Bed bugs are a persistent pest that continues to be a concern in communities across the United States, regardless of socioeconomic demographics or sanitation facilities maintenance levels. This is according to Orkin's 2026 Bed Bug Cities List, which ranks cities based on treatment data from metro areas where Orkin performed the most bed bug treatments from May 12, 2025, to May 12, 2026. While bed bugs can be found anywhere people live and travel, the company said, densely populated cities and environments with high resident and visitor turnover, such as apartments, dormitories and hotels, can create more opportunities for the pests to spread due to the movement of high numbers of people. The list includes both residential and commercial bed bug treatments. The rankings show that bed bugs are a persistent problem, with many cities seeing changes in their rankings from the previous year. For example, Philadelphia moved up three spots to No. 22, while Pittsburgh moved up three spots to No. 9. Baltimore dropped three spots to No. 14. The top 50 US bed bug cities are dominated by densely populated areas, with Chicago, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Cleveland making the top five. However, it's interesting to note that no Delaware cities made the list. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as the state's lower population density or different environmental conditions. One thing that immediately stands out is the resilience of bed bugs. They 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. This makes it important for travelers to take steps to prevent infestations, such as inspecting hotel rooms and luggage before unpacking. One thing that many people don't realize is the impact of travel trends on bed bug infestations. As summer travelers stay at hotels and other accommodations, bedbugs can hitchhike home in luggage and other personal belongings. This highlights the importance of taking preventive measures, such as the S.L.E.E.P. steps recommended by Orkin. These steps include searching the room for signs of infestation, lifting sheets and curtains to check for bed bugs, elevating luggage, examining luggage carefully, and placing dryer-safe clothing in the dryer for 30 to 45 minutes at the highest heat setting. In conclusion, bed bugs are a persistent problem that requires ongoing attention and preventive measures. While the rankings show that some cities are more affected than others, it's important for everyone to take steps to prevent infestations and protect their homes and belongings from these resilient pests.
