These are the most bed bug-infested cities in the U.S.—and we're surprised by number one

Looking forward to your summer getaway? We're not here to burst any bubbles, but if you're heading to a top tourist city in the U.S. you might have one more little thing to worry about besides flight delays and lost luggage. And we mean little: the creepy crawly bed bug. Terminix just dropped its annual ranking of the 50 most bed bug-infested U.S. cities, and the results could be a wake-up call for travelers, as some very popular cities are on the list.

Coming in at number one for the second year in a row is Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love has inadvertently shown love to bed bugs, or at least provided them with an ideal nesting environment. Infestations have surged here and in other major cities, fueled by increased travel, urban density and housing conditions.

Terminix's rankings are based on service data from more than 300 nationwide branches over the last year. Philadelphia, NYC, Cleveland-Akron, Los Angeles and Dallas-Fort Worth earned the unfortunate designation as the most bug-infested cities. Los Angeles jumped 17 spots on the list. States like Ohio, Texas, Florida, California and Pennsylvania dominate the top 50, so be aware when passing through.

"We have seen a consistent increase in bed bug control service performed since the 'new normal' post-COVID-19 pandemic," said Eric Braun, Technical Service Manager at Terminix. "As travel, social gatherings, and public activity resumed, so did the opportunities for bed bugs to spread, prompting a rise in both awareness and demand for professional pest control services."

So how do you avoid bed bugs? Before you flop down on that hotel mattress, inspect the seams, headboard and furniture for rust-colored stains or the tiny, apple-seed-sized bugs themselves. Use your phone flashlight for a better look. Avoid picking up hitchhikers by using that luggage rack instead of dropping your suitcase on the bed or floor. When you’re back home, unpack outside the bedroom—better yet, in the garage. Throw all clothes into the dryer on high for 30 minutes before washing, then vacuum your luggage before storing it.

According to Terminix, bed bugs are back, big time. But with a little vigilance, you can prevent these little buggers from ruining your vacation.

Ten most bed bug-infested cities in the U.S.

1. Philadelphia
2. New York
3. Cleveland-Akron (Canton)
4. Los Angeles
5. Dallas - Ft. Worth
6. Atlanta
7. Houston
8. Washington, D.C (Hagerstown)
9. San Francisco - Oak - San Jose
10. Indianapolis