Orkin just released it 2025 Top 50 Bed Bug Cities List. Chicago remains the number one bed bug city for the fifth consecutive year. I guess congratulations are in order.
The rankings are compiled based on the number of bed bug treatments Orkin performed in metropolitan areas for both residential and commercial properties between May 15, 2024, and May 14, 2025.
Hartford, Connecticut, made the most dramatic move, jumping 48 spots to enter the list at number 35.
In contrast, cities like Charlotte, Philadelphia, and New York saw their rankings drop, suggesting a decrease in reported infestations in those areas. The top 50 cities are:
- Chicago
- Cleveland (+2)
- Detroit (+3)
- Los Angeles (+1)
- Indianapolis (+3)
- Washington, D.C. (+1)
- Grand Rapids, Mich. (+7)
- Columbus, Ohio (+3)
- Champaign, Ill. (+1)
- Milwaukee (+15)
- Baltimore (+5)
- Pittsburgh (+9)
- Cincinnati (-1)
- Denver (+1)
- New York (-13)
- Flint, Mich. (+7)
- Atlanta (-4)
- St. Louis (+1)
- Charleston, W. Va. (+7)
- Cedar Rapids, Iowa (+19)
- Davenport, Iowa (+8)
- Youngstown, Ohio (-2)
- Raleigh, N.C. (+1)
- Dallas (-2)
- Philadelphia (-22)
- Omaha, Neb. (+10)
- South Bend, Ind. (+10)
- Richmond, Va. (-11)
- Knoxville, Tenn. (+5)
- Greenville, S.C. (-3)
- Norfolk, Va. (-3)
- Charlotte, N.C. (-23)
- Peoria, Ill. (+18)
- Oklahoma City, Okla. (+14)
- Hartford, Conn. (+48)
- Toledo, Ohio (-4)
- Buffalo (+5)
- Fort Wayne, Ind. (+2)
- Seattle (+5)
- Minneapolis (+7)
- Miami (+1)
- San Francisco (-1)
- Dayton, Ohio (-10)
- Nashville (-14)
- Houston (-7)
- Las Vegas (-11)
- Boston (+10)
- Lansing, Mich. (+4)
- San Diego (+10)
- Syracuse, N.Y. (+8)
Bed Bug Prevention Tips
Orkin also provides helpful tips for travelers to prevent bringing bed bugs home. The most important advice is to be proactive and inspect your surroundings.
Travelers should use the S.L.E.E.P. acronym to remember key steps:
- Survey for signs of bed bugs.
- Lift and look under items like mattress seams and bed sheets.
- Elevate your luggage on a luggage rack away from the bed and walls.
- Examine your luggage carefully when repacking.
- Place all your clothes immediately in the dryer on high heat for at least 30 to 40 minutes when you return home.
Try to be vigilant each time you stay in a hotel. Bed bugs can create a major headache for you if you bring them home from your trip. Never leave your suitcase on the bed or the floor. Elevating it can save you a lot of suffering. If you are really focused about it. The best place to leave your suitcase is in the bathtub.