These U.S. Destinations Have the Highest Risk of Bed Bugs, According to a New Study
Most travel souvenirs are harmless. A fridge magnet. A coffee mug. An overpriced airport sweatshirt we’ll wear exactly twice.
Bed bugs, unfortunately, are a different story. A new study from Casino.ca examined pest-control data, hotel reviews, and social media reports to identify America's biggest bed bug hotspots.
While the odds of encountering these pests are relatively low, the rankings offer us a useful reminder that even the nicest-looking hotel room deserves a quick inspection before we unpack.
Which States Have the Highest Bed Bug Risk?
According to the report, Michigan has the highest bed bug risk by state, with travelers facing roughly a 1-in-57 chance of encountering the pests. Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin rounded out the top five.
The study also found that several major travel destinations landed surprisingly high on the list, including Texas, New York, and Washington, D.C.
If this makes you want to cancel your vacation, don't panic. Even in the highest-ranked locations, most of us will never encounter a bed bug. Still, it's a good reminder that these little hitchhikers can show up almost anywhere.
The Cities That Made the List
At the city level, Warren, Michigan claimed the top spot, followed by North Las Vegas and Madison, Wisconsin.
Yonkers, New York and Flint, Michigan also ranked among the highest-risk cities in the country.
Perhaps the most important takeaway is that bed bugs don't care whether a hotel is budget-friendly or luxurious. They travel with people, luggage, clothing, and personal belongings. That means a five-star hotel can occasionally have the same problem as a roadside motel.
How to Do a Quick Hotel Bed Bug Check
The good news is that a hotel bed bug check takes less than two minutes.
Before putting your suitcase on the bed, pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams, corners, and headboard area.
You're looking for small dark spots, shed skins, tiny white eggs, or the bugs themselves.
Travel experts also recommend placing your luggage in the bathroom while you inspect the room, since bed bugs are less likely to be hanging out on tile surfaces.
It may feel a little dramatic, but it's a lot less dramatic than bringing bed bugs home.
What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs In Hotels
If you discover signs of bed bugs, don't just move to the room next door.
Notify hotel management immediately and request a room that's not adjacent to, above, or below the affected room. Bed bugs can move between rooms more easily than we might think.
Keep your luggage zipped and away from upholstered furniture until the situation is resolved.
Once you return home, wash your clothing in hot water and dry it on high heat if you have any concerns about exposure. High temperatures are one of the most effective ways to kill bed bugs and their eggs.
A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way
The best bed bug travel tips are also the simplest. Inspect the room, keep your luggage off the bed, and don't assume expensive hotels are automatically immune.
Knowing how to avoid bed bugs while traveling doesn't mean we have to turn every vacation into a detective mission.
It simply means spending a minute or two checking our room before we settle in. And that's a small investment of time, compared to the ordeal of dealing with unwanted passengers once we get back home.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.