A pest control company is releasing a new report listing the top U.S. cities that have the worst bedbug problems.
Orkin says its list is based on company data where it performed the most bedbug treatments nationally from Dec. 1, 2022, to Nov. 30, 2023.
Chicago is the worst city for bedbugs, according to the report. Orkin reports the Windy City took the No. 1 spot for the fourth year in a row.
New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Los Angeles round out the top five cities that had the most bedbug calls.
Exterminators say bedbugs are small and they do not have wings. The insects are red to dark brown and are mostly nocturnal and survive on blood, biting people who are sleeping.
“Bedbugs are extremely resilient, making them difficult to control,” Ben Hottel, Orkin entomologist, said. “While bedbugs are visible to the naked eye, they are excellent at hiding.”
The Orkin team says it is important for travelers to protect themselves as best they can against the insects.
Hottel recommends that travelers survey their hotel room for signs of an infestation and to be on the lookout for tiny, ink-colored stains on mattress seams, in soft furniture, or behind headboards.
Check bedbug hiding spots like the mattress, box spring and other furniture. Put luggage away from the bed and wall and examine bags carefully while repacking and returning home.
Travelers should also place their dryer-safe clothing from their trip in a dryer for at least 30-45 minutes at the highest setting once home as the pests can cling to personal belongings and travel easily from place to place.
“As travel plans ramp up, it’s important that Americans know how to protect themselves through pest identification and proper control,” Hottel said.
More tips on bedbug prevention as well as other cities that made Orkin’s list can viewed online.