In unbelievable news for Chicago, the Democrat-run city has once again topped Orkin’s notorious list as the number one place in the United States plagued with bed bug infestations.
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For five consecutive years, the Windy City has held this unsettling title, raising questions about the city’s management.
As usual, Orkin’s rankings reflect residential and commercial service calls from May 2024 to May 2025.
Chicago is not alone in this unflattering spotlight.
While familiar names like Cleveland, Detroit, and Los Angeles continue to round out the undesirable top 10, Hartford, Connecticut’s shocking leap to number 35 illustrates how widespread this issue has become.
Despite these challenges, some cities, such as Charlotte, Philadelphia, and New York, have improved, slipping down the list, suggesting some progress in battling these resilient pests.
Orkin’s data collection period spans from May 2024 to May 2025, emphasizing the persistent issue at hand.
Dr. Ben Hottel, an entomologist, highlights the difficult nature of combatting bed bugs, noting their resilience and growing resistance to certain treatments.
He advises early detection and prevention as critical components in managing infestations, particularly with summer travel on the rise.
“As summer travel picks up, it is critical that people know the best ways to identify, prevent and control these pests,” Hottel said.
The infestation list is not without newcomers.
Peoria, Illinois, has made a debut appearance, marking its spot at number 33.
Such developments serve as a stark reminder of the importance of awareness and readiness to tackle infestations.
Orkin suggests utilizing the S.L.E.E.P. acronym to inspect for bed bugs during travels: Search, Lift, Elevate, Examine, and Place, reinforcing preventive measures wherever possible.
It’s essential to acknowledge the cities that recorded significant increases in their rankings, including Cedar Rapids, Omaha, and South Bend.
Their predicament highlights not only the challenges faced but also the urgent need to find effective solutions to keep these persistent pests at bay.
Bed bugs remain a troublesome adversary, making vigilance and immediate action allies in this ongoing fight.
Orkin just crowned Chicago, Illinois the Bed Bug Capital of America for the 5th straight year.
Crime in the streets—bed bugs in the sheets.
What a time to be alive in the Windy City. pic.twitter.com/AfR9WgDgG9
— Midwest Millennial (@MillennialVerse) July 1, 2025
