This past year bed bugs have become a major international story, particularly since it became a big crisis in Paris just before Paris Fashion Week, and from there, it spread to other major cities around Europe like London and Berlin. Now, it seems like the pest problem has officially reached the United States with bed bugs becoming an increasingly prevalent problem in many large American cities.
Now, while D.C. has been acknowledged as one of the best places to visit in North America in 2024, it seems that D.C. has unfortunately experienced a rise in bed bug infestations over the past year, making it one of the top 10 worst cities for bed bugs as well as one of the top 10 rattiest cities in the country.
This data comes thanks to a study by the pest control company Orkin last year which ranked metro regions around the country by gathering data based on where they performed the most bed bug-treatments between December 1, 2022, and November 30, 2023.
Orkin’s Top 50 Bed Bug Cities List placed D.C. in the #7 spot behind only (in descending order) Detroit at #6, L.A. at #5, Cleveland-Akron at #4, Philly at #3, NYC at #2, and the #1 worst city in the country for bed bugs was no other than The Windy City itself, Chicago.
“Amid the Paris Bed Bug craze, travelers are more concerned than ever with avoiding these stealthy pests” reads the study.
“Bed bugs are extremely resilient, making them difficult to control,” said Ben Hottel, Orkin entomologist. “While bed bugs are visible to the naked eye, they are excellent at hiding. Involving a trained professional at the sight of a bed bug introduction is recommended.”
“Check the places where bed bugs hide during the day, including mattress tags and seams, and behind baseboards, headboards, electrical outlets, and picture frames” Orkin advises.
“Inspect when you move in, after a trip, when a service worker visits, or after guests stay overnight, and always examine all secondhand furniture before bringing it inside your home.”
Read the full Top 50 Bed Bug Cities list.