You might’ve heard that Chicago is the rattiest city in the U.S., but did you know the Windy City is also the top harborer of another kind of pest?
Chicago has nabbed the #1 spot on pest control company Orkin’s 2025 Top 50 Bed Bug Cities list — for the fifth consecutive year.
Pulling back the fitted sheet on Chicago’s bed bug problem
Chicago outranked cities like New York City, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Los Angeles as the most bed bug–infested city in the U.S., according to Orkin’s recent report.
The list is based on data from metro areas with the most bed bug–related service requests between May 2024 and May 2025.
How Chicago became America’s bed buggiest city
As for how Chicago came to top the list once again, tourism traffic could play a big role, according to Orkin.
Bed bugs often spread by hitching rides on everyday items like luggage and clothing after those items come into contact infested areas — including airports, buses, bathrooms, and other public spaces.
While bed bugs are a common pest, the insects can be extremely hard to get rid of due to their ability to resist typical pest control methods.
“Bed bugs are some of the most resilient pests in the world, making them extremely difficult to control if brought into a home or hotel,” said Ben Hottel, Orkin entomologist.
“As summer travel picks up, it is critical that people know the best ways to identify, prevent and control these pests.”
Preventing bed bugs in your home
Preventing the spread of bed bugs means performing regular checks and practicing hygienic habits especially after taking a trip or spending time in busy public spaces.
Orkin recommends following the S.L.E.E.P model to prevent picking up bugs while traveling:
S – search the room for signs of infestation. Bed bugs are small, flat, oval-shaped insects that are brown and similar in size to an apple seed. Signs of the pests include ink-like stains on fabrics, shed exoskeletons around furniture and a musty smell.
L – lift sheets, curtains and cushions to check for bed bugs or infestation signs.
E – elevate your luggage onto racks, separating it from bedding and furniture.
E – examine your luggage carefully after traveling.
P – place all dryer-safe clothing from your luggage in the dryer for 30 to 45 minutes after staying in a hotel. High heat exposure is one of the most effective means of eliminating bed bugs.
