Illinois Is Home To America’s Bed Bug Capital… Again

Just when you thought Illinois couldn't get enough bed bugs, turns out, there's always room for more.

More as in: yes, the bedbuggiest city in America is still Chicago, ranking #1 on Orkin's annual list of U.S. cities with the most bed bug treatments.

READ MORE: Here's the Time of Year Bed Bugs Spread Like Crazy in Illinois

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Chicago Retains #1 Spot on Orkin's Annual Bed Bug List

I always brace myself for these bed bug stories, considering Chicago is only an hour from Rockford, part of me is afraid The Forest City is gonna end up on the list.

Thankfully, Rockford is nowhere to be found, but you'll find plenty of those creepy crawly things in a mighty prevalent way in another Illinois city, Springfield.

Springfield and Another Illinois City Rise in National Bed Bug Rankings

Up three spots from 2025, Springfield is surprising, especially given that it is the 7th-largest city in Illinois.

Just one spot behind Springfield in the largest Illinois cities is Peoria. Believe it or not, Peoria is also on the list of cities with the most bed bug treatments in America, ranking 28th overall, up 5 spots from 2025.

READ MORE: Rockford Woman's Lyme Disease Story Will Scare You Into Protecting Yourself This Summer

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Newcomers and Travel Tips for Bed Bug Prevention

While other major metropolitan cities like Los Angeles, Detroit, Cleveland, and Indianapolis landed in the top 50, newcomers like Tampa, Kansas City, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, also did.

Orkin reminds travelers, especially with summer vacations in full swing, to check hotel rooms before unpacking. Doing so could save you from bringing home the worst souvenir imaginable.

Check out the full list HERE.