Mattresses Pile Up on Paris Streets Amid Bedbug Concerns
A street in Paris, France, has become a makeshift dumping ground for mattresses wrapped in plastic bags. This drastic scene reflects the ongoing bedbug crisis that the city is facing. An 18-year-old student noticed the displaced mattresses while making her way home from school, highlighting the extent of the issue.
As summer vacation approaches, a leading pest-control company has revealed some U.S. cities where travelers might encounter bedbugs. These tiny pests feed on human and animal blood, commonly found in areas where people sleep, like beds and couches. Their bites can cause itching, irritation, and in some cases, allergic reactions.
Chicago remains the most infested city in America, according to Orkin’s 2026 Bed Bug Cities List. The Windy City continues to hold this title for the fifth consecutive year, marking a growing problem. Following Chicago, Los Angeles, Detroit, Cleveland, and Indianapolis round out the top five cities experiencing high levels of bedbug activity. Popular travel destinations like Tampa and Myrtle Beach have also reported an uptick in these pests.
“This year’s list shows that many places with high bedbug reports are also popular travel spots, making them likely to see a lot of visitors during busy summer events,” shared Orkin in a press release. Nashville and Oklahoma City have notably climbed the rankings, while cities like Youngstown, Omaha, and Knoxville have seen declines in incidents.
The rankings are derived from data on bedbug treatments in metro areas between May 2025 and May 2026, covering both residential and commercial spaces.
A recent report noted that Michigan had the highest risk of encountering bedbugs, followed by Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Conversely, Hawaii and Oregon ranked lowest for bedbug activity.
Interestingly, Zachary DeVries, an associate professor of urban entomology at the University of Kentucky, cautioned against overemphasizing these rankings. He pointed out that bedbugs can be found in urban, suburban, and rural areas alike, and not just in densely populated cities.
Dini Miller, a professor at Virginia Tech, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that areas get more attention for bedbug concerns especially when tourists are searching for them.
Travelers are advised to carefully check their sleeping areas for signs of bedbugs. Experts recommend inspecting mattress seams, upholstered furniture, and using tools like sticky lint rollers on clothes and shoes to catch any unwelcome hitchhikers.
As cities grapple with this persistent issue, staying informed and cautious can help keep bedbugs at bay during summer travels.
