Imagine waking up to find your home or hotel room crawling with tiny, blood-sucking pests. It’s a nightmare no one wants to face, yet bedbug infestations are on the rise across the U.S., and one Florida city has earned an unwelcome spot on the list of the worst-affected areas. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some cities are battling these persistent pests, others seem to be faring better—or are they? Let’s dive into the latest findings and uncover what you need to know to protect yourself.
As summer approaches, pest-control giant Terminix has released its annual report on the most bedbug-infested cities in the nation. The study, compiled from data across over 300 Terminix branches, reveals a startling trend: bedbug control services have surged since the post-COVID-19 ‘new normal.’ Eric Braun, a technical service manager at Terminix, notes, ‘We’ve seen a consistent increase in bedbug control demands, and it’s not slowing down.’
And this is the part most people miss: While states like Ohio, Texas, and California dominate the list, Florida—despite its reputation as the Sunshine State—has managed to keep its cities out of the top 10. The highest-ranked Florida city, the Tampa-St. Petersburg metro area, comes in at No. 26. But don’t breathe a sigh of relief just yet—three Florida cities still made the top 50, including Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne at No. 30 and Miami-Ft. Lauderdale at No. 37.
Here’s the full top 50 list for those curious about where their city stands:
| Rank | City (Metro) | State |
|----------|---------------------------|-----------|
| 1 | Philadelphia | PA |
| 2 | New York | NY |
| 3 | Cleveland-Akron | OH |
| 4 | Los Angeles | CA |
| 5 | Dallas-Ft. Worth | TX |
| 6 | Atlanta | GA |
| 7 | Houston | TX |
| 8 | Washington, DC | DC |
| 9 | San Francisco-Oak-San Jose | CA |
| 10 | Indianapolis | IN |
| ... | ... | ... |
| 26 | Tampa-St. Petersburg | FL |
| ... | ... | ... |
| 50 | Montgomery | AL |
Now, here’s the controversial question: Are some cities truly more prone to bedbugs, or is it a matter of reporting and awareness? While the data points to higher infestations in urban areas, it’s worth noting that bedbugs can thrive anywhere, from luxury hotels to humble homes. The key is prevention.
To help you stay bedbug-free, Terminix offers these expert tips:
Before settling into a hotel or rental:
1. Inspect thoroughly: Check mattress seams, headboards, and nearby furniture for rust-colored stains, shed skins, or live bugs. Adult bedbugs are about the size of an apple seed, so use a flashlight (your phone works!) to examine crevices, folds, and corners.
2. Look beyond the bed: Don’t forget to inspect nightstands, chair edges, and drawer joints.
3. Keep luggage safe: Avoid placing your bags on the bed or floor during inspection.
While traveling and after returning home:
1. Protect your suitcase: Keep it zipped and consider using a sealed plastic bag. Unpack on a hard surface away from your bedroom, preferably outdoors or in a garage.
2. Heat is your friend: Dry your clothes on high heat for 30 minutes to kill any bedbugs or eggs. Steam cleaning works too for delicate items.
3. Vacuum rigorously: Clean your suitcase inside and out before storing it away from sleeping areas.
Braun emphasizes, ‘Unpacking outside your living spaces is a simple yet effective way to prevent bedbugs from hitching a ride into your home.’
Here’s a thought to ponder: With bedbug infestations rising, should travelers be more vigilant, or is it the responsibility of hotels and landlords to ensure pest-free environments? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this buzzing issue!
