A newly released Orkin report—covering both residential and commercial treatment data from May 15, 2024, through May 14, 2025—reveals that Chicago remains the most afflicted city in the U.S. for bed bugs, marking its fifth year in a row at the top of the list.
Who Follows Chicago?
Second: Cleveland, Ohio
Third: Detroit, Michigan
Fourth: Los Angeles, California
Fifth: Indianapolis, Indiana
Significant Ranking Shifts
Hartford, Connecticut made a startling leap—rising 48 places to enter the rankings at No. 35, highlighting a rising surge in bed bug activity. Meanwhile, some major cities saw improvements. These included: Charlotte, NC, Philadelphia, PA and New York City. These cities dropped notably, reflecting fewer reported infestations.
At the other end of the spectrum, Houston, Texas landed at the bottom of the 50-city ranking, becoming the least affected.
Expert Insights & Prevention Tips
Orkin entomologist Ben Hottel emphasizes the pests’ resilience and the vital role of early detection and prevention, especially with summer travel on the rise. Orkin recommends the S.L.E.E.P. approach for travelers:
Search your room for signs such as rust-colored stains, shed skins, or live bed bugs near beds and furniture.
Lift linens, curtains, and cushions to inspect hidden areas.
Elevate your luggage—use racks instead of placing bags directly on surfaces.
Examine your belongings upon packing and again when returning home.
Place all dryer-safe items from your luggage in the dryer at high heat for 30–45 minutes.
Summary Table
1 | Chicago |
2 | Cleveland |
3 | Detroit |
4 | Los Angeles |
5 | Indianapolis |
35 | Hartford |
50 | Houston |
Note: Some cities like Charlotte, Philadelphia, and New York notably improved their rankings.