I’ll never forget the first time I saw bed bugs in a hotel. It was right after Paris made global headlines for its massive bed bug outbreak, with videos everywhere showing residents tossing entire mattresses off balconies to escape the infestation. Already paranoid, I stripped the sheets back as soon as my family and I checked into our hotel while vacationing in Virginia. Imagine my shock when not one, not two, but several bed bugs scurried across the mattress seams. We went straight to the front desk, where the staff looked just as horrified as we were. Needless to say, we weren’t about to risk another room. We packed up and left for a new hotel altogether.
That moment left me with one big takeaway: bed bugs aren’t just a European problem. They’re alive and thriving across the U.S. too, and the latest rankings prove it.
The Worst Cities for Bed Bugs in 2025
Pest control company Orkin released its 2025 Bed Bug Cities List, and once again, Chicago tops the charts. For the fifth year in a row, the Windy City claims the not-so-coveted title of America’s bed bug capital.
Here are the top five cities where infestations were most common this past year:
1. Chicago (holding the No. 1 spot for the fifth year running)
2. Cleveland (+2 spots from last year)
3. Detroit (+3)
4. Los Angeles (+1)
5. Indianapolis (+3)
Other big climbers include Milwaukee (+15), Pittsburgh (+9), and surprise newcomer Hartford, Connecticut — which leapt a staggering 48 spots to land at No. 35. Meanwhile, cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Charlotte actually saw drops, hinting that their prevention strategies might finally be working.
Why Bed Bugs Are So Hard to Beat
Bed bugs are ancient travelers, and they’ve been sneaking into human spaces for more than 20,000 years. They’re small (about the size of an apple seed), mostly nocturnal, and feed exclusively on blood (yours, while you sleep). Worst of all? They hitchhike on luggage, purses, and even clothing, making hotels and airports their ultimate playgrounds. And once they move in, they’re notoriously difficult to evict. Many are resistant to common treatments, which is why prevention is everything.
How to Avoid Bringing Them Home
The good news: you can outsmart them. Orkin and Terminix both recommend the S.L.E.E.P. method while traveling:
Search the mattress seams, headboard, and nearby furniture for ink-like stains, shed skins, or live bugs.
Lift sheets, cushions, and curtains to look deeper.
Elevate your luggage on racks, away from beds and walls.
Examine your suitcase carefully when packing and again when you get home.
Place all dryer-safe clothing in the dryer on high for 30–45 minutes to kill any hidden stowaways.
The Bottom Line
Nobody wants to think about bed bugs on vacation, but ignoring them won’t make them go away. Whether you’re staying in a budget motel or a five-star hotel, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check the room before unpacking. Because once they’re in your suitcase, they’re in your house… and that’s one “souvenir” no traveler wants.
Bed Bug FAQ
Are bed bugs dangerous?
Not usually. Bed bugs don’t spread disease, but their bites can cause itching, welts, allergic reactions, and a whole lot of lost sleep.
Can you see bed bugs with the naked eye?
Yes. Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed. They’re flat, brown, and oval-shaped, but they hide in mattress seams, furniture cracks, and luggage, so they’re easy to miss.
Why are some cities worse than others?
Bed bugs thrive where there’s lots of movement: hotels, airports, apartment buildings, and universities. Cities with big travel hubs or dense housing see more infestations.
Do clean hotels get bed bugs?
Absolutely. Bed bugs don’t care if a room is spotless or messy. They only care about having a human host nearby to feed on.
How do I know if I’ve been bitten?
Bites often appear in clusters or lines, especially on arms, legs, or any skin exposed while sleeping. They look like small red welts and can be very itchy.
What’s the fastest way to get rid of bed bugs at home?
Call a professional. DIY sprays usually don’t work because many bed bug populations are resistant. Heat treatments, steaming, and professional extermination are the most effective.
Should I be embarrassed if I get bed bugs?
Not at all. Bed bugs are hitchhikers, not housekeepers. Anyone can bring them home in luggage, on clothing, or even on used furniture.
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