Los Angeles Is Officially One Of America’s Most Bed Bug-Infested Cities — New Study Finds

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In the sheets, under pillows, and especially in mattresses, these tiny, annoying insects can pop up just about anywhere. They feed on human blood like miniature vampires, lurking in the fabrics of unsuspecting people, and especially in hotels with questionable hygiene. Their bites are itchy, often show up in clusters on arms and legs, and chances are you’ve been a “victim” of these little pests at least once in your life.

A new study from the pest control company Orkin ranks L.A. as one of the most bed bug-infested cities in the U.S., climbing from last year’s top 5 and landing just below Detroit, in their annual Orkin’s 2025 Top 50 Bed Bug Cities list.

The top 10 spots in the study read as follows:

1. 1. Chicago
   2. Cleveland (+2)
   3. Detroit (+3)
   4. Los Angeles (+1)
   5. Indianapolis (+3)
   6. Washington, D.C. (+1)
   7. Grand Rapids, Mich. (+7)
   8. Columbus, Ohio (+3)
   9. Champaign, Ill. (+1)
   10. Milwaukee (+15)

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Bed bugs are among the toughest pests to deal with, making them incredibly hard to eliminate once they infest a home or hotel. With summer travel on the rise, the study emphasizes the importance of knowing how to spot, prevent, and manage these unwelcome visitors. At just 3/16 of an inch long and mostly active at night, bed bugs are hard to spot. Clinging to luggage, purses, and other personal items, they can easily hitch a ride from one place to another.

To prevent unsuspecting travelers from bringing bed bugs home on your next trip, the company recommends following the S.L.E.E.P. guidelines when staying in a hotel:

• Search the room for signs of bed bugs: small, flat, brown, oval-shaped insects about the size of an apple seed. Other clues include dark, ink-like stains on fabrics, shed exoskeletons near furniture, and a sweet, musty odor.
• Lift sheets, curtains, and cushions to spot bed bugs or their signs.
• Elevate your luggage on racks and keep it away from the bed or other furniture.
• Examine your luggage carefully while repacking and once again when you get home.
• Place all dryer-safe clothing from your luggage in the dryer for 30–45 minutes on the highest heat setting upon returning home.