Chicago again named U.S. “most bedbug‑infested city” on Orkin’s 2025 list as other metros shift
Chicago has been named the nation’s most bedbug‑infested city for the fifth straight year in Orkin’s 2025 report, based on treatment records from May 15, 2024 to May 14, 2025 — Cleveland and Detroit follow Chicago.
Key takeaways
- Chicago is No. 1 on Orkin’s 2025 list for the fifth consecutive year, based on company treatment records.
- Top 10 includes Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Los Angeles and Indianapolis among others.
- Shifts include large rises (Hartford up 48 places) and falls (New York, Charlotte, Philadelphia down the list).
- Local impact matters: travel, hospitality and multiunit housing responses are key to prevention.
How Orkin’s 2025 bed bug list was compiled
Orkin’s annual ranking is drawn from the number of bedbug treatments the company performed in U.S. metro areas between May 15, 2024 and May 14, 2025, covering both commercial and residential jobs. The list reflects where Orkin’s services were most in demand rather than a formal scientific census.
For details, see the Orkin press room and reporting on the rankings at PCTonline.
Why Chicago remains No. 1
Persistence and pattern: Chicago’s fifth consecutive top ranking highlights an ongoing problem. Experts note bedbugs travel on luggage and clothing, are small and hard to spot, and can thrive in dense housing and high‑traffic areas — all factors that keep Orkin treatment calls high.
Local coverage and context are available from CBS Chicago and Orkin’s release at the Orkin press room.
Rising and falling cities: what changed this year
The 2025 rankings show notable movement across metros. Hartford, Conn. jumped into the list at No. 35 after a 48‑place rise, signaling a sudden local surge. By contrast, New York City fell to No. 15; Charlotte dropped to No. 31; and Philadelphia fell to No. 24.
These changes can reflect local prevention efforts, travel patterns, or differences in how residents and businesses report and treat infestations. Read additional coverage at PR Newswire and PCTonline.
Travel and spread: an ongoing risk
“Travel plays a major role in moving bedbugs between cities.”
Orkin cautions that peak travel seasons and heavy commuter traffic help spread bedbugs quickly. Travelers are urged to inspect hotel rooms, check luggage, and keep belongings off beds and floors. Early detection and prompt treatment reduce the risk of costly, disruptive infestations.
See Orkin’s guidance at the Orkin press room and the PR summary at PR Newswire.
Public and private responses
The Orkin list frequently prompts action from municipal health departments, hotels and landlords. Typical responses include increased inspections, updated guidance for multiunit housing, and heightened cleaning and staff training in hospitality.
Coordinated treatment across units, clear tenant communications, and targeted education campaigns are common strategies cited by public‑health officials and industry reporting (see CBS Chicago and PCTonline).
What homeowners, renters and businesses should know
- Inspect luggage and hotel rooms: look for small rust‑colored spots on mattresses, seams, and furniture; keep suitcases on racks, not beds or floors. (Orkin press room)
- Act early: contact a pest professional promptly if you suspect bedbugs — delays make eradication harder and more expensive. (PR Newswire)
- For landlords: establish inspection and treatment protocols, communicate clearly with tenants, and coordinate building‑wide responses when necessary. (CBS Chicago)
Implications for The High Desert, California
Economic impact: The High Desert — including Victorville, Apple Valley and Hesperia — is connected to travel corridors and lodging along I‑15. With Los Angeles ranked No. 4, the chance of travel‑linked introductions rises, meaning local hotels and short‑term rentals may face more scrutiny and potential reputation risk.
Political consequences: Local control advocates may prefer targeted, cost‑effective responses. County and city officials can emphasize practical outreach, landlord‑tenant cooperation, and limited public education rather than broad mandates.
Social effects: Bedbugs carry stigma that disproportionately affects renters and low‑income households in multiunit housing. Fair, prompt responses and nonjudgmental outreach encourage reporting and treatment.
Cultural relevance: Messaging that emphasizes simple, everyday steps — inspect hotel rooms, keep luggage off beds, report suspected infestations — will resonate in a community that values self‑reliance and practical solutions.
Practical applications for local residents and businesses
- Hotels and motels: develop inspection checklists and train staff; consider periodic third‑party inspections during peak travel seasons. (Orkin press room)
- Property managers and landlords: adopt written protocols for inspection, treatment, tenant notification and cost sharing; coordinate treatments across buildings. (CBS Chicago)
- Travelers: when passing through high‑ranked hubs such as Los Angeles, take extra precautions with luggage and vehicle interiors to avoid introducing bedbugs to home. (PR Newswire)
- Local health officials: use the Orkin list as a prompt for targeted education for multiunit housing, hospitality and transport‑linked industries rather than to incite alarm. (PCTonline)
Sources and further reading
- Orkin: “Worst Cities for Bed Bugs – Annual Rankings”
- PR Newswire: “Chicago Tops Orkin’s 2025 Bed Bug Cities List Again”
- CBS Chicago: “Bed bug city: Chicago tops Orkin”
- PCTonline: coverage of Orkin’s 2025 rankings
Substantive reporting and practical guidance for High Desert readers on a national trend that has local implications. Preserve original facts and sources for follow‑up and community planning.
