The Columbus bed bug ranking remained No. 8 on Orkin’s 2026 list, while Cleveland placed fourth. Six Ohio cities reached the top 50, leading all states in representation in a ranking based on residential and commercial treatments from May 2025 through May 2026.
Columbus and Cleveland remain in the top 10
Columbus remained No. 8 on Orkin’s 2026 ranking of U.S. cities with the most bed bug treatments. Cleveland placed fourth after falling two positions from its 2025 ranking, leaving both Ohio metro areas among the national top 10.
The ranking reflects the number of residential and commercial treatments performed by Orkin rather than a direct estimate of the total number of bed bugs or affected households in each city.
Six Ohio cities reach the top 50
Ohio placed six cities on the list, more than any other state. Cincinnati ranked No. 15, Youngstown No. 32, Dayton No. 38 and Toledo No. 42.
Youngstown posted the largest improvement among Ohio cities, falling 10 places in the treatment ranking. Dayton moved up five positions, indicating that it ranked higher for Orkin treatments than it did in 2025.
Chicago leads a Midwest-heavy ranking
Chicago held the No. 1 position, followed by Los Angeles and Detroit. Indianapolis ranked fifth, Springfield, Illinois, sixth, and Washington, D.C., seventh. Pittsburgh and Grand Rapids, Michigan, completed the top 10 behind Columbus.
Orkin based the annual list on treatments performed from May 2025 through May 2026. The company said changes may reflect travel patterns, treatment-resistant bed bug strains and public education efforts. Bed bugs can be found in homes and lodging properties regardless of income, cleanliness or maintenance levels.
Travel markets also appear on the list
New York City ranked No. 12, Seattle No. 30, San Diego No. 41 and Las Vegas No. 43. Tampa entered the ranking at No. 46, followed by Miami at No. 47 and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, at No. 50.
Travelers are advised to inspect mattresses, sheets, curtains and cushions, keep luggage elevated and away from beds, and check bags before returning home. Dryer-safe clothing and other items can be placed in a dryer for 30 to 45 minutes after a trip to reduce the risk of carrying bed bugs into a residence.
The 2026 list keeps Ohio at the center of the national bed bug treatment picture. Future rankings will show whether prevention efforts, travel behavior and treatment practices change the state’s broad presence among the top 50 metro areas.
