Illinois City (Once Again) Is Named America’s Bedbug Capital

Here's a problem that most cities never have to wrestle with--how do you top being named the Rat Capital of the United States for the 8th consecutive year?

That's quite the task, but a certain Illinois city, located near a large body of water, has done just that by being named the Bedbug Capital of the United States for the 3rd year in a row.

Put it all together, and you've got 11 years of...well, yuck.

If you need hints as to which city I'm talking about...

Or, if that didn't make it clear...

Chicago Gets To Bask In The Glory And Honor Of Being Named Number-One Again On Orkin’s Annual Top 50 Bed Bug Cities List

In spite of it being a national "award," somehow I don't see Chicago city leaders adding this information to any upcoming tourism campaigns. I'm sure my suggested marketing slogans will be rejected the minute I email them to Lori Lightfoot.

• "Chicago, You'll Come For The Food, You'll Stay For (and with) The Bedbugs!"
• "In The Windy City, We Not Only Sleep Tight, But We Let The Bedbugs Bite!"
• "No Matter What Your Favorite Is, The Cubs, The Sox, The Bears, The Bulls, The Hawks, The Rats, And The Bedbugs All Play Here!"

How Does Orkin Know Where All The Bedbugs Are, Anyway?

Orkin's Annual Bedbug Cities List bases its rankings on "treatment data from the metro areas where Orkin performed the most bed bug treatments from December 1, 2021 – November 30, 2022. The ranking includes both residential and commercial treatments."

For you travelers, here are the top ten "bed-buggiest" U.S. cities, according to the Orkin list:

1. Chicago
2. New York
3. Philadelphia
4. Cleveland-Akron, OH
5. Los Angeles
6. Detroit
7. Indianapolis
8. Baltimore
9. Washington, D.C.
10. Columbus, OH

Click here for tips on identifying, avoiding, or dealing with bedbugs, whether at home or on the road.