Myrtle Beach is particularly notable because it is a major vacation destination.
The inclusion of popular travel locations reinforces the relationship between travel and opportunities for bed bugs to move between accommodations and households.
But again, ranking on this list does not mean that a particular destination is unsafe to visit.
Millions of people travel every year without encountering bed bugs.
Awareness is about reducing risk, not eliminating travel.
Some Cities Moved Dramatically
The 2026 ranking also shows that bed bug activity isn’t static.
Nashville and Oklahoma City each climbed 10 positions.
Hartford rose nine places.
Seattle also moved up nine spots.
Meanwhile, Youngstown dropped 10 places, Omaha fell 10, and Knoxville declined 11.
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Orkin
These shifts are a useful reminder that pest activity changes over time.
A city’s position on one annual list shouldn’t be treated as a permanent label.
Why Rankings Change
There are numerous possible reasons for changes in treatment activity.
Orkin notes factors including travel trends, treatment resistance, and public education campaigns.
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Orkin
Consumer behavior can also change.
People may become more aware of bed bugs and seek professional help sooner.
Travel patterns can change.
Housing conditions can change.
Pest-control practices can change.
All of these factors can influence treatment numbers.
That’s another reason why these rankings are better viewed as a snapshot of pest-control activity than a perfect measurement of infestation prevalence.
Chicago’s Reputation as a Pest City
Chicago has a long-running reputation for pest problems.
For years, the city also appeared at the top of Orkin’s annual “rattiest cities” rankings.
That changed in 2025, when Los Angeles took the No. 1 spot in Orkin’s rodent ranking, ending Chicago’s decade-long run.
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Orkin
But Chicago has continued to dominate the company’s bed bug rankings.
The distinction between these lists is important.
A city can rank highly for one pest and not another.
Different pests respond to different environmental conditions and human behaviors.
The “Windy City” Can’t Blow Them Away
Chicago’s nickname makes for easy jokes.
But wind isn’t going to solve a bed bug infestation.
Bed bugs hide indoors.
They aren’t flying insects.
They aren’t going to be blown away by Chicago’s famous weather.
Once established, they can remain hidden in protected locations and emerge when conditions are favorable.
That is why inspection and treatment matter more than the city’s climate reputation.
Are Bed Bugs Dangerous?
Bed bugs are primarily known for biting humans and causing itching and irritation.
They are not generally regarded in the same category as mosquitoes, which can transmit certain serious infectious diseases.
Nevertheless, bed bugs can have a substantial impact on quality of life.
Persistent itching can be miserable.
Repeated bites can interfere with sleep.
Some people experience significant anxiety after discovering an infestation.
And the financial and emotional costs of eliminating an established infestation can be considerable.
So while “bed bug capital” sounds like a joke, the underlying problem is no laughing matter for people dealing with an infestation.
The Psychological Impact Can Be Significant
Discovering insects in your bed can trigger a powerful emotional response.
People may feel embarrassed.
They may become afraid to sleep.
They may repeatedly inspect mattresses.
Some become reluctant to invite guests into their homes.
These reactions are understandable.
But remember: bed bugs aren’t evidence that someone is dirty.
They can happen to anyone.
The appropriate response is practical action rather than shame.
What Homeowners Can Do
Homeowners can reduce risk by regularly inspecting sleeping areas, particularly after travel.
Keep bedrooms reasonably uncluttered so that inspection is easier.
When purchasing used furniture, inspect it carefully before bringing it into the home.
Secondhand mattresses and upholstered furniture deserve particular caution because hidden pests can be difficult to detect.
If you suspect an infestation, seek professional identification rather than assuming every insect is a bed bug.
What Renters Can Do
Renters should report suspected infestations promptly to their property manager or landlord.
Don’t assume that hiding the problem will make it disappear.
In multi-unit buildings, pest management can require coordinated action.
A single untreated apartment can potentially contribute to continuing problems elsewhere.
The sooner management knows about a suspected infestation, the sooner appropriate inspection and treatment can begin.
What Travelers Should Remember
If you’re traveling this summer, there’s no reason to cancel your plans simply because Chicago or another city appears on a pest-control ranking.
Instead:
Inspect your hotel room when you arrive.
Keep luggage elevated and away from beds when practical.
Don’t leave clothing scattered across the room.
Check luggage before repacking.
Inspect belongings after returning home.
Use appropriate heat treatment for dryer-safe clothing when recommended.
Report suspected infestations immediately.
These habits are inexpensive and straightforward.
Final Thoughts
Chicago has once again earned the unwanted title of America’s “bed bug capital”—at least according to Orkin’s 2026 ranking.
The company placed Chicago at No. 1 for the sixth consecutive year, based on its residential and commercial bed bug treatment data collected between May 12, 2025, and May 12, 2026.
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But the headline deserves context.
This isn’t a government census counting every bed bug in the country.
It’s a ranking based on one pest-control company’s treatment activity.
Still, Chicago’s repeated position at the top makes the trend worth paying attention to.
The larger lesson is relevant whether you’re in Chicago, Los Angeles, Detroit, Cleveland, or a small town that doesn’t appear on any list:
Bed bugs can happen anywhere.
They don’t care whether a home is luxurious or modest.
They don’t care whether a traveler stays at an expensive hotel or a budget property.
And they don’t disappear simply because a room looks clean.
The best defense is awareness.
Inspect when traveling.
Protect your luggage.
Pay attention to warning signs.
Act quickly if you find evidence.
And don’t let embarrassment stop you from asking for help.
Chicago may have taken the crown again, but the real winner should be the traveler who returns home without bringing an unwanted passenger along.
