Chicago Tops Orkin’s 2025 Bed Bug List Again — What That Means for Travelers and Inland Empire Residents
Chicago is ranked the most bed bug‑infested city in the U.S. for the fifth straight year on Orkin’s 2025 Top 50 Bed Bug Cities list, based on professional treatments recorded from May 2024 through May 2025.
Key takeaways
- Chicago is No. 1 for a fifth consecutive year on Orkin’s 2025 Top 50 Bed Bug Cities list (Orkin press room — Worst Cities for Bed Bugs annual rankings).
- The ranking counts professional treatments across homes and businesses from May 2024 through May 2025, making it a measure of where pest-control demand is highest (PR Newswire).
- Top five cities: Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Los Angeles, Indianapolis; cities can move dramatically year to year (e.g., Hartford rose 48 spots) (PCT Online).
- Travel and multiunit housing are key drivers—bed bugs hitch rides in luggage and spread between regions and buildings.
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How Orkin ranks cities
Orkin’s annual rankings are based on the volume of professional bed bug treatments performed in metropolitan areas. That includes residential work and commercial jobs such as hotel rooms, apartment complexes and businesses that hire pest control. The company collects treatment data from May of one year through May of the next, which frames the list as a reflection of where pest-control professionals are most in demand (Orkin; PR Newswire).
What the findings show
Persistent problem in Chicago
Chicago’s repeat No. 1 ranking signals a persistent, citywide challenge with bed bugs. The list does not prove Chicago has more bugs per capita, but it does show the city had the most professional treatments during the reporting period, which suggests infestations are being found and treated frequently (PR Newswire).
Regional patterns
The Midwest occupies many top-10 positions — including Cleveland, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Columbus, Champaign and Milwaukee — while Los Angeles anchors the West at No. 4. Bed bugs are not confined to one region, indicating broad geographic risk and the role of urban density and housing stock in spread (CBS Chicago; PCT Online).
Cities moving up and down
The list shows shifting trends: Hartford climbed 48 spots to debut at No. 35, while New York, Philadelphia and Charlotte fell in the rankings. These movements can reflect sudden reporting increases, changes in treatment use, or improved local control efforts (Orkin; PR Newswire).
Why travel matters & detection challenges
Travel increases spread: bed bugs hitch rides in luggage, clothing and personal items — hotels, short-term rentals and public transit are common transfer points. Peak travel months can accelerate movement between cities (Orkin; PR Newswire).
“Bed bugs are getting better at staying hidden until infestations are advanced,” the report warns, underscoring the need for awareness and professional inspections (Orkin).
Practical steps for travelers and residents
The report offers concrete prevention and response measures. Key actions include:
- Inspect hotel rooms: Check mattress seams, headboards and upholstery for small dark spots or live bugs; keep luggage on racks, not beds (Orkin).
- After travel: Wash clothing in hot water and dry on high heat; inspect and isolate luggage before storing (PR Newswire).
- If you find signs at home: Contact a licensed pest-control professional; avoid unverified DIY chemicals that can worsen or hide problems (PCT Online).
- Multiunit buildings: Report infestations promptly to landlords or managers so coordinated treatments can occur across units (Orkin).
About bed bug treatments and services
Orkin’s ranking reflects where professional treatments happen most often, highlighting the important role of licensed providers. In cities with high demand, look for companies that offer inspection-based plans, transparent follow-up steps, and clear communication. Local public health departments can advise on tenant-landlord responsibilities and safe treatment practices (Orkin; PCT Online).
Implications for the Inland Empire
Economic impact
Even if the Inland Empire did not appear on the top list, the region could face economic consequences tied to travel and housing. Hospitality businesses serving travelers from high-ranking cities should strengthen inspection and cleaning routines to avoid complaints, refunds or reputation damage (Orkin).
Political consequences
Local officials may face calls to update renter protections and enforcement policies: clear rules on payment responsibility, response timelines, and reporting mechanisms can reduce disputes and speed resolution. Public health outreach can clarify tenant and landlord duties (PR Newswire).
Social effects
Bed bug fears carry stigma and anxiety. Inland Empire communities with multiunit housing should promote nonjudgmental reporting channels and education. Schools, senior centers and low-income housing managers may need tailored guidance to reduce social stress and accelerate coordinated treatment (Orkin).
Cultural relevance
The Inland Empire’s diverse and mobile population — travelers, students, service workers — increases the chance pests move with people and belongings. Culturally tailored outreach (multilingual materials and community partnerships) will reach residents who might otherwise miss pest-control information (PCT Online).
Practical applications for residents and businesses
- Hospitality: Revise inspection checklists and staff training; consider more frequent mattress and room checks during peak travel seasons (Orkin).
- Landlords/property managers: Publish written procedures for reporting, inspection and coordinated treatment across units; keep treatment records and communications (PR Newswire).
- Travelers: Inspect luggage and clothing before returning home; wash/dry on high heat; isolate luggage until inspected (Orkin).
- Residents: If you suspect infestation, contact a licensed pest-control professional and notify your landlord promptly to limit spread (PCT Online).
Additional local resources & sources
Residents should consult city or county public health websites for tenant-landlord guidance and recommended pest-control resources. For national context and the full Orkin ranking, see the sources below:
- Orkin press room — Worst Cities for Bed Bugs annual rankings
- PR Newswire — Orkin’s 2025 announcement
- PCT Online coverage
- CBS Chicago reporting
Bottom line: Orkin’s 2025 list clarifies where professional treatments were most frequent from May 2024–May 2025. Chicago remains at the top, and the findings underline the importance of travel precautions, early detection, coordinated multiunit responses, and culturally appropriate outreach in regions such as the Inland Empire.
