Bed bugs probably aren’t on your mind when you’re planning a vacation, especially when you’re busy comparing hotels, booking restaurants, and deciding which attractions to visit. Yet taking a few minutes to check your hotel room before unpacking can help you avoid bringing unwanted guests home.
Orkin recently released its 2026 Bed Bug Cities List, ranking the U.S. metro areas where the company performed the most bed bug treatments between May 12, 2025, and May 12, 2026. The ranking includes both residential and commercial treatments, and several popular travel destinations made the list.
The 12 Cities Topping the List
Chicago claimed the top spot again, with Los Angeles, Detroit, Cleveland, and Indianapolis rounding out the first five. Here are the 12 highest-ranked cities on Orkin’s 2026 list.
- Chicago
- Los Angeles
- Detroit
- Cleveland
- Indianapolis
- Springfield, Illinois
- Washington, D.C.
- Columbus, Ohio
- Pittsburgh
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Denver
- New York
The rankings reflect where Orkin carried out the most bed bug treatments, not a count of every infestation in each city. Bed bugs can turn up anywhere, so a city’s position on the list doesn’t mean every hotel, rental, or home there has a problem.
Related: 13 Breathtaking Pedestrian-Friendly Cities
What Travelers Should Check Before Unpacking
Bed bugs are small and good at hiding, so look for several signs rather than relying on a quick glance. Check for live insects, tiny dark stains on sheets or mattresses, shed skins around seams and crevices, and signs of activity near the headboard or nearby furniture.
Pull back the bedding and inspect the mattress seams, bed frame, and headboard before placing your luggage near the bed. Keep suitcases on a luggage rack away from the bed and upholstered furniture, and check your bags again before leaving.
Related: 15 Most Dangerous Cities in America
What to Do When You Get Home
Give your luggage another inspection after the trip, paying attention to seams, pockets, and folds where bed bugs could hide. Put dryer-safe clothing from your suitcase in a dryer on its highest heat setting for 30 to 45 minutes, following the care labels for each item.
If you spot signs of bed bugs in your room, avoid moving your belongings around and contact hotel staff to report the problem and request help. A few minutes of checking before and after a stay can lower the chance of carrying these pests home, but it’s still a good reminder to do a quick check wherever your travels take you.
Related: 17 Most Dangerous Cities in the United States
