Terminix, a Rentokil Terminix company, releases its annual list of the Top 50 Most Bed Bug-Infested U.S. Cities, based on 2024 service data from more than 300 branches nationwide. The results reveal a notable surge in bed bug activity, with cities across Ohio, Texas, Florida, California and Pennsylvania dominating the list – a trend fueled by increased travel, urban density and housing conditions.
Philadelphia claimed the top spot for the second year in a row, while New York City (#2) and Cleveland-Akron (#3) both rose into the top five, reflecting continued struggles with these persistent pests.
“We have seen a consistent increase in bed bug control service performed since the ‘new normal’ post-COVID-19 pandemic,” Eric Braun, technical service manager at Terminix, said in a statement. “As travel, social gatherings, and public activity resumed, so did the opportunities for bed bugs to spread, prompting a rise in both awareness and demand for professional pest control services.”
Top 10 Most Bed Bug-Infested Cities
- Philadelphia
- New York City (+1)
- Cleveland-Akron (Canton) (+1)
- Los Angeles (+17)
- Dallas-Ft. Worth (+1)
- Atlanta (-1)
- Houston (+4)
- Washington, D.C. (Hagerstown) (New to list)
- San Francisco-Oak-San Jose (New to list)
- Indianapolis (+2)
Tips for Bed Bug Prevention
To protect against bed bugs and avoid bringing them home when traveling, Terminix recommends the following steps:
- Before settling into a hotel or rental: Inspect mattress seams, headboards and nearby furniture for small, rust-colored stains, shed skins or live bed bugs. Avoid placing luggage on the bed or floor while inspecting the room.
- Upon returning home: Unpack on a hard surface away from bedrooms and place clothing in the dryer for thirty minutes on high heat to spot and eliminate any live bed bugs.
- If bed bugs make it home: Contain the infestation quickly and avoid DIY sprays. Reduce the severity of the infestation by entering limited rooms while awaiting professional treatment.