As summer travel picks up, a recent ranking by pest management company Terminix has listed Atlanta as one of the most bed bug-infested cities in the United States, coming in at No. 6 on the Top 50 list.
Based on service data collected from over 300 branches across the country for 2024, the annual report highlights a surge in the need for bed bug control services, particularly as people resume traveling and participating in social activities post-COVID-19 pandemic.
Eric Braun, technical service manager at Terminix, stated, “We have seen a consistent increase in bed bug control service performed since the ‘new normal’ post-COVID-19 pandemic. As travel, social gatherings, and public activity resumed, so did the opportunities for bed bugs to spread.”
For the second year in a row, Philadelphia topped the list for the most bed bug infestations, followed by New York City and the Cleveland-Akron region, which have both experienced increases in their rankings as well.
The ranking reflects a broader regional trend, with states such as Ohio, Texas, Florida, California, and Pennsylvania emerging as hotspots for bed bugs. Terminix notes that these trends may be influenced by factors like climate conditions, housing situations, and the density of travel hubs.
Here are the top 10 cities identified as having the highest bed bug infestations:
1. Philadelphia
2. New York City
3. Cleveland-Akron (Canton)
4. Los Angeles
5. Dallas-Ft. Worth
6. Atlanta
7. Houston
8. Washington, D.C. (Hagerstown)
9. San Francisco-Oak-San Jose
10. Indianapolis
Travelers can take several precautions to reduce the risk of bringing bed bugs home, especially if they are visiting any of the cities on this list. Eric Braun emphasizes the importance of being able to identify both bed bugs and their signs.
Before settling into a hotel or rental property, Terminix recommends inspecting the mattress seams, headboards, and surrounding furniture for small rust-colored stains, shed skins, or even live bed bugs. Adult bed bugs are roughly the size of an apple seed, making them easy to overlook, so careful examination is essential.
Using a flashlight can help illuminate deep crevices, folds, and corners where bed bugs may hide. Travelers should also look for signs near nightstands, chair edges, or drawer joints.
Additionally, it is advisable to avoid placing luggage on the bed or floor until the space has been inspected.
While traveling, keeping suitcases zipped and possibly storing them in a large, sealed plastic bag when not in use can provide extra protection against hitchhiking bed bugs.
Upon returning home, it is recommended to unpack on a hard surface—preferably away from the bedroom—and to place clothing in the dryer for 30 minutes on high heat. This will help eliminate any live bed bugs or eggs.
For items that cannot be placed in a dryer, steam cleaning is another effective option.
Finally, vacuuming suitcases thoroughly—both inside and out—before storing them away from sleeping areas can further minimize the risk of introducing bed bugs at home.
image source from：https://patch.com/georgia/atlanta/where-atlanta-ranks-among-most-bed-bug-infested-cities
