Chicago Lands the “Bed Bug Capital” Crown Again: What the Latest Report Really Says
Chicago has another unwanted distinction to add to its long list of national superlatives.
According to Orkin’s 2026 Bed Bug Cities List, Chicago ranks No. 1 in the United States for bed bug activity for the sixth consecutive year. The company’s latest ranking was released July 7, 2026, just as summer travel was getting into full swing.
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Orkin
That doesn't mean Chicago is literally filled with more bed bugs than every other city in America, nor does it mean every Chicago hotel, apartment, or home has an infestation. The ranking is based on Orkin’s own treatment data, making it a measure of where the company performed the most residential and commercial bed bug treatments—not a comprehensive census of every bed bug in the country.
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Orkin
Still, the repeated appearance of Chicago at the top of the list is noteworthy.
And for travelers, renters, homeowners, landlords, and hotel guests, the report offers a useful reminder: bed bugs can turn an otherwise enjoyable trip into a frustrating problem if they hitch a ride home in luggage or clothing.
Chicago Holds the No. 1 Spot Again
The 2026 ranking puts Chicago at the top, followed by Los Angeles, Detroit, Cleveland, and Indianapolis.
The full top 10 are:
Chicago
Los Angeles
Detroit
Cleveland, Ohio
Indianapolis
Springfield, Illinois
Washington, D.C.
Columbus, Ohio
Pittsburgh
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Orkin says its 2026 rankings are based on bed bug treatment data from metropolitan areas where the company performed the most treatments between May 12, 2025, and May 12, 2026. Both residential and commercial treatments were included.
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Orkin
That methodology is important.
A headline such as “Chicago Is America's Bed Bug Capital” sounds as though researchers counted every infestation in every building.
They didn't.
Instead, the ranking reflects treatment activity recorded by one pest-control company.
That's still useful information, particularly because the same city has repeatedly ranked near the top, but it should be interpreted accurately.
Chicago's Long Run at the Top
Chicago's latest No. 1 ranking isn't an isolated event.
The city also topped Orkin's 2025 list.
In that year's ranking, Chicago had been No. 1 for the fifth consecutive year, with Cleveland, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Indianapolis rounding out the top five. The 2025 ranking was based on Orkin treatment data from May 15, 2024, through May 14, 2025.
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Chicago was also No. 1 in Orkin's 2024 ranking.
That list represented the fourth consecutive year the city had taken the top position.
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And the pattern goes back even further.
In 2023, Chicago ranked first for the third consecutive year.
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So while the phrase “bed bug capital” is a colorful headline, the underlying trend is real within Orkin's rankings: Chicago has repeatedly recorded enough treatment activity to remain at or near the top.
What Does “Most Bed Bugs” Actually Mean?
This is where a little caution is needed.
Orkin's list doesn't establish the exact number of bed bugs living in Chicago.
It also doesn't establish the percentage of Chicago homes with infestations.
Instead, it ranks metropolitan areas according to the number of treatments Orkin performed.
That distinction matters because treatment numbers can be affected by many factors.
For example, a city could rank highly because it has:
A large population
Many apartment buildings
Heavy tourism
High residential turnover
Numerous hotels
Significant commercial activity
Strong public awareness
High demand for professional pest control
More residents who choose professional treatment
Consequently, a high ranking doesn't necessarily mean that every neighborhood has an unusually severe infestation problem.
It means the city's position in Orkin's treatment data is significant.
Why Cities Can Be Attractive to Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are remarkably effective hitchhikers.
They don't need to travel long distances on their own.
Instead, they can move from place to place by hiding in luggage, clothing, bags, furniture, and other belongings.
That's why places with large numbers of people moving through them can create opportunities for bed bugs to spread.
Orkin specifically points to densely populated cities and environments with substantial resident and visitor turnover—including apartments, dormitories, and hotels—as places where bed bugs can find opportunities to spread.
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Chicago fits that description.
It's a major urban center with large residential populations, extensive tourism, hotels, apartment buildings, universities, businesses, and transportation networks.
None of those characteristics means Chicago is dirty.
In fact, one of the most important facts about bed bugs is that cleanliness does not determine whether an infestation occurs.
