Local News

This is now Florida’s worst city for bed bugs, new study reveals

Published: August 3, 2026 at 5:00 AM

ORLANDO, Fla. – This summer, pest control company Orkin has revealed its latest list of “bed bug cities” in the U.S.

The list is released as summer travel ramps up—an important reminder, Orkin says, because bed bugs can hitchhike home in luggage and other personal items after stays in hotels and short-term rentals.

Where Florida ranks

Orkin’s rankings are based on the metro areas where the company conducted the most residential and commercial bed bug treatments from May 2025 to May 2026.

Florida cities on the 2026 list include:

Tampa — No. 46 (new to Orkin’s top 50)
Miami — No. 47 (down six spots from last year)

While Florida doesn’t appear in the top 10, Orkin said fast-growing and high-traffic destinations joining—or shifting within—the list underscores how travel and turnover can help spread infestations.

The full top 50 list (and how much they rose/fell from last year)

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 (+2)
Omaha, Nebraska (-10)
San Francisco (+5)
Dayton, Ohio (+5)
Norfolk, Virginia (-8)
Knoxville, Tennessee (-11)
San Diego (+8)
Toledo, Ohio (-6)
Las Vegas (+3)
Syracuse, New York (+6)
Fort Wayne, Indiana (-7)
Tampa, Florida (new to top 50)
Miami (-6)
Minneapolis (-8)
Kansas City, Missouri (new to top 50)
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (new to top 50)

Why Florida travelers should pay attention

Orkin notes bed bugs can be found anywhere, but they spread more easily in places with high resident and visitor turnover—such as:

apartment buildings
dormitories
hotels

“Travel season brings excitement, but it also makes awareness especially important,” said Dr. Shannon Sked, Orkin entomologist and National Technical Director. “Bed bugs are resilient pests that can be difficult to control once introduced into a home or hotel room, and they are skilled at hiding in cracks, crevices and personal belongings.”