For the third straight year, Chicago topped Atlanta-based pest control company Orkin’s list of the 50 Best Bed Bug Cities for 2023.
New York, Philadelphia and Cleveland took second, third and fourth place respectively. Los Angeles saw its biggest jump since last year, climbing seven places to fifth place.
The list is based on the metro areas where Orkin performed the most bed bug treatments from December 1, 2021 to November 30, 2022. The ranking includes both domestic and commercial treatments.
Although bed bugs are usually considered a problem for tourist accommodation, the fact is that bed bugs can travel themselves and settle anywhere, making them a problem not only for hotels but also for other businesses and commercial establishments, as well as for residences and public transit .
“Bed bugs are extremely resilient, which makes them difficult to control. As people begin to bulk up their travel plans this year, it’s important they know how to protect themselves through pest detection and appropriate control,” said Ben Hottel, Orkin’s entomologist.
detect bed bugs
According to Orkin, bed bugs are about half an inch long and red to dark brown in color. They are generally nocturnal, emerging from their hiding places at night to feast on the blood of unsuspecting humans while they sleep. Bed bugs are hematophagous, meaning blood is their only source of food. They travel easily from place to place by holding on to items such as luggage, purses, and other personal belongings.
A bed bug population can grow rapidly. Female bed bugs can lay one to five eggs per day and can lay up to 500 eggs in their lifetime. They can survive for several months while waiting for their next blood meal, and emerge when a food source – be it human or animal – becomes available.
“Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are visible to the naked eye but are excellent at hiding,” explains Hottel. “While it is important to be aware of bed bug infestations in hotels, taking precautions in other aspects of travel is also important. Taxis, buses, and airplanes are also common hideouts for bed bugs, giving these pests a chance to ride along with unsuspecting travelers. Regular inspection of clothing and luggage when traveling can help detect bed bug infestations at an early stage.”
Prevent bed bug infestation
As Americans prepare for their vacation and business travel for the New Year, it’s important to be proactive in responding to a potential bed bug infestation. Orkin recommends taking the following steps to prevent bed bugs in your hotel or facility:
- Check your facility regularly for signs of bed bugs. Remember the acronym SLEEP to look for bed bugs:
SSearch the room for signs of an infestation. Look for tiny, inky stains on mattress seams, in upholstery, and behind headboards.
LCheck inside bed bug hideouts, including mattresses, box springs, and other furniture, as well as behind baseboards, pictures, and torn wallpaper.
ELift bags and luggage away from beds and walls. In fact, the safest place to store luggage is in the bathroom or on shelves, not on beds or chairs.
EExamine luggage carefully when repacking and upon returning from a trip. Always keep luggage away from the bed.
PWhen you get home, thread all of your luggage’s clothes that are suitable for tumble drying into the dryer for at least 30-45 minutes on the highest possible setting. - Reduce clutter in rooms, making it easier to spot bed bugs on your own or during professional inspections.
- Examine all used furniture before bringing it into your store or home.
Since bed bugs can be found almost anywhere – even in a facility’s fitness center – you should also look at how bed bugs are kept out of hotel fitness centers.