Bed Bugs Are Not a Sign of Poor Hygiene
There's a persistent misconception that bed bugs only appear in dirty homes.
That's simply not a useful way to think about them.
Bed bugs are opportunistic pests.
They are interested in access to people and places where they can hide—not whether a home has been recently vacuumed.
A spotless luxury hotel can potentially encounter bed bugs.
So can an inexpensive motel.
A clean apartment can have them.
So can a cluttered house.
Orkin itself emphasizes that bed bugs can be found in homes and hotels regardless of whether the environment is clean or dirty.
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Orkin
This is important because shame can actually make infestations harder to address.
Someone who thinks bed bugs are evidence of personal failure may delay reporting the problem.
Early action is generally more useful.
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
Adult bed bugs are small, flat, oval-shaped insects.
Orkin describes adults as reddish-brown and approximately the size of an apple seed, while younger nymphs are smaller and can be much lighter in color.
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Because they're small and excellent at hiding, spotting one isn't always easy.
They may hide in:
Mattress seams
Bed frames
Cracks and crevices
Upholstered furniture
Headboards
Luggage
Other sheltered areas
They are primarily nocturnal, which means people may not notice them during the day.
That can make an infestation especially difficult to identify in its early stages.
Signs to Look For
Seeing an actual bed bug is obviously an important clue.
But there can be other signs.
Orkin lists several indicators that travelers should watch for, including dark, ink-like speckling on fabrics, shed exoskeletons, and a sweet, musty odor.
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These signs aren't necessarily proof by themselves.
A dark spot on a mattress could have many explanations.
A strange smell could have many causes.
And skin irritation can result from numerous things besides bed bugs.
That's why identification should be based on multiple clues rather than a single suspicious mark.
What About Bed Bug Bites?
Bed bug bites can be difficult to identify.
Different people can react differently to insect bites.
Some people develop noticeable itchy marks.
Others may have little or no obvious reaction.
And many other insects can cause similar-looking skin irritation.
For that reason, a skin mark alone isn't enough to prove that bed bugs are present.
If you suspect an infestation, look for environmental evidence and, when possible, have the insect identified by a qualified pest professional.
Why Travel Is a Major Concern
Summer is a particularly important time to talk about bed bugs because travel increases the number of people moving between homes, hotels, rental properties, airports, and other accommodations.
A person can unknowingly encounter bed bugs while traveling and later transport them home.
The traveler may not realize anything happened until days or weeks later.
That makes prevention important.
And it doesn't mean travelers should be afraid of hotels.
It means they should develop a few simple habits.
The S.L.E.E.P. Method
Orkin recommends a travel inspection strategy summarized by the acronym S.L.E.E.P.
The letters stand for:
Search the room for signs of bed bugs.
Lift sheets, curtains, and cushions to inspect hiding places.
Elevate luggage onto racks rather than placing it directly on beds or upholstered furniture.
Examine luggage carefully when repacking and again after returning home.
Place dryer-safe clothing in a dryer for 30 to 45 minutes at the highest heat setting after returning home.
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The strategy is straightforward and doesn't require travelers to become amateur exterminators.
The goal is simply to reduce opportunities for bed bugs to accompany you home.
Why Luggage Matters
A suitcase can be an excellent hiding place.
It has seams, folds, pockets, zippers, and dark enclosed spaces.
During travel, luggage may sit on beds, floors, couches, luggage racks, or other surfaces.
If bed bugs are present, they can potentially find their way into or onto personal belongings.
That is why luggage deserves attention before and after a trip.
When you're in a hotel, using a luggage rack rather than placing your suitcase directly on the bed can be a sensible precaution.
When you get home, inspect the luggage before putting it away.
Don't Put Your Suitcase on the Bed
This is one of the simplest habits travelers can adopt.
When you arrive at a hotel, resist the instinct to immediately open your suitcase on the bed.
Instead, place it somewhere that allows you to inspect the room first.
Lift the sheets.
Check mattress seams.
Look around the bed frame and headboard.
Examine nearby furniture.
You're not looking for one specific thing.
You're looking for evidence that something may be wrong.
What If You Find a Bed Bug?
Don't panic.
