Bed Bug Infestations in New York: A Closer Look at the Top Cities
New York City, Buffalo, and Syracuse are among the 50 U.S. cities with the highest bed bug activity and infestations, according to the pest control company Orkin's 2026 Bed Bug Cities List. This ranking is based on data from May 2025 to May 2026, highlighting the persistent issue of bed bugs in densely populated areas with high resident and visitor turnover.
The Big Apple, as New York City is often called, has the highest amount of bed bug activity and infestations among the three New York cities on the list. It jumped up to No. 12, a three-spot increase from its place on the 2025 list. Buffalo also saw a significant jump, moving up two spots to No. 35. Syracuse had the biggest jump of the three, climbing up six spots to No. 44.
Dr. Shannon Sked, an entomologist and National Technical Director at Orkin, emphasizes the importance of awareness during travel season. Bed bugs are resilient pests that can be challenging to control once introduced into a home or hotel room. They are skilled at hiding in cracks, crevices, and personal belongings, making them difficult to detect.
The list also highlights the impact of travel trends, treatment resistance strains, and educational campaigns on bed bug activity. Despite efforts to combat bed bugs, they remain a concern in communities across the United States, regardless of socioeconomic demographics and sanitation facilities maintenance levels.
The top 50 U.S. cities with the highest bed bug activity and infestations from May 2025 to May 2026 are:
- Chicago
- Los Angeles (+2)
- Detroit
- Cleveland, Ohio (-2)
- Indianapolis
- Springfield, Illinois (+3)
- Washington, D.C. (-1)
- Columbus, Ohio
- Pittsburgh (+3)
- Grand Rapids, Michigan (-3)
- Denver (+3)
- New York (+3)
- Milwaukee (-3)
- Baltimore (-3)
- Cincinnati (-2)
- Raleigh, North Carolina (+7)
- St. Louis (+1)
- Charleston, West Virginia (+1)
- Davenport, Iowa (+2)
- Flint, Michigan (-4)
- Atlanta (-4)
- Philadelphia (+3)
- Dallas (+1)
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (+10)
- Cedar Rapids, Iowa (-5)
- Hartford, Connecticut (+9)
- Charlotte, North Carolina (+5)
- Peoria, Illinois (+5)
- South Bend, Indiana (-2)
- Seattle (+9)
- Richmond, Virginia (-3)
- Youngstown, Ohio (-10)
- Greenville, South Carolina (-3)
- Nashville (+10)
- Buffalo, New York (+2)
- Omaha, Nebraska (-10)
- San Francisco (+5)
- Dayton, Ohio (+5)
- Norfolk, Virginia (+5)
- Knoxville, Tennessee (-11)
- San Diego (+8)
- Toledo, Ohio (-6)
- Las Vegas (+3)
- Syracuse, New York (+6)
- Fort Wayne, Indiana (-7)
- Tampa, Florida (new addition to top 50)
- Miami (-6)
- Minneapolis (-8)
- Kansas City, Missouri (new addition to top 50)
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (new addition to top 50)
To prevent bed bug infestations, Orkin recommends using the S.L.E.E.P. method: Search, Lift, Elevate, Examine, and Pack. This step-by-step process helps travelers inspect for bed bugs and reduce the risk of spreading them to their homes.
In conclusion, bed bug infestations remain a significant concern in New York and across the United States. The rankings highlight the need for increased awareness, effective treatment strategies, and public education to combat the persistent issue of bed bugs in densely populated areas.
