Chicago Tops Orkin’s 2025 Bed Bug Cities List Again — Fifth Straight Year at No. 1
Pest Control Person Looking for Bed Bugs. Orkin’s 2025 Bed Bug Cities List (Image Staff)Chicago, Illinois (Times Media Service) – Chicago has been named the nation’s most bed bug‑infested city for the fifth straight year on Orkin’s 2025 Top 50 Bed Bug Cities List, using treatment data from May 15, 2024, through May 14, 2025, highlighting persistent urban pest challenges.
Key takeaways
- Chicago is No. 1 on Orkin’s 2025 Top 50 Bed Bug Cities List for the fifth consecutive year — ranking based on Orkin treatment volume. Source: Orkin and PR Newswire.
- Top 5 cities include Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Los Angeles and Indianapolis; the list reflects Orkin’s residential and commercial treatment data from May 15, 2024–May 14, 2025. Source: PCT Online and CBS Chicago.
- Unexpected shifts: Hartford jumped 48 spots to #35, showing outbreaks can occur in places without prior visibility. Source: PR Newswire and Orkin.
How the list is made
Orkin’s annual ranking is calculated from the number of bed bug treatments the company performed in each metropolitan area over a 12‑month window — including both commercial jobs (hotels, offices, schools) and residential service calls. The 2025 list covers treatments from May 15, 2024 — May 14, 2025. Orkin officials note the list reflects where pest activity is highest among areas the company serves and does not represent a national census. Source: Orkin and PR Newswire.
2025 Top 10 snapshot
The top 10 metropolitan areas on Orkin’s 2025 list are:
- 1. Chicago, IL
- 2. Cleveland, OH
- 3. Detroit, MI
- 4. Los Angeles, CA
- 5. Indianapolis, IN
- 6. Washington, D.C.
- 7. Grand Rapids, MI
- 8. Columbus, OH
- 9. Champaign, IL
- 10. Milwaukee, WI
Source: PCT Online and CBS Chicago.
Why Chicago remains No. 1
Experts and city officials point to several recurring factors: large population centers produce more potential hosts and more opportunities for bed bugs to hitch rides; busy travel hubs (airports, train stations, hotels) increase movement of people and luggage; and older, high‑density housing enables migration between units. These elements combine to keep Chicago at the top for multiple years. Source: PR Newswire and local reporting on CBS Chicago.
Unexpected climbs and slips
The 2025 rankings show movement in cities that historically drew less attention for bed bugs. Hartford’s jump of 48 spots to #35 illustrates how outbreaks can appear in unexpected places. At the same time, large cities such as Philadelphia, Charlotte and New York saw declines — suggesting that local prevention and treatment can change a city’s position over time. Source: PR Newswire and Orkin.
Role of travel and seasonality
Orkin emphasizes travel as a primary vector: people can pick up hitchhiking insects in hotels, public transit or shared living spaces and bring them home in luggage or clothing. Infestations often rise during travel‑heavy months. The company urges vigilance when staying in hotels and when bringing used furniture or textiles into a home. Source: PR Newswire.
What experts say about bed bugs
Pest professionals note that bed bugs are not a sign of poor hygiene. They feed on human blood, thrive where people sleep or rest, and can avoid detection for long periods. Left unchecked, a small problem may become a costly infestation requiring professional removal. Prevention, early detection and swift treatment remain the top recommendations. Source: Orkin and industry coverage on PCT Online.
“Prevention, early detection and rapid professional response are the keys to limiting spread.” — Pest-control experts
Practical tips for travelers and residents
Orkin and pest-control specialists recommend the following steps to reduce risk:
- Inspect hotel mattresses, headboards and furniture on arrival.
- Keep luggage on racks and off beds or floors.
- Launder travel clothes on high heat after returning home.
- Inspect used furniture thoroughly before bringing it indoors.
- Contact a licensed pest control company promptly if you find bites or signs of bed bugs.
Source: Orkin and industry reporting on PCT Online.
Implications for San Diego
Economic impact: San Diego’s tourism, hospitality and convention sectors could be vulnerable to traveler‑mediated pest problems. Even though Los Angeles ranked #4, a high‑profile infestation at a downtown hotel or convention venue could harm bookings and require costly remediation; local pest firms should prepare for seasonal upticks. Source: Orkin.
City leaders may face pressure to update hotel inspection policies or strengthen tenant protections if bed bugs are reported in multiunit housing. San Diego officials and county housing authorities could see calls to fund outreach, landlord education and treatment assistance — especially for low‑income residents in older apartments. Policymakers must balance regulation with costs to small landlords. Source: PR Newswire and national reporting trends.
Infestations can create stigma and stress; in multiunit buildings a single untreated unit can lead to spread and neighbor conflict. Socially vulnerable communities may delay reporting for fear of eviction. Outreach programs that reduce stigma and provide clear prevention/treatment guidance can limit community spread. Source: Orkin.
San Diego’s culture of travel and hospitality makes the ‘hitchhiking‘ nature of bed bugs especially relevant — frequent travelers and short‑term rental operators should consider staff training on identification and prevention to protect the city’s reputation. Source: Orkin.
Practical applications for residents and businesses
- Hotels and short‑term rentals: Routine mattress inspections, staff training and rapid response plans; document sanitation to reassure guests.
- Apartment managers and landlords: Clear reporting channels; consider subsidized treatments or partnerships with licensed pest firms to prevent spread.
- Travelers: Follow Orkin’s travel tips — inspect rooms, keep luggage elevated, launder on hot settings.
- San Diego pest‑control industry: Anticipate seasonal surges and coordinate public education campaigns with county health to improve early detection.
Source: Orkin and PR Newswire.
Reporting and transparency
Orkin’s list is one indicator of relative pest pressure based on the company’s treatment volume; it does not replace local reporting systems or public‑health surveillance and primarily reflects where Orkin operates. San Diego agencies should continue tracking complaints and coordinating with licensed pest managers for transparent, timely responses. Source: Orkin.