A suspected bed bug doesn't mean your entire life has been ruined.
But don't ignore it either.
If you're in a hotel or rental property, document what you found if possible and notify the property manager or hotel management promptly.
Avoid moving your belongings unnecessarily from one room to another before the situation has been addressed.
The goal is to prevent a potential infestation from spreading.
Why Moving Rooms Can Sometimes Matter
If a hotel guest discovers evidence of bed bugs, simply moving to a nearby room without discussing the problem with management may not be enough.
Rooms adjacent to an affected room may also require inspection.
Professional pest-control personnel can determine the appropriate response.
Travelers should therefore report suspected infestations rather than quietly packing everything and leaving the problem for the next guest.
What If You Bring Bed Bugs Home?
This is the scenario everyone wants to avoid.
If you suspect that bed bugs have followed you home, don't immediately carry luggage into the bedroom and unpack everything on the bed.
Instead, keep potentially affected belongings contained and inspect them carefully.
Clothing that can safely tolerate high dryer heat may be treated according to appropriate pest-control guidance.
Orkin specifically recommends placing dryer-safe clothing from luggage into the dryer for 30 to 45 minutes at the highest heat setting after returning home.
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For items that cannot be safely heated, professional advice may be necessary.
Bed Bugs Don't Simply Disappear
One particularly dangerous assumption is:
“Maybe they'll go away.”
Bed bugs are difficult pests.
An established infestation generally requires active intervention.
Orkin notes that infestations rarely resolve on their own and recommends involving trained professionals when signs are found.
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The sooner an infestation is identified, the sooner a treatment plan can be developed.
Avoid Random DIY Chemicals
When people discover bed bugs, they may immediately search for home remedies.
Some can be ineffective.
Others can be dangerous.
Using excessive pesticides or applying products to places where they aren't labeled for use can expose people and pets to unnecessary risks.
A professional pest-control provider can identify the species, determine the extent of the infestation, and recommend an appropriate treatment strategy.
If you use a pesticide yourself, always follow the product label exactly.
More product does not necessarily mean better results.
Chicago Isn't Alone
Although Chicago occupies the No. 1 spot, the 2026 ranking shows that bed bugs aren't a uniquely Chicago problem.
Los Angeles ranks second.
Detroit is third.
Cleveland is fourth.
Indianapolis is fifth.
Other major cities appearing high on the list include Washington, D.C., Columbus, Pittsburgh, New York, Milwaukee, Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Denver.
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Orkin
In other words, the issue stretches across multiple regions.
The Midwest is particularly prominent in this year's ranking.
Orkin notes that Ohio has six cities represented among the top 50.
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New Vacation Destinations Enter the List
The 2026 report also highlights some interesting newcomers.
Tampa, Florida, Kansas City, Missouri, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, entered the top 50.
Myrtle Beach is particularly notable because it is a major vacation destination.
The inclusion of popular travel locations reinforces the relationship between travel and opportunities for bed bugs to move between accommodations and households.
But again, ranking on this list does not mean that a particular destination is unsafe to visit.
Millions of people travel every year without encountering bed bugs.
Awareness is about reducing risk, not eliminating travel.
Some Cities Moved Dramatically
The 2026 ranking also shows that bed bug activity isn't static.
Nashville and Oklahoma City each climbed 10 positions.
Hartford rose nine places.
Seattle also moved up nine spots.
Meanwhile, Youngstown dropped 10 places, Omaha fell 10, and Knoxville declined 11.
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These shifts are a useful reminder that pest activity changes over time.
A city's position on one annual list shouldn't be treated as a permanent label.
Why Rankings Change
There are numerous possible reasons for changes in treatment activity.
Orkin notes factors including travel trends, treatment resistance, and public education campaigns.
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Orkin
Consumer behavior can also change.
People may become more aware of bed bugs and seek professional help sooner.
Travel patterns can change.
Housing conditions can change.
Pest-control practices can change.
All of these factors can influence treatment numbers.
That's another reason why these rankings are better viewed as a snapshot of pest-control activity than a perfect measurement of infestation prevalence.
Chicago's Reputation as a Pest City
Chicago has a long-running reputation for pest problems.
