Chicago is still the home of the nation's worst bed bug infestation, but now two other Illinois cities have decided they don't want the Windy City to have all the fun.

Peoria and Champaign Join the Creepy-Crawly Club

That's because not one or two different Illinois cities are loaded with bed bugs, but now a third has joined the fray on Orkin's just-released Top 50 Bed Bug Cities list for 2025, now with Peoria and Champaign climbing the creepy-crawly ranks.

READ MORE: Most Common Summer Pests in Illinois

Peoria Makes a Massive Jump on Orkin's Bed Bug List

Champaign moved up one spot, but Peoria, whoo boy, they made one of the most significant bug-laden leaps of the year, jumping 18 spots before settling in at No. 32.

Women are checking for unusual things and detecting bed bugs in the bedroom.
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Summer Travel Season Blamed for Bed Bug Spread

Orkin blames the travel season as one of the biggest reasons for bed bug infestations, as those gross little critters hitch rides on our clothes and luggage. Once they're in your house, they're tough to evict.

READ MORE: How to Prevent Battling Boxelder Bugs All Year Long in Illinois

Orkin’s S.L.E.E.P. Method to Prevent Bed Bugs

So if you're hitting the road this summer, Orkin suggests using the S.L.E.E.P. method to deal with bed bugs:

  • Search for signs of bed bugs
  • Lift sheets and cushions for inspections
  • Elevate your luggage on racks
  • Examine the bags after getting packed
  • Place clothes in a hot dryer as soon as you return home

Nobody wants to bring home souvenir bed bugs, especially because they bite and are a big hassle. Apparently, Illinois is at the forefront of this issue.

If these tiny bed bugs are giving you nightmares, wait until you meet their big, scream-worthy cousins.

LOOK: 20 of the biggest insects in the world

Stacker compiled a list of 20 of the biggest insects in the world using a variety of news, scientific, and other sources.

Gallery Credit: Andrea Vale

Quiz: Do you know your state insect?

Stacker has used a variety of sources to compile a list of the official state insect(s) of each U.S. state, as well as their unique characteristics. Read on to see if you can guess which insect(s) represent your state. 

Gallery Credit: Andrew Vale

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