Chicago Tops Orkin's 2025 Bed Bug Cities List Again as Unexpected Cities Climb the Ranks

Newcomers like Hartford and Peoria shake up this year's list as travel season threatens to spread infestations

ATLANTA, June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hartford, Connecticut made the biggest leap in Orkin's 2025 Top 50 Bed Bug Cities List, debuting at No. 35 after jumping an unprecedented 48 spots – indicating a significant increase in bed bug activity. In contrast, Charlotte (no. 31), Philadelphia (no. 24) and New York (no. 15) all saw significant drops, suggesting fewer reported bed bug infestations compared to the previous year. However, one thing hasn't changed: for the fifth consecutive year, Chicago holds onto its spot as the most bed bug-infested city in the nation.

For more than 20,000 years, bed bugs have mastered the art of going unnoticed until it's too late. With travel-heavy months ahead, vigilance is key. Knowing how to inspect hotel rooms and luggage could mean the difference between a relaxing vacation and an itchy return home.

This year's rankings are based on treatment data from metro areas where Orkin performed the most bed bug treatments from May 15, 2024 – May 14, 2025. The list includes both residential bed bug control and commercial bed bug treatments.

"Bed bugs are some of the most resilient pests in the world, making them extremely difficult to control if brought into a home or hotel," said Ben Hottel, Orkin entomologist. "As summer travel picks up, it is critical that people know the best ways to identify, prevent and control these pests."

Cities like Charlotte, Philadelphia and New York made significant improvements in their fight against bed bugs by taking preventative measures against this pest. These major changes in ranking prove the importance of inspecting beds and luggage for bed bugs during and after travel.

Know before you go: Bed bug prevention tips

Measuring only 3/16 inch long and mostly nocturnal, bed bugs are difficult to detect. These pests are hematophagous, which means blood is their only food source and their favorite supplier happens to be sleeping humans. Clinging to items such as luggage, purses and other personal belongings, bed bugs can travel from place to place with ease.

Orkin recommends the following steps to help prevent travelers from bringing bed bugs home in 2025.

During travel, remember the acronym S.L.E.E.P. to inspect for bed bugs:

• Search the room for signs of infestation, looking for bed bugs, which are small, flat, oval-shaped insects that are brown and about the size of an apple seed. Other signs of bed bugs include ink-like stains on fabrics, shed exoskeletons around furniture and a sweet, musty smell.
• Lift sheets, curtains and cushions to check for bed bugs or signs of bed bugs.
• Elevate your luggage onto racks and keep it away from the bed or other furniture.
• Examine your luggage carefully while repacking and again when you return home.
• Place all dryer-safe clothing from your luggage in the dryer for 30 to 45 minutes at the highest heat setting upon returning home.

"What makes bed bugs especially challenging is their growing resistance to certain treatments, which is why early detection and proactive prevention are so critical," said Hottel. "If there's any sign of bed bugs, it's important to involve a trained professional, like the Pros at Orkin, right away."

With nearly 125 years of experience with bed bugs and state-of-the-art tools and products, Orkin is well-equipped to assess your bed bug problem, offer training for short-staffed hospitality teams and mount a strategic response to help rid your home or business of the pest and provide maximum protection.

For more information about bed bug prevention and bed bug control, visit Orkin.com.

About Orkin, LLC
Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects. Orkin has 358 owned and operated branch offices and 47 franchises in the U.S. The company also has international franchises and subsidiaries in Canada, Europe, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa, and Mexico. Orkin is committed to protecting public health by helping prevent and control pests as well as educating consumers on the potential health risks posed by these pests. As such, since 2020, Orkin has partnered with the American Red Cross® to inform the public about the health threats of mosquitoes while boosting our country's blood supply through monetary contributions and blood donations. Orkin is committed to hiring the world's best to help protect the places where we live, work and play. Learn more about careers at Orkin here. Visit Orkin.com for additional information. Orkin is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rollins Inc. (NYSE: ROL). Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn. 

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SOURCE Orkin, LLC