As travel season approaches, it's essential to be aware of bed bug risks. Orkin’s latest report lists the top 50 cities in the US most infested with bed bugs, with Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia leading the chart. These pests are resilient, thriving in both clean and cluttered environments, and can be transported via luggage, clothing, and furniture.
Top 10 Bed Bug Cities in 2024:
- Chicago
- New York
- Philadelphia
- Cleveland-Akron, OH
- Los Angeles
- Detroit
- Washington, D.C.
- Indianapolis
- Charlotte
- Champaign, IL
How to Protect Yourself from Bed Bugs
At Home:
- Regularly inspect your home for signs of bed bugs, especially in mattress seams and behind headboards.
- Reduce clutter to make it easier to spot bed bugs.
- Examine secondhand furniture before bringing it inside.
Read our Bed Bug information page for more details about bed bugs.
While Traveling: (S.L.E.E.P.):
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- Survey your hotel room for bed bug signs like small, dark stains on mattresses.
- Lift and look in bed bug hiding spots, such as behind baseboards and under mattresses.
- Elevate your luggage away from the bed and walls.
- Examine your luggage when repacking and after returning home.
- Place clothes from your luggage in a dryer on high heat for 30-45 minutes.
- Use a bed bug travel spray everywhere you go to stay protected at all times
Identifying and Managing Infestations
- Bed bugs are small, wingless, and reddish-brown.
- Look for bite marks, skin rashes, or a sweet musty odor.
- Seek professional help for severe infestations, or purchase Bed bug treatments and do it yourself.
Read our bed bug guide for a comprehensive solution to treating bed bugs.
To view the full article and the full list of infested cities, visit the Fox Weather article.
