Bed bugs probably aren’t the first thing you think about when planning a trip. You might compare hotel prices, plan where you’ll eat, and make a list of everything you want to see, but checking the room for tiny unwanted guests doesn’t always make the itinerary.
Unfortunately, it might be worth adding to the list.
Orkin recently released its 2026 Bed Bug Cities List, and several major destinations landed near the top. The company says cities with lots of residents and visitors moving through apartments, dorms, hotels, and other accommodations can provide more opportunities for bed bugs to spread.
The 12 cities topping the list
- Chicago
- Los Angeles
- Detroit
- Cleveland
- Indianapolis
- Springfield, Illinois
- Washington, D.C.
- Columbus, Ohio
- Pittsburgh
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Denver
- New York
What travelers should check before unpacking
Bed bugs are tiny and good at hiding, but you can look for signs. Orkin recommends checking for the insects themselves along with dark speckled stains on fabrics, shed exoskeletons around furniture and crevices, and a sweet or musty smell.
Lift the sheets and check around the mattress and nearby furniture before unpacking. Keep your luggage elevated and away from the bed, and inspect it again when you’re packing to leave.
Orkin also recommends checking your luggage again when you get home and putting dryer-safe clothing from your suitcase in the dryer for 30 to 45 minutes on the highest heat setting.
And remember, appearing on this list doesn’t mean every hotel, Airbnb, or home in one of these cities has bed bugs. The rankings reflect where Orkin performed the most residential and commercial bed bug treatments during the one-year period measured, but it’s still a good reminder to do a quick check wherever your travels take you.
