Pest control company, Terminix, has dropped its Top 50 Most Bed Bug-Infested U.S. Cities, and the results may surprise you!
Although we’re known for our rats, roaches and occasional bed bugs, NYC did not place first among the most bed bug-infested cities—thank goodness! In fact, that title went to none other than Philadelphia, reigning as the most bed bug-infested city for two consecutive years. That’s all to say NYC did place as the second most infested city—but hey, at least we’re not first!
Top 25 most bed bug-infested U.S. cities
- Philadelphia
- New York City
- Cleveland-Akron (Canton)
- Los Angeles
- Dallas-Ft. Worth
- Atlanta
- Houston
- Washington, D.C. (Hagerstown)
- San Francisco-Oak-San Jose
- Indianapolis
- Dayton
- Columbus
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Pittsburgh
- Denver
- Detroit
- Boston (Manchester)
- Oklahoma City
- Baltimore
- Memphis
- Nashville
- St. Louis
- Little Rock – Pine Bluff
- Kansas City
Terminix’s methodology consisted of analyzing 2024 service data from more than 300 nationwide branches. Specifically cities in Ohio, Texas, California, Florida and Pennsylvania saw a surge in bed bug activity due to factors such as urban density, increased travel and housing conditions.
Technical Service Manager at Terminix, Eric Braun said:
We have seen a consistent increase in bed bug control service performed since the ‘new normal’ post-COVID-19 pandemic. As travel, social gatherings, and public activity resumed, so did the opportunities for bed bugs to spread, prompting a rise in both awareness and demand for professional pest control services.
If dealing with bed bugs isn’t necessarily on your to-do list this year, Terminix has shared some helpful tips to prevent it. Before you get comfy in a hotel room, Terminix advises you inspect all mattresses, headboards, and furniture for bed bugs or their shed skins.
Following your trip, unpack away from your bedroom, whether that be outside of your home, in a basement or a garage. You can even place your clothing in the dryer and run a cycle for 30 minutes on high heat to kill off any potential bed bugs. If your space gets infested, skip the DIY treatments and get professional treatment as soon as possible to contain the infestation.
You can explore the whole ranking for yourself on the Terminix website.