Content updated: May 27th, 2026

Key takeaways

  • Philadelphia ranked as the city with the worst bed bug problem, followed by Cincinnati, New York, Detroit, and Cleveland-Akron, based on 2025 data from Rentokil-owned Terminix branches.
  • Bed bugs are found in every city, but dense urban environments see the highest activity and greater risk of spread through travel, housing, and shared spaces.
  • Traveling to top bed bug cities increases exposure risk, so checking hotel beds, using luggage racks, and heat-drying clothes after trips helps prevent bringing them home.
  • Professional bed bug control is the most effective solution for infestations, since experts can fully identify, treat, and eliminate bed bugs where DIY methods often fail.

*The data for this content was pulled from Rentokil North America, Inc. “Terminix” branches. Rentokil does not operate Terminix branches in all states.



Jump to section:

What cities have the worst bed bug infestations?

Avoiding unwanted souvenirs

The hidden costs of thrifted goods

What to do if you’ve brought home bed bugs

Philadelphia ranked as this year’s worst city for bed bugs, according to Rentokil-owned Terminix branch data, where homeowners needed the most bed bug treatments in 2025. Find out if your city, or the city you plan to vacation in, made the most infested bed bug cities list, and learn how to make sure you don’t bring bed bugs home with you.



What cities have the worst bed bug infestations?

Philadelphia, Cincinnati, New York, Detroit, and Cleveland-Akron are ranked the top five cities with the most bed bugs, based on 2025 service data from over 300 Rentokil-owned Terminix branches. Philadelphia held the top bed bug city spot for a second year in a row, while Detroit moved up in the rankings from last year.

The truth is, every city and state has bed bugs, but urban areas often see the most activity. Pennsylvania and Ohio are the most represented states this year, with multiple cities ranking in the top 20. See if your town ranks as one of the cities with the worst bed bug problem:

Here are the top 50 bed bug cities, ranked by the number of treatments performed:

  1. Philadelphia, PA
  2. Cincinnati, OH
  3. New York, NY
  4. Detroit, MI
  5. Cleveland, OH
  6. Chicago, IL
  7. Atlanta, GA
  8. Washington, DC
  9. Nashville, TN
  10. Charleston, WV
  11. Dallas, TX
  12. Little Rock, AR
  13. Columbus, OH
  14. Indianapolis, IN
  15. Baltimore, MD
  16. Boston, MA
  17. Pittsburgh, PA
  18. Houston, TX
  19. Memphis, TN
  20. Cape Girardeau, MO
  21. Toledo, OH
  22. Tampa, FL
  23. Denver, CO
  24. Los Angeles, CA
  25. Kansas City, MO
  26. Dayton, OH
  27. Oklahoma City, OK
  28. Lexington, KY
  29. Orlando, FL
  30. Tulsa, OK
  31. Grand Rapids, MI
  32. Harrisburg, PA
  33. Louisville, KY
  34. Milwaukee, WI
  35. Wilkes-Barre, PA
  36. Jackson, MS
  37. Springfield, IL
  38. Birmingham, AL
  39. San Francisco, CA
  40. Flint, MI
  41. Springfield, MO
  42. Fayetteville, AR
  43. Shreveport, LA
  44. Tyler, TX
  45. South Bend, IN
  46. Youngstown, OH
  47. Hartford, CT
  48. Johnstown, PA
  49. Salisbury, MD
  50. Wichita, KS


Avoiding unwanted souvenirs

Traveling to cities with the most bed bugs increases your risk, but a few quick habits can help keep your home protected. Here are some tips to help you check for bed bugs in your hotel:

  • Before unpacking in a hotel, use your phone flashlight to check mattress seams and headboards for small rust-colored stains or live bugs the size of an apple seed. Keep your luggage on a hard, stand-alone surface, such as a table, rather than on the bed or the floor.
  • During your stay, keep your suitcase zipped when not in use and avoid placing clothing on upholstered surfaces, since this is one of the most common ways of how bed bugs spread between belongings and hotel furniture. If you notice itchy, red bed bug bites, notify your hotel immediately.
  • Once you return home, unpack on a hard surface away from your living area, such as a garage floor, to help avoid bed bugs escaping into carpets. Tumble all dryer-safe clothing on high heat for 30 minutes to kill any hidden eggs or adults before they enter your wardrobe.
suitcase in hotel


The hidden cost of thrifted goods

Bed bugs are dangerous because they can spread quickly, disrupt sleep, and cause ongoing stress if left unchecked. While travel is a major factor, secondhand shopping is another common way these bloodsuckers enter homes in the top bed bug cities. Knowing what bed bugs look like and which items pose the highest risk can keep your home protected from unexpected hitchhikers.

  • Upholstered furniture: Couches, armchairs, and office chairs are prime hiding spots. Carefully peel back fabric edges and check under cushions for tiny black spots or shed skins.
  • Mattresses & bed frames: Use a flashlight to check every screw hole, joint, and seam for signs of bed bugs.
  • Clothing & linens: Even "clean" looking fabrics can harbor eggs. Immediately place secondhand fabrics in a dryer on high heat for 30 minutes before bringing them near your closet.
  • Electronics & decor: Bed bugs love tight, warm spaces like the electronics near the bed or the inside of a picture frame. Give every hard surface a thorough wipe-down and visual inspection outside.


What to do if you've brought home bed bugs

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, avoid moving furniture or bedding between rooms, as this often spreads the problem further. It’s best to call a professional for help, as DIY sprays and home solutions for bed bugs are typically ineffective and can often scatter bugs into hard-to-reach areas.

Whether you reside in one of the worst cities for bed bugs or will be traveling home from one, Terminix is ready to help you regain your peace of mind. Every home is different, which is why we provide a customized treatment plan tailored to your home’s layout. Schedule your free bed bug inspection today to get started.