Once again, Democrat-run Chicago has topped the unflattering list as the worst city for bed bugs, holding this dubious honor for five consecutive years.
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This revelation should sound alarms about the city’s persistent issues rooted in mismanagement and poor governance.
Chicago leads the nation with its bed bug problem according to Orkin’s Top 50 Bed Bug Cities List.
The list draws from extensive extermination data across both residential and commercial sectors.
Orkin’s rankings relied on treatment data covering May 15, 2024, through May 14, 2025.
Other cities like Cleveland, Detroit, and Los Angeles trail behind Chicago’s troubling status, but that’s cold comfort for the residents tormented by these pests.
In contrast, cities such as Charlotte, Philadelphia, and New York saw declines in bed bug presence, possibly signaling a successful intervention approach.
The report highlighted Hartford, Connecticut’s dramatic climb to No. 35, having moved up 48 spots.
Meanwhile, Peoria, Illinois joined the list at number 33, further suggesting that the problem isn’t isolated to major metropolitan centers.
Dr. Ben Hottel, an Orkin entomologist, remarks on the enduring struggle against bed bugs.
“What makes bed bugs especially challenging is their growing resistance to certain treatments, which is why early detection and proactive prevention are so critical,” he said.
Dr. Hottel emphasizes the significance of awareness during the travel-heavy summer months.
Orkin recommends travelers utilize the S.L.E.E.P acronym—Search, Lift, Elevate, Examine, and Place—to inspect hotel rooms thoroughly.
Awareness is key as prevention and early detection can stop bed bugs from spreading further.
Orkin also advises calling professionals at the first sign of an infestation rather than attempting to handle it independently, given the insects’ resistance and deceptive appearance.
After all, these persistent pests are as cunning as they are resilient, outlasting myriad attempts at eradication.
Beyond Chicago, the top ten list includes Columbus, Champaign, Milwaukee, and Washington D.C.
These cities must monitor the situation closely. Surely no one wants to claim the spot Chicago has guarded for so long.
The pest control battle requires strategic planning and commitment. Residents need to press local leaders to address bed bug management head-on.
Until then, Chicago continues to endure, yet again serving as a glaring example of what happens when problems aren’t tackled swiftly and effectively.
Chicago named America's most bed bug-infested city for another year https://t.co/S3dt2Yup6Y
— NBC Chicago (@nbcchicago) July 1, 2025
