourism brochures.

Large, densely populated cities are particularly vulnerable because bed bugs are accomplished hitchhikers. They travel inside luggage, clothing, furniture, backpacks and other belongings, allowing them to move easily among hotels, apartments, dormitories, offices and public transportation.

Their presence is not necessarily an indication that a home or hotel is dirty. Bed bugs are interested in blood, warmth and carbon dioxide, not whether somebody remembered to vacuum. Even immaculate rooms can acquire an infestation when a traveler unknowingly carries a few unwanted passengers inside.

Bed bugs are small, flat and reddish-brown. Adults are roughly the size of an apple seed, allowing them to hide inside mattress seams, bed frames, electrical outlets, upholstered furniture and narrow cracks during daylight hours.

Travelers can reduce their chances of bringing them home by inspecting hotel mattresses and headboards, keeping luggage off beds and floors and checking suitcases before returning home. Clothing from a suspicious room should be placed directly into a dryer on high heat.

The ranking also deserves one qualification: It reflects Orkin’s treatment data rather than a comprehensive count of every bed bug in America. Cities with larger populations, more travelers or a stronger Orkin presence may naturally generate more service calls.

Still, six consecutive years at No. 1 suggests Chicago has built something approaching a dynasty.

Unfortunately, its smallest residents appear determined to keep the championship.