Bed Bugs in USA: Worst Cities Listed and Interesting Facts

By Mikkel Henderson

Published On April 13, 2026

Bed Bugs in USA

In this guide we discuss the infestation of bed bugs in America. You learn which cities have high levels of bed bugs and what are the reasons for their spread. We also explain what are the problems which bed bugs create and how to deal with them.

What are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small and reddish-brown parasitic insects. They can live on the blood of humans and animals. Their size is about the size of an apple seed. They are oval, flat and swollen after feeding on blood. Bed bugs are found almost everywhere such as hotels, schools, offices, residents and public transportation.

Bed Bugs in USA

Some of their type depend upon warm blooded animals including birds and poultry for their food. They hide during the day and come out during night to take blood. They are active during the night so finding them is very difficult.

Top 50 USA Cities Which have Worst Bed Bug Infestation

Bed bug infestation is not limited to specific areas but the expansion has been clearly noticed in many cities of the USA. According to the research following are the cites which have high concentration of bed bugs.

Ranking

City name

Ranking

City name

#1

Chicago

#26

Omaha, Neb.

#2 

Cleveland

#27

South Bend,Ind.

#3

Detroit

#28

Richmond, Va.

#4

Los Angeles

#29

Knoxville,Tenn.

#5

Indianapolis

#30

Greenville, S.C.

#6

Washington

#31

Norfolk, Va.

#7

Grand Rapid, Mich

#32

Charlotte,N.C.

#8

Columbus, Ohio

#33

Peoria

#9

Champaign

#34

Oklahoma City, Okla

#10

Milwaukee

#35

Hartford, Conn.

#11

Baltimore

#36

Toledo, Ohio

#12

Pittsburgh

#37

Buffalo

#13

Cincinnati

#38

Fort Wayne, Ind.

#14

Denver

#39

Seattle

#15

New York

#40

Minneapolis

#16

Flint, Mich

#41

Miami

#17

Atlanta

#42

San Francisco

#18

St. Louis

#43

Dayton, Ohio

#19

Charleston, W. Va

#44

Nashville

#20

Cedar Rapids, lowa

#45

Houston

#21

Davenport, lowa

#46

Las Vegas

#22

Youngstown, Ohio

#47

Boston

#23

Raleigh,N.C.

#48

Lansing, Mich.

#24

Dallas

#49

San Diego

#25

Philadelphia

#50

Syracuse, N.Y.

Causes and How Do Bed Bugs Spread So Easily?

Bed bugs do not appear suddenly but they hitchhiking from one place to another which is already affected. Bed bugs don’t have wings but they are quick to move and cling to clothes, luggage, backspack, furniture and second hand items. Increased international travel also has accelerated the spread of bed bugs. Foreign people carry bed bugs with them into the country.

They can move within walls, through floors, ceiling openings and on pipes. Thus they make ways to enter your home. They are small in size and easily hide during the day. Bed bugs are not attracted to dirt or mess but they can seek in from public transportation, hotels, motels, apartments, dorm rooms and movie theaters.

How Do Bed Bugs Affect Human Health?

Bed bugs basically affected the humans by biting. Bed bugs biting create rashes and redness problems on your skin which show in the form of clusters or lines. They also cause allergic reactions, mental stress, sleep disturbance, anxiety and iron deficiency which are also called anemia.

Rubbing can also damage skin. It leads to bacterial infection such as impetigo, cellulitis, ecthyma or folliculitis. The bed bug which highly affects humans is called climax lectularies. It increases its size upto 50% and weight 200-150% after feeding.

Signs To Identify Bed Bug Infestation

You can’t feel bed bugs immediately. Some people don’t have a quick reaction but after some time they notice red marks on their skin. These bite marks may take 14 days to develop in a few people. The symptoms which indicate the presence of bed bugs are given below.

  • Blood stains on your mattress and sheets.
  • Small black spots.
  • Tiny eggs or eggshells.
  • Small yellow skins.
  • An unusual smell around your bed.
  • Real bed bugs on box spring, head boards and mattress.

How Can Americans Control Bed Bugs?

Following are a few ways to control bed bugs.

1. First of all, you have to remove randomness from your room. As a result, bed bugs will not be able to find any place to hide.

2. Next, you can also use safety cover for your mattress and box springs. We recommend you to see other holes in your house as well. If you find them, close immediately.

3. Then you need to place your bag into your dresser, table or suitcase. Don’t keep it naked on the floor or on bed if you plan to stay outside of your home. Wash all your clothes and dry them in a hot dryer after you return home.

4. You should wear those dresses which cover your body completely. 

5. You must also regularly vacuum your house and other nearby areas. After this, vacuum cleaner bag should be placed carefully in plastic bag. Then you have to throw this in trash.

6. You should repair the cracks in walls and close all bed bugs entry point.

7. You have to wash your bedsheets and curtains in hot water. Then dry them in the dryer machine.

8. At the end, you need to consult with pest control services. When you notice bed bugs symptoms such as removing skin, stains of faeces and blood in your home.

Interesting Facts You Should Know About Bed Bugs

Below are some amazing facts which every person must know.

  • Bed bugs can lay 1-5 eggs in a day and more than 500 in their whole life.
  • Bed bugs can tolerate a wide range of temperatures from freezing point to 122 degree Fahrenheit.
  • They can survive several months without any meal.
  • Bed bugs can feed about 5 minutes before retreating to digest.
  • They can take blood seven times more than that of their body weight.
  • The nymphs are so small that they pass through the hole of the stitch in a mattress.

Conclusion

Bed bug infestations can be very annoying. They are rising nationwide in the USA. Bed bugs don’t spread disease but they cause different types of problems such as Itchiness,rashes and allergies. You can take above precautions to prevent the spread of bed bugs. When you notice bed bugs and their symptoms around your surroundings you should contact professional bed bug extermination services.

FAQs

What 100% kills bed bugs?

The only method that 100% kills bed bugs is high heat treatment. Increasing the home temperature upto 120F-140F removes all hidden bed bugs and eggs. Steam cleaner is also used for this purpose. When heat treatment of the entire home is done professionally. It eradicates all bed bugs and their stages.

How do you draw bed bugs out of hiding?

Bed bugs are drawn out of hiding by detecting carbon dioxide and heat. Bed bugs are attracted to carbon dioxide which humans also release. Heat also compels them to move and come out. Interceptors are placed under the legs of bed and sofa to trap bed begs.

How many times can a bed bug bite you in one night?

A bed bug bites you several times in one night depending on hunger. They bite mostly in a line or cluster. Bed bugs continue feeding until they are full completely. It usually takes 3-10 minutes. When you move they take a short break and start again.

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pathfinder pest control author Mikkel Henderson

Mikkel Henderson

About The Author

Hi, I am Mikkel Henderson, owner of Pathfinder Pest Control. Over the years, I worked directly with homeowners and businesses in Tulsa. Me and my team helped them to get rid of all kinds of pests such as bed bug, cockroach, rodents, ants & termites.

On this website, I share real experience advice and write guides so you can better understand pest issues. In my free time, I like to spend time outdoors and enjoy a bit of fishing.

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