Most Bed Bug Infested Cities: Where These VA Towns Rank

As the summer travel season heats up, a new ranking has revealed four Virginia towns and Washington, D.C., are among the most bed bug-infested cities in the United States.

Pest management company Terminix recently released its annual list of the Top 50 Most Bed Bug-Infested U.S. Cities, based on 2024 service data from more than 300 branches nationwide.

"We have seen a consistent increase in bed bug control service performed since the ‘new normal’ post-COVID-19 pandemic," said Eric Braun, technical service manager at Terminix. "As travel, social gatherings, and public activity resumed, so did the opportunities for bed bugs to spread."

Washington, D.C. came in at No. 8 on this year's list, according to the ranking. Also included in the ranking were Richmond and Petersburg at No. 35, and Roanoke and Lynchburg at No. 48.

Philadelphia took the top spot for the second year in a row, while New York and Cleveland-Akron both climbed higher into the top five.

When looking at which states appear the most, Ohio, Texas, Florida, California and Pennsylvania dominated the list. The regional trends suggest infestations are likely tied to climate, housing trends and travel hubs, according to Terminix.

Here are the top 10 most bed bug-infested cities:

1. Philadelphia
2. New York City
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

Taking a few precautions can help reduce the chances of bringing bed bugs into your living space, especially if you're living in or visiting one of the top bed bug cities. According to Braun, "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."

Before settling into a hotel or rental, Terminix recommends:

• Inspecting 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 sofa and in drawer joints.
• Avoid placing your luggage on the bed or floor while you inspect the room.

While traveling:

• 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.

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