Chicago may top Orkin’s 2026 Bed Bug Cities List, but multifamily operators shouldn’t view bed bugs as a problem confined to a handful of markets. The rankings span every region of the country, underscoring a key reality: Wherever people travel, bed bugs can follow.
With summer vacations, resident turnover, and leasing activity in full swing, now is a critical time for owners and operators to revisit inspection protocols, staff training, and resident education efforts.
In apartment communities, even a single introduction can escalate as bed bugs move between units through shared walls and common pathways, turning a resident complaint into a broader operational challenge.
This year’s rankings are based on data from metro areas where Orkin performed the most bed bug treatments, including both residential and commercial, between May 12, 2025, and May 12, 2026.
The top 10 includes:
- Chicago
- Los Angeles
- Detroit
- Cleveland
- Indianapolis
- Springfield, Illinois
- Washington, D.C.
- Columbus, Ohio
- Pittsburgh
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
For apartment owners and managers, the rankings are less about geography and more about preparedness, according to Shannon Sked, national technical director at Orkin. Multifamily Executive asked Sked what multifamily teams need to know to prevent a small pest issue from becoming a propertywide problem.
What's the biggest misconception multifamily property managers have about bed bugs?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that residents will let you know when there is a problem. While this might be true some of the time, research shows that there is an under-representation of residents’ knowledge that they have bed bugs when they do. Sometimes they may fear the stigma associated with infestations or are worried about how management will respond; they often worry about being blamed for a problem. In situations with low-income multifamily dwellings, residents may fear losing their Section 8 housing. But more often, they are simply not aware. It’s therefore very important that proactive, buildingwide inspection schematics are in place—either passively with interceptor monitors or actively with canine or visual inspections.
Why can periods of high resident turnover increase bed bug risk in apartment communities?
The strongest conductive condition that is associated with bed bug infestations is transient human populations, basically movement of people. High resident turnover creates more opportunities for bed bugs to be introduced through furniture, luggage, and personal belongings. When infested belongings are introduced into a property, a small bed bug issue can quickly become a propertywide issue. A single introduction of one previously mated adult female is all it takes to cause a full-blown infestation. That’s why turnover periods are also an ideal time to conduct inspections and address any concerns before new residents arrive.
What stands out to you about the geographic makeup of this year's top 10 list, and are there any lessons multifamily operators can take away from it?
The cities on the top 10 bed bug cities list span the Midwest, Northeast, South, and West Coast, reinforcing that bed bugs aren’t just a regional issue. They travel with people and their belongings, making multifamily communities in every market susceptible to bed bug introductions. For multifamily operators, the takeaway is that prevention shouldn’t depend on geography or a city’s ranking. Every community should have year-round inspection protocols, staff training, and a plan to respond quickly if bed bugs are suspected. What the entomological community is interested in tracking is the impact that large events like music festivals, cultural celebrations, and sporting events like the recent World Cup may have on the list in 2027. With so many visitors to certain cities like New York; Los Angeles; Philadelphia; Boston; Kansas City, Missouri; and Atlanta, we will be watching to see if this causes any changes in the frequency of bed bug treatments in these areas.
Are there specific times of year when multifamily operators should be especially vigilant?
While bed bugs can be active year-round, operators should be especially vigilant during the busy summer travel season and during peak leasing periods, when resident turnover tends to increase. More travel and relocation can often mean increased bed bug activity, making proactive inspections and resident education especially important.
What are the most common signs of a bed bug issue that onsite teams miss?
Because bed bugs hide during the day, the earliest signs are often subtle. Property teams may overlook tiny dark fecal spots, shed skins, eggs, or live bed bugs around mattress seams, headboards, and upholstered furniture where people commonly rest. By the time live bed bugs are seen, the infestation may already be very well established in a full-blown infestation, which is why training staff to recognize these early indicators is so valuable. Proactive inspections and monitoring are key for early detection, and the science shows clearly that early detection and early treatment are less expensive, more effective, and less intrusive/interruptive to normal buildingwide operations.
How important are routine inspections in preventing larger infestations?
Routine inspections are one of the most effective tools for helping prevent a small issue from becoming a much larger one. Regular inspections help identify potential issues early, before bed bugs have an opportunity to reproduce or spread into neighboring units. Combined with ongoing monitoring and documentation, inspections are a cornerstone of an effective integrated pest management program.
How can a small bed bug issue escalate into a larger operational challenge in a shared-wall environment?
In multifamily housing, bed bugs don’t recognize unit boundaries. They can move through shared walls, utility penetrations, and common pathways, allowing a localized issue to spread to neighboring apartments if left untreated. What begins as a single resident complaint can quickly require treatment across multiple units, creating greater operational complexity, increased costs, and more disruption for residents.
Are bed bug complaints becoming more common in multifamily housing, or are property teams simply getting better at identifying them?
It’s likely a combination of both. Increased travel has created more opportunities for bed bugs to enter a property, while greater awareness among property teams has led to earlier identification and reporting. Better training and proactive inspection programs mean operators are often catching issues sooner, which is an important step toward preventing larger infestations.
What are some proactive strategies property managers can take around bed bugs and other pests?
The most effective pest management programs focus on prevention rather than reaction. That includes conducting routine inspections, monitoring common areas and vacant units, sealing cracks and other pest entry points, maintaining sanitation, educating residents and staff on early warning signs, and partnering with a pest management provider that uses an integrated pest management approach. These same practices can help reduce pressure from rodents, cockroaches, ants, and other common multifamily pests before they become larger operational issues.
If you could give multifamily property managers one piece of advice for preventing bed bug issues this summer, what would it be?
Don’t wait until you’ve received multiple resident complaints to take action! Summer travel and leasing activity create more opportunities for bed bugs to breed, so this is the time to increase vigilance. Promptly investigating every suspected report and conducting routine inspections can make the difference between addressing a single introduction and managing a much larger infestation.