Overview
- Orkin published its 2026 Bed Bug Cities List in early July using the company’s treatment records from May 12, 2025, to May 12, 2026 and ranked Chicago first with Los Angeles, Detroit, Cleveland and Indianapolis rounding out the top five.
- Ohio is the most represented state with six cities in the top 50, underscoring a persistent cluster of higher treatment activity in Midwestern metro areas.
- Popular travel spots moved up or entered the list in 2026, with Tampa, Myrtle Beach and Kansas City new to the top 50 and Nashville and Oklahoma City each climbing about 10 places.
- Orkin’s ranking reflects where the company performed the most treatments rather than a population-wide prevalence survey, so results are shaped by treatment-seeking, the company’s service footprint and local travel patterns.
- Orkin and entomologist Dr. Shannon Sked advise travelers and property managers to inspect rooms, keep luggage off beds, and run dryer-safe clothing at high heat for 30 to 45 minutes to reduce the chance of bringing bed bugs home.