Detroit has once again landed near the top of a list no city wants to lead, ranking as the No. 3 ‘bed buggiest’ city in the United States in Orkin’s 2026 Top 50 Bed Bug Cities report.
The annual study is based on where the pest control company performed the highest number of bed bug treatments over the past year, making it a snapshot of where infestations are being actively addressed rather than a direct count of bed bug populations.
Only Chicago and Los Angeles ranked higher than Detroit in this year’s report, while Cleveland and Indianapolis rounded out the top five.
Detroit has consistently appeared near the top of Orkin’s annual rankings for years, underscoring the ongoing challenge bed bugs pose for residents, property owners, and travelers throughout southeast Michigan.
Although the ranking may sound alarming, experts emphasize that bed bugs are not a sign of poor hygiene or cleanliness.
Instead, the insects are expert hitchhikers that spread by attaching themselves to luggage, clothing, furniture and other personal belongings, making densely populated metropolitan areas particularly vulnerable.
Why is Detroit consistently one of America’s ‘bed buggiest’ cities?
Detroit’s high ranking doesn’t necessarily mean it has more bed bugs than every other city—it reflects the number of professional treatments performed by Orkin throughout the metro area.
Large urban regions naturally experience more movement of people, frequent travel, apartment living and shared housing environments, all of which create more opportunities for bed bugs to spread.
According to Orkin entomologists, bed bugs are exceptionally resilient pests that can hide in tiny cracks, furniture, mattresses and personal belongings before hitching rides into new homes or hotels.
Summer vacation season, business travel and frequent overnight stays can all contribute to increased introductions of bed bugs into residences.
Experts recommend inspecting hotel rooms before unpacking, keeping luggage off beds and upholstered furniture, and checking suitcases and clothing after returning home.
Early detection is critical because infestations become significantly harder and more expensive to eliminate once bed bugs establish themselves indoors.
Top five cities in Orkin’s 2026 Bed Bug Cities ranking
- Chicago
- Los Angeles
- Detroit
- Cleveland
- Indianapolis
How did Orkin determine the 2026 rankings?
Orkin’s annual rankings are not based on population size or official government infestation reports.
Instead, the company analyzes where it performed the greatest number of residential and commercial bed bug treatments across the country during a 12-month period.
For the 2026 rankings, Orkin reviewed treatment data collected between May 12th, 2025, and May 12th, 2026.
Cities receiving the highest volume of professional treatments ranked highest on the list.
Because the study reflects treatment activity, it can also indicate where residents, businesses and property managers are actively identifying and addressing infestations.
Orkin notes that the rankings should be viewed as a measure of service demand, rather than a definitive measurement of which cities have the largest bed bug populations.
