It’s a sight that every traveler dreads. After a long day of traveling, the only thing you can think of is how quickly your head can hit the pillow of your hotel bed. But before you drift away into a deep slumber, you spot your worst enemy: hotel bed bugs.
If you’ve ever come across one of these unrequested hotel guests, you’re not alone. A new survey from Terminix reveals a sharp rise in bed bug services across major U.S. cities just as summer travel ramps up.
Based on data from over 300 branches nationwide covering 2024, the company’s “Top 50 Most Bed Bug‑Infested U.S. Cities” list highlights an alarming resurgence in these tiny, persistent pests.
Philadelphia Tops the List Again
Philadelphia holds the number-one position for the second consecutive year. Following closely are New York City at #2 and the Cleveland–Akron metro at #3, both of which have climbed into the top five this year.
Cities from Ohio, Texas, Florida, California, and Pennsylvania dominate the rankings, pointing to regional trends driven by dense living, rising travel, and housing conditions.
Terminix Technical Service Manager Eric Braun notes that post‑COVID travel and social gathering trends have revived the opportunities for bed bugs to spread and sparked what he terms a “bed bug boom.”
Top 10 U.S. Cities with Highest Bed Bug Service Rates
- Philadelphia
- New York City
- Cleveland-Akron (Canton)
- Los Angeles
- Dallas–Fort Worth
- Atlanta
- Houston
- Washington, D.C. / Hagerstown
- San Francisco–Oakland–San Jose
- Indianapolis
The emergence of Washington, D.C., and the Bay Area into the top 10 — both new entries this year — underscores shifting infestation patterns as city populations and travel rebound.
What’s Behind the Surge?
Terminix attributes the rise in infestations to a return to pre-pandemic mobility, increased travel, and crowded housing, all fertile ground for bed bugs to hitch rides in luggage, furniture, and public transit. These resilient pests thrive in urban centers, where movement and density fuel their spread.
The report serves as a wake-up call: vigilance is essential as travel and public activities resume their normal pace.
Tips for Travelers and Homeowners
Terminix offers practical advice to reduce the risk of “bed bug souvenirs”:
- Inspect sleeping areas: Check mattress seams, headboards, and nearby furniture for rust-colored stains, sheds, or live bugs. Use a black light to check if you’re unsure.
- Protect your luggage: Avoid placing it on the floor in hotels; unpack on hard surfaces, preferably away from bedrooms or beds.
- Heat-treat your clothes: Using a dryer on high settings for 30 minutes can kill bed bugs and eggs immediately after travel.
And if bed bugs are discovered at home? Don’t reach first for DIY sprays. Terminix warns that over-the-counter treatments may be ineffective or even disperse bugs further. It’s best to consult a pest professional to take care of the problem that may follow you home.
The Need for Year-Round Awareness
Bed bugs may feel like a seasonal nuisance, but experts stress their presence is a year-round issue, especially in major metros. Preventive awareness and action are important to keep in mind as summer travel peaks.
This Terminix survey acts as both a barometer of infestation trends and a prompt to stay alert during busy travel months. Summer fun doesn’t have to include unwelcome houseguests, but it helps to be prepared.
