bedbug hotspots – A new data analysis points to specific U.S. destinations where travelers face the highest odds of encountering bedbugs—reaching as high as 1 in every 57 travelers in the biggest hotspot. The study links higher risk to visitor turnover and urges simple checks o
For many travelers, the nightmare starts quietly: not with a warning sign, but with the first unsettling discovery once you’ve already unpacked. Bedbugs can turn any trip sour—because they hitch rides on belongings, and a “great” hotel offer doesn’t guarantee safety.
New data analysis from Casino.ca identifies U.S. states where bedbug risk appears highest, with chances as high as 1 in every 57 travelers encountering them in the biggest hotspot. The study compared bedbug rankings from Orkin and Terminix against mentions of the pests from social media posts and TripAdvisor hotel reviews. focusing on the three largest cities of every state.
The most striking part is how often major travel destinations show up at higher risk. “The most surprising finding is how many major holiday destinations appear in the higher-risk rankings. ” Anna Osborne. who conducted the research. said. She added that travelers often assume popular cities or established hotels are less likely to have issues. but the data suggests bedbugs are more closely tied to “high levels of visitor turnover rather than the destination itself.” For consumers. she said it “highlights the value of basic preventative checks on arrival. even in the most popular travel spots.”.
The U.S. states with the highest odds of bedbugs, according to the study, are Michigan, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Texas, Illinois, New York, Washington, D.C.
The message underneath the numbers is practical: bedbugs don’t need a “bad” hotel to appear. Even a five-star property can be vulnerable because the insects travel on personal belongings. An Orkin entomologist previously said bedbugs “hitch hike” to different locations on personal belongings, and that they’re relatively uncommon.
After you check in, the safest move is to slow down and look—before you unpack too far. Bedbugs can be spotted with the naked eye, and the bugs themselves are about the size of an apple seed. Travelers are urged to do a detailed search of the mattress and surroundings. including checking for bedbug shed skin. eggs. and dot-like feces around mattress and box spring seams. piping. and tags.
Packing habits also matter. Keep suitcases elevated on luggage racks away from the bed, and inspect bags before heading back home.
The takeaway is straightforward: the risk may be uneven by state, but the inspection can be universal. A few minutes at check-in may be the difference between returning home with memories—or bringing home something you never invited.
bedbugs hotspots Orkin Terminix Casino.ca TripAdvisor TripAdvisor reviews social media mentions traveler risk hotel inspection
1 in 57 sounds insane, but I’m pretty sure it’s just the hotels that are gross.