Bed bug concerns are following Los Angeles into peak travel conversations after Orkin placed the city at No. 2 on its 2026 treatment-data list. The ranking does not measure every hotel or home, but it has renewed attention on room inspections, luggage habits, and how travelers can lower the chance of carrying pests home.
Key Takeaways
- Los Angeles ranked No. 2 on Orkin’s 2026 Bed Bug Cities List, behind Chicago.
- Orkin said the ranking used treatment data from May 12, 2025, to May 12, 2026.
- Terminix placed Los Angeles at No. 24 on its separate 2026 ranking, based on 2025 service visits.
- Federal guidance advises travelers to inspect rooms before unpacking and keep luggage away from beds.
- Health officials say bed bugs are not known to spread disease, though bites may cause itching, sleep loss, and rare allergic reactions.
Orkin placed Los Angeles second on its 2026 Bed Bug Cities List, up from No. 4 in the company’s 2025 list. Chicago remained No. 1, while Detroit, Cleveland, and Indianapolis rounded out the top five.
The company said the list was based on metro areas where Orkin performed the most bed bug treatments from May 12, 2025, to May 12, 2026. The count included residential and commercial treatments, so the ranking reflects Orkin’s service activity rather than a full public count of every infestation in the city.
Los Angeles remains a major visitor market, which makes the ranking relevant to travelers and hospitality operators. Los Angeles Tourism reported 49.1 million visitors in 2023 and more than $40.4 billion in visitor-generated business sales.
The city’s broader Los Angeles tourism and hospitality market also depends on confidence in basic guest experience. Pest concerns do not define a destination, but they can affect what travelers notice when they enter a room.
What Does The bed bug List Actually Measure?
Orkin’s ranking is not a government inspection report. It does not identify a hotel, apartment, neighborhood, or lodging category. It shows where the company performed the most bed bug treatments during the measured period.
That distinction matters because rankings can vary by provider, customer base, branch coverage, and methodology. Terminix updated its own ranking on May 27, 2026, using 2025 service visits by active Rentokil Terminix customers. On that list, Los Angeles ranked No. 24, while Philadelphia, Cincinnati, New York, Detroit, and Cleveland-Akron made the top five.
What The Ranking Can And Cannot Say
The ranking can show where one provider recorded concentrated treatment activity. It cannot show the chance that a specific traveler will encounter bed bugs in a specific room.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says bed bugs have been found in hotels, resorts, apartments, dorm rooms, buses, trains, and cruise ships. Their presence can be tied to movement of people and belongings, not simply sanitation.
Why Are Travelers Paying Attention Now?
Orkin released the 2026 list on July 7, during a summer travel period when hotel stays, short-term rentals, and event travel often increase. The company said high resident and visitor turnover in hotels, apartments, and dormitories can create more opportunities for pests to spread.
Dr. Shannon Sked, Orkin entomologist and National Technical Director, said travel season makes awareness important because bed bugs can hide in cracks, crevices, and personal belongings. She said quick inspections of hotels, short-term rentals, or belongings before unpacking at home can help reduce the chance of bringing them back.
Large events also shape travel across Southern California. California festival travel can place temporary pressure on hotels, short-term rentals, and regional lodging routes as visitors move between destinations.
Why Luggage Matters
Bed bugs do not fly. They can spread by clinging to luggage, purses, clothing, bedding, and other belongings. Orkin said adult bed bugs measure about 3/16 inch long, while immature nymphs are smaller and harder to see.
For travelers, the highest-risk moment may be before unpacking. A suitcase placed on a bed or upholstered chair can create contact between belongings and areas where pests may hide.
What Should Travelers Check Before Unpacking?
The Environmental Protection Agency advises travelers to inspect rooms before settling in. That includes checking the mattress, headboard, and luggage rack. The agency also advises using luggage racks instead of placing bags on the bed or floor.
A simple inspection starts with the sleeping area. Mattress seams, box springs, headboards, cushions, curtains, and nearby furniture should be checked with a phone flashlight. Travelers can look for live insects, small dark stains, shed skins, or a sweet musty smell.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says bed bug bites may take up to 14 days to appear in some people, so bite marks alone should not be treated as the only sign. Bites can also resemble other insect bites, which makes visual inspection more useful at the start of a hotel stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles unsafe because of the bed bug ranking?
No. The ranking reflects Orkin treatment activity, not a safety finding for the whole city. It is best read as a travel awareness signal rather than a warning against visiting Los Angeles.
Do bed bugs spread disease?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says bed bugs are not known to spread disease to people. Bites may cause itching, loss of sleep, and rare allergic reactions.
Where should travelers put luggage in a hotel room?
The Environmental Protection Agency advises travelers to use luggage racks and keep bags away from the bed and floor. Travelers should inspect the luggage rack before using it.