For years, the city also appeared at the top of Orkin's annual “rattiest cities” rankings.
That changed in 2025, when Los Angeles took the No. 1 spot in Orkin's rodent ranking, ending Chicago's decade-long run.
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But Chicago has continued to dominate the company's bed bug rankings.
The distinction between these lists is important.
A city can rank highly for one pest and not another.
Different pests respond to different environmental conditions and human behaviors.
The “Windy City” Can't Blow Them Away
Chicago's nickname makes for easy jokes.
But wind isn't going to solve a bed bug infestation.
Bed bugs hide indoors.
They aren't flying insects.
They aren't going to be blown away by Chicago's famous weather.
Once established, they can remain hidden in protected locations and emerge when conditions are favorable.
That is why inspection and treatment matter more than the city's climate reputation.
Are Bed Bugs Dangerous?
Bed bugs are primarily known for biting humans and causing itching and irritation.
They are not generally regarded in the same category as mosquitoes, which can transmit certain serious infectious diseases.
Nevertheless, bed bugs can have a substantial impact on quality of life.
Persistent itching can be miserable.
Repeated bites can interfere with sleep.
Some people experience significant anxiety after discovering an infestation.
And the financial and emotional costs of eliminating an established infestation can be considerable.
So while “bed bug capital” sounds like a joke, the underlying problem is no laughing matter for people dealing with an infestation.
The Psychological Impact Can Be Significant
Discovering insects in your bed can trigger a powerful emotional response.
People may feel embarrassed.
They may become afraid to sleep.
They may repeatedly inspect mattresses.
Some become reluctant to invite guests into their homes.
These reactions are understandable.
But remember: bed bugs aren't evidence that someone is dirty.
They can happen to anyone.
The appropriate response is practical action rather than shame.
What Homeowners Can Do
Homeowners can reduce risk by regularly inspecting sleeping areas, particularly after travel.
Keep bedrooms reasonably uncluttered so that inspection is easier.
When purchasing used furniture, inspect it carefully before bringing it into the home.
Secondhand mattresses and upholstered furniture deserve particular caution because hidden pests can be difficult to detect.
If you suspect an infestation, seek professional identification rather than assuming every insect is a bed bug.
What Renters Can Do
Renters should report suspected infestations promptly to their property manager or landlord.
Don't assume that hiding the problem will make it disappear.
In multi-unit buildings, pest management can require coordinated action.
A single untreated apartment can potentially contribute to continuing problems elsewhere.
The sooner management knows about a suspected infestation, the sooner appropriate inspection and treatment can begin.
What Travelers Should Remember
If you're traveling this summer, there's no reason to cancel your plans simply because Chicago or another city appears on a pest-control ranking.
Instead:
Inspect your hotel room when you arrive.
Keep luggage elevated and away from beds when practical.
Don't leave clothing scattered across the room.
Check luggage before repacking.
Inspect belongings after returning home.
Use appropriate heat treatment for dryer-safe clothing when recommended.
Report suspected infestations immediately.
These habits are inexpensive and straightforward.
Final Thoughts
Chicago has once again earned the unwanted title of America's “bed bug capital”—at least according to Orkin's 2026 ranking.
The company placed Chicago at No. 1 for the sixth consecutive year, based on its residential and commercial bed bug treatment data collected between May 12, 2025, and May 12, 2026.
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Orkin
But the headline deserves context.
This isn't a government census counting every bed bug in the country.
It's a ranking based on one pest-control company's treatment activity.
Still, Chicago's repeated position at the top makes the trend worth paying attention to.
The larger lesson is relevant whether you're in Chicago, Los Angeles, Detroit, Cleveland, or a small town that doesn't appear on any list:
Bed bugs can happen anywhere.
They don't care whether a home is luxurious or modest.
They don't care whether a traveler stays at an expensive hotel or a budget property.
And they don't disappear simply because a room looks clean.
The best defense is awareness.
Inspect when traveling.
Protect your luggage.
Pay attention to warning signs.
Act quickly if you find evidence.
And don't let embarrassment stop you from asking for help.
Chicago may have taken the crown again, but the real winner should be the traveler who returns home without bringing an unwanted passenger along.
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