Chicago just earned a dubious honor for the sixth year straight, topping Orkin’s 2026 Bed Bug Cities List as the worst city in the nation for infestations. According to PEOPLE, the pest control company’s July 7, 2026, report ranks metro areas based on the number of bed bug treatments performed between May 12, 2025, and May 12, 2026. And Chicago’s title isn’t just a local headache. It’s a warning for anyone visiting the city this summer.
Summer travel is in full swing, and bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers. They latch onto luggage, clothing, and other personal items, turning hotels, short-term rentals, and even public transit into unwitting distribution hubs. Orkin’s data shows that many of the cities with the worst infestations are also major tourist destinations. Chicago, which saw 56.8 million visitors in 2025, is a prime example.
The city’s packed event calendar – think Lollapalooza, conventions, and sporting events – draws crowds from all over, increasing the chances of bed bugs spreading. Dr. Shannon Sked, Orkin entomologist and national technical director, stressed that travelers need to stay vigilant. “Bed bug awareness is especially important during travel season,” she said.
Orkin recommends the S.L.E.E.P. method to inspect rooms and belongings
This includes: Search for signs of infestation, Lift and check sheets and furniture, Elevate luggage away from beds and couches, Examine bags before repacking, and Place dryer-safe clothes on the highest heat setting for 30 to 45 minutes after returning home. It’s a simple routine, but it can save you from bringing these pests home.
Chicago’s dominance on the list is no fluke. Los Angeles, which moved up two spots from last year, ranks second, followed by Detroit, Cleveland, and Indianapolis. Ohio stands out as the most represented state, with six cities in the top 50. The Midwest is clearly a hotspot, though the reasons aren’t entirely clear…