#United States #Chicago #Hartford #Bed Bugs

Chicago Maintains Its Stance as Bed Bug Capital

In Orkin's recently announced 2025 Top 50 Bed Bug Cities List, Chicago has once again claimed the position of the most bed bug-infested city in the United States, marking its fifth consecutive year at the top. However, this year’s report features unexpected shifts, including the remarkable rise of Hartford, Connecticut. Debuting at No. 35 after an astonishing leap of 48 places, Hartford showcases a significant increase in bed bug activity, raising concerns for both residents and travelers alike.

As summer approaches and travel activity intensifies, the risk of encountering these pests increases. For many, the idea of returning home from a vacation only to find themselves plagued by itchy bites is far from appealing. Understanding how to effectively inspect hotel rooms and luggage becomes essential not only for a relaxing trip but also for safeguarding one's home from infestations.

Key Rankings and Trends

According to Orkin, the 2025 rankings were derived from treatment data that highlighted where the highest numbers of bed bug treatments were conducted from May 15, 2024 to May 14, 2025. The list accounts for both residential and commercial treatment activity.

The top ten cities are as follows:
1. Chicago
2. Cleveland (up 2 spots)
3. Detroit (up 3 spots)
4. Los Angeles (up 1 spot)
5. Indianapolis (up 3 spots)
6. Washington D.C. (up 1 spot)
7. Grand Rapids, MI (up 7 spots)
8. Columbus, OH (up 3 spots)
9. Champaign, IL (up 1 spot)
10. Milwaukee (up 15 spots)

Cities like Charlotte, Philadelphia, and New York demonstrated improvement by recently implementing preventive measures against infestations, resulting in significant drops on the list. Insights into these trends underscore the importance of regular inspections, especially for travelers visiting popular destinations.

The Challenge of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs, measuring approximately 3/16 inches in length, are notoriously challenging to detect, especially given that they tend to be most active while their hosts are asleep. Their ability to hide in luggage, clothing, and linens accentuates the need for vigilance during and after traveling.

Ben Hottel, an entomologist at Orkin, emphasizes that bed bugs are resilient pests that can develop resistance to various treatments. This reality underscores the importance of early identification and proactive measures to combat infestations effectively.

Preventive Measures for Travelers: S.L.E.E.P.

To aid travelers in minimizing the risk of bed bugs hitchhiking back home, Orkin recommends the S.L.E.E.P. strategy:

• - Search the hotel room for signs of infestation, including bed bug sightings, reddish-brown stains, or shed skins around the bed and furniture.
• - Lift sheets, curtains, and cushions to check for any signs of bed bugs.
• - Elevate your luggage by placing it on racks rather than on the bed or other furniture.
• - Examine your luggage carefully when you are repacking and again upon returning home.
• - Put dryer-safe clothing from your luggage into the dryer at the highest setting for 30-45 minutes as soon as you get home to kill any lingering pests.

The Importance of Professional Help

Given bed bugs' resilience and the increasing reports of infestations, involving a professional pest control service like Orkin at the first signs of trouble is crucial. With nearly 125 years of experience, Orkin is equipped with modern tools and strategies to handle infestations effectively, and they offer specialized training for hospitality teams to manage these issues.

For additional information on bed bug prevention and control, visitors can explore Orkin's resources at Orkin.com.

Conclusion

As we move deeper into the travel-heavy months, understanding bed bug behavior and preventive measures is essential for protecting homes and families. With Chicago still ranking as the epicenter of bed bugs in America for 2025, vigilance remains key to avoiding unfortunate infestations during the holiday season. Travelers are encouraged to inspect thoroughly and stay informed.

For anyone facing bed bug issues, reaching out to Orkin professionals promises not only a thorough assessment but also effective strategies to ensure properties remain pest-free.