**Chicago Retains Unwanted Title as Bed Bug Capital of the US**
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In a concerning admission for the Windy City, Chicago has been confirmed as the city with the highest rate of bed bug infestations in the United States for the sixth year running. This revelation comes from Orkin’s 2026 Bed Bug Cities List, which ranks urban areas based on treatment data collected between May 2025 and May 2026.
The report, released on 7 July, highlights a troubling trend coinciding with the summer travel season, a time when bed bugs can easily attach themselves to luggage and personal items. Chicago, known for its iconic deep-dish pizza and stunning skyline, has earned a notoriety it may wish to forgo as it experiences an influx of nearly 56.8 million tourists in 2025, according to Choose Chicago, the city’s tourism authority. The continuous growth of visitors, driven by conventions, sporting events, and festivals like the Lollapalooza music festival, increases the risk of infestation spread throughout the city.
Orkin’s classification extends beyond just Chicago, with Los Angeles taking the second spot on the list. The Californian city has moved up two positions compared to the previous year, indicating a rising concern. Following Los Angeles are Detroit, Cleveland, and Indianapolis, which round out the top five cities most affected by bed bug treatments. Notably, Ohio has six cities represented in the list’s top 50, highlighting a significant issue in the Midwest.
Dr. Shannon Sked, entomologist and national technical director for Orkin, emphasised the importance of bed bug awareness during travel. As the summer season invites increased movement, travellers must be vigilant. Dr. Sked recommends that individuals conduct a thorough inspection of hotels and short-term rentals, as well as their belongings, to mitigate the chance of unknowingly transporting these pests back home.
To facilitate this inspection, Orkin advocates the S.L.E.E.P. method. This involves searching the room for signs of infestation, lifting sheets, curtains, and cushions, elevating luggage away from furniture, carefully examining belongings while repacking, and placing dryer-safe clothing in the dryer at a high heat setting for 30 to 45 minutes upon return.
The report also highlights shifts in rankings, notably with cities like Oklahoma City and Nashville advancing by ten positions in the list. Meanwhile, areas such as Youngstown, Ohio; Omaha, Nebraska; and Knoxville, Tennessee, experienced notable declines in bed bug activity. These fluctuations can be attributed to a variety of factors, including changing travel trends, resistance to treatments, and public educational campaigns, as explained by Dr. Sked.
The entomologist further noted the necessity of proactive responses when encountering potential bed bug signs, as infestations typically do not resolve independently. Prompt action to identify and treat these bugs can significantly limit their spread and ensure treatment success.
As cities across the nation contend with the implications of these findings, the shifting dynamics of bed bug hotspots reflect broader patterns, particularly in Midwestern regions. The ongoing struggle against these pests underscores a pressing need for awareness and vigilance, particularly as the tourism sector flourishes during peak travel seasons.
While Chicago continues to hold its infamous title, the battle against bed bugs is far from over, with cities across the United States adjusting their strategies to combat this pervasive problem.