This PA City Is The Worst For Bed Bugs, Pest Control Company Says

PHILADELPHIA — This post should have come with a trigger warning for those creeped out by parasitic insects. But it didn't.

A new list from a national extermination company that names the worst U.S. cities for bed bugs is out, and Philadelphia should feel a bit of shame.

Pest control company Terminix release its list of the top bed bug cities for 2025.

The company looked at data from more than 300 branches nationwide to identify the top 50 U.S. cities with the highest number of bed bug control services.

And Philadelphia is No. 1. For the second time...

The top 10 cities on the list are:

1. Philadelphia
2. New York
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

Terminix says the first step is to contain the infestation. If bed bugs are found, avoid moving infested items between rooms, as doing so can spread the insects.

Below are some tips to help prevent bringing bed bugs into homes:

"The best way to prevent bringing bed bugs home while traveling is being able to identify them and their signs in the areas where you rest or sleep," Eric Braun, a Technical Service Manager at Terminix, said.

Before settling into a hotel or rental:

• Inspect the mattress seams, headboard, and nearby furniture for small, rust-colored stains, shed skins, or live bed bugs. Adult bed bugs are around the size of an apple seed, so be sure to examine closely, as they can be easy to miss.
• Use a flashlight (your phone works) to check deep crevices, folds, and corners.
• Look for evidence around nightstands, the edges of chairs or sofas, and in drawer joints.
• Avoid placing your luggage on the bed or floor while you inspect the room.

While traveling, keep these anti-bed bug tips in mind:

• Keep your suitcase zipped and consider storing it in a large, sealed plastic bag when not in use.
• When you return home, unpack on a hard surface (not the carpet or your bed) and away from your bedroom (exterior or garage), so you can easily spot any unwanted hitchhikers and not introduce them into sleeping areas.
• Place your clothing in the dryer before washing it. Thirty minutes on high heat should help eliminate any live bed bugs or eggs before you wash them. If you cannot place certain items in the dryer, steam cleaning can also help kill bed bugs.
• Vacuum your suitcase inside and out before storing it, preferably in a space far away from sleeping areas.