Chicago has once again been identified as the city with the most significant bed bug problem in the United States, marking its fifth consecutive year at the top of Orkin's annual list. The pest control company released its 2026 Bed Bug Cities List, which ranks the 50 metro areas experiencing the most treatments for the blood-sucking insects.
Los Angeles, Detroit, Cleveland, and Indianapolis complete the top five cities plagued by bed bug infestations. These rankings are determined by the number of pest control treatments performed by Orkin in these metropolitan areas between May 12, 2025, and May 12, 2026.
Bed bugs are small, nocturnal insects that feed on blood, leaving behind itchy welts that can lead to allergic reactions, secondary skin infections, and significant psychological distress. Adult bed bugs measure about 3/16 of an inch, similar in size to a sesame seed, and their flattened bodies allow them to hide in tiny cracks and crevices. They are known to spread easily by hitchhiking on personal belongings such as luggage and purses.
Warmer temperatures during the summer months accelerate the bed bug life cycle, leading to faster breeding. This period also coincides with peak travel season, increasing the likelihood of these pests being transported to new locations, particularly via luggage from hotels or other travel accommodations.
Dr. Shannon Sked, an entomologist and National Technical Director at Orkin, noted the resilience of bed bugs, stating that they are difficult to control once introduced and are skilled at hiding. He advises travelers to conduct quick inspections of accommodations and belongings before unpacking at home to reduce the risk of bringing these pests home.
Several cities saw notable shifts in their rankings this year. Nashville and Oklahoma City each climbed 10 spots, while Hartford and Seattle moved up nine places. Knoxville saw the most significant drop, falling 11 places.
Miami, Kansas City, and Myrtle Beach are among the cities that entered the top 50 for the first time this year.
According to Sked, factors influencing these ranking changes can include travel trends, the emergence of treatment-resistant bed bug strains, and public awareness campaigns. However, he emphasized that bed bugs continue to be a pervasive issue across the U.S., irrespective of socioeconomic factors, sanitation, or maintenance levels.
Infestations can escalate quickly, as female bed bugs can lay one to five eggs per day, potentially producing 200 to 500 eggs in their lifetime. Furthermore, these insects can survive for several months without feeding, waiting for their next host.