News Summary
Four cities in Michigan, including Detroit, have been identified as some of the worst locations for bed bug infestations in the United States for 2025. Chicago retains its top position, followed by Cleveland and Detroit. This annual ranking by Orkin highlights the growing problem of bed bugs, with Lansing also making its way onto the top 50 list. The report underlines the importance of proactive measures for residents and travelers to manage and prevent these pervasive pests.
Detroit – In a startling revelation, four cities in Michigan have been identified among the worst locations for bed bug infestations in the United States for 2025, according to Orkin’s annual rankings released in June 2025. The cities of Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, and Los Angeles lead the list, marking a significant concern for residents and travelers alike.
Chicago, continuing its five-year reign, has once again been ranked as the worst bed bug city in the country. Following Chicago, Cleveland and Detroit occupy the second and third spots, respectively, while Los Angeles and Indianapolis round out the top five. Notably, this year marks the entry of Lansing into the top 50 list of the most infested cities, illustrating the growing problem in Michigan.
The rankings released by Orkin are compiled from data on bed bug treatments conducted between May 2024 to May 2025, encompassing both residential and commercial treatments for these pests. This comprehensive data collection aims to pinpoint the cities facing the most significant challenges in managing bed bug populations.
Bed Bug Characteristics and Behavior
Bed bugs are small, primarily nocturnal pests that are typically about 3/16 inch in length and range in color from red to dark brown. They are classified as hematophagous, meaning they feed exclusively on blood. Their resilience and ability to travel effortlessly from place to place by clinging to personal items, such as luggage and purses, make them particularly difficult to control.
Experts emphasize that immediate action is essential upon identifying a bed bug infestation. Involving a trained pest control professional is highly recommended to effectively manage these resilient pests. In addition, potential travelers are advised to remember the acronym S.L.E.E.P., which stands for inspecting for signs of bed bugs such as spots on mattresses, while traveling.
Trends in Bed Bug Infestations
Data from Terminix, using information from over 300 branches nationwide, supports Orkin’s findings, noting a consistent increase in bed bug control services since the COVID-19 pandemic. The states of Ohio, Texas, Florida, California, and Pennsylvania are particularly notable for their ongoing bed bug issues, with a concerning trend particularly observed in the Cleveland/Akron area, where four cities from Ohio ranked within the top 14 for bed bug infestations.
In Michigan, only Detroit was highlighted in Terminix’s report, landing the 17th position. This further emphasizes the rising concerns within the state, as more cities struggle with these pervasive pests. As bed bugs continue to thrive in various environments, identifying them early becomes critical for travelers and residents alike.
Preventative Measures and Resources
To combat the spreading issue of bed bugs, experts suggest being proactive when checking into hotel rooms or rental properties. Thorough inspections for bed bugs and their signs can significantly reduce the risk of bringing these pests into one’s home. Additionally, Terminix has provided several guidelines for avoiding bed bugs during travel and upon returning home, focusing on inspection strategies and preventative practices.
As bed bugs remain a persistent problem for urban areas, the findings serve as a wake-up call for residents and local authorities to step up their efforts in both awareness and prevention to curb this growing epidemic.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Michigan Cities Rank Among Worst for Bed Bug Infestations
Additional Resources
- ClickOnDetroit: Detroit and Other Michigan Cities Ranked Among Worst for Bed Bugs
- Wikipedia: Bed Bug
- MLive: Bed Bug Discovery Leads to Library Closure
- Google Search: Bed bug infestation Michigan
- Fox2Detroit: Michigan Bug Outlook
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Insect
- 9&10 News: Library Reopens After Bed Bug Infestation
- Google Scholar: Bed bugs control measures
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
