But there can be other signs.
Orkin lists several indicators that travelers should watch for, including dark, ink-like speckling on fabrics, shed exoskeletons, and a sweet, musty odor.
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These signs aren’t necessarily proof by themselves.
A dark spot on a mattress could have many explanations.
A strange smell could have many causes.
And skin irritation can result from numerous things besides bed bugs.
That’s why identification should be based on multiple clues rather than a single suspicious mark.
What About Bed Bug Bites?
Bed bug bites can be difficult to identify.
Different people can react differently to insect bites.
Some people develop noticeable itchy marks.
Others may have little or no obvious reaction.
And many other insects can cause similar-looking skin irritation.
For that reason, a skin mark alone isn’t enough to prove that bed bugs are present.
If you suspect an infestation, look for environmental evidence and, when possible, have the insect identified by a qualified pest professional.
Why Travel Is a Major Concern
Summer is a particularly important time to talk about bed bugs because travel increases the number of people moving between homes, hotels, rental properties, airports, and other accommodations.
A person can unknowingly encounter bed bugs while traveling and later transport them home.
The traveler may not realize anything happened until days or weeks later.
That makes prevention important.
And it doesn’t mean travelers should be afraid of hotels.
It means they should develop a few simple habits.
The S.L.E.E.P. Method
Orkin recommends a travel inspection strategy summarized by the acronym S.L.E.E.P.
The letters stand for:
Search the room for signs of bed bugs.
Lift sheets, curtains, and cushions to inspect hiding places.
Elevate luggage onto racks rather than placing it directly on beds or upholstered furniture.
Examine luggage carefully when repacking and again after returning home.
Place dryer-safe clothing in a dryer for 30 to 45 minutes at the highest heat setting after returning home.
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The strategy is straightforward and doesn’t require travelers to become amateur exterminators.
The goal is simply to reduce opportunities for bed bugs to accompany you home.
Why Luggage Matters
A suitcase can be an excellent hiding place.
It has seams, folds, pockets, zippers, and dark enclosed spaces.
During travel, luggage may sit on beds, floors, couches, luggage racks, or other surfaces.
If bed bugs are present, they can potentially find their way into or onto personal belongings.
That is why luggage deserves attention before and after a trip.
When you’re in a hotel, using a luggage rack rather than placing your suitcase directly on the bed can be a sensible precaution.
When you get home, inspect the luggage before putting it away.
Don’t Put Your Suitcase on the Bed
This is one of the simplest habits travelers can adopt.
When you arrive at a hotel, resist the instinct to immediately open your suitcase on the bed.
Instead, place it somewhere that allows you to inspect the room first.
Lift the sheets.
Check mattress seams.
Look around the bed frame and headboard.
Examine nearby furniture.
You’re not looking for one specific thing.
You’re looking for evidence that something may be wrong.
What If You Find a Bed Bug?
Don’t panic.
A suspected bed bug doesn’t mean your entire life has been ruined.
But don’t ignore it either.
If you’re in a hotel or rental property, document what you found if possible and notify the property manager or hotel management promptly.
Avoid moving your belongings unnecessarily from one room to another before the situation has been addressed.
The goal is to prevent a potential infestation from spreading.
Why Moving Rooms Can Sometimes Matter
If a hotel guest discovers evidence of bed bugs, simply moving to a nearby room without discussing the problem with management may not be enough.
Rooms adjacent to an affected room may also require inspection.
Professional pest-control personnel can determine the appropriate response.
Travelers should therefore report suspected infestations rather than quietly packing everything and leaving the problem for the next guest.
What If You Bring Bed Bugs Home?
This is the scenario everyone wants to avoid.
If you suspect that bed bugs have followed you home, don’t immediately carry luggage into the bedroom and unpack everything on the bed.
Instead, keep potentially affected belongings contained and inspect them carefully.
Clothing that can safely tolerate high dryer heat may be treated according to appropriate pest-control guidance.
Orkin specifically recommends placing dryer-safe clothing from luggage into the dryer for 30 to 45 minutes at the highest heat setting after returning home.
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For items that cannot be safely heated, professional advice may be necessary.
Bed Bugs Don’t Simply Disappear
One particularly dangerous assumption is:
“Maybe they’ll go away.”
Bed bugs are difficult pests.
An established infestation generally requires active intervention.
Orkin notes that infestations rarely resolve on their own and recommends involving trained professionals when signs are found.
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The sooner an infestation is identified, the sooner a treatment plan can be developed.
Avoid Random DIY Chemicals
When people discover bed bugs, they may immediately search for home remedies.
Some can be ineffective.
Others can be dangerous.
Using excessive pesticides or applying products to places where they aren’t labeled for use can expose people and pets to unnecessary risks.
A professional pest-control provider can identify the species, determine the extent of the infestation, and recommend an appropriate treatment strategy.
If you use a pesticide yourself, always follow the product label exactly.
More product does not necessarily mean better results.
Chicago Isn’t Alone
Although Chicago occupies the No. 1 spot, the 2026 ranking shows that bed bugs aren’t a uniquely Chicago problem.
Los Angeles ranks second.
Detroit is third.
Cleveland is fourth.
Indianapolis is fifth.
Other major cities appearing high on the list include Washington, D.C., Columbus, Pittsburgh, New York, Milwaukee, Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Denver.
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In other words, the issue stretches across multiple regions.
The Midwest is particularly prominent in this year’s ranking.
Orkin notes that Ohio has six cities represented among the top 50.
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New Vacation Destinations Enter the List
The 2026 report also highlights some interesting newcomers.
Tampa, Florida, Kansas City, Missouri, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, entered the top 50.
