Bed Bug Alert! These Michigan Cities Are Ranked Worst in America

There are good lists, and bad lists, and Flint just can't seem to remove itself from one of the worst lists out there. Once again Flint is in the top 25 of the Top 50 Bed Bug Cities in America, and they're not representing Michigan alone.

Is there anything more disgusting to think about? Let me add to the pseudo-itching you are now experiencing by telling you quite a few Michigan cities made the annual list from Orkin. Each year the experts in extermination and pest control compile a list of the worst cities for the little "buggers" by reviewing treatment data from the metro areas where Orkin performed the most bed bug treatments from December 1, 2021, until November 30, 2022. 

Leading the way this year is the city of Chicago. It probably isn't appropriate to congratulate them on a list nobody really wants to top, buy all the same...yay Chicago. They were followed by New York at #2, and Philadelphia at #3. 

How Buggy is Michigan?

So how are the bed bugs in Michigan? Thriving, unfortunately. While we didn't score a top 3 slot, we did make a showing in the top 10 with Detroit landing at #6 on the itchy list. Grand Rapids found itself securing the 12th spot this year in the Orkin rankings. 

For the Genesee County area, Flint scored a spot in the top 25 for bed bug cities crawling in at #21. Lastly, Lansing rounded out our creepy accomplishments landing near the bottom at #42..

Now keep in mind the report isn't saying if you visit or live in these cities you'll find yourself sharing the sheets with the little creatures. Bed bugs can really happen anywhere.

“Bed bugs are extremely resilient, making them difficult to control. As people begin to ramp up their travel plans this year, it’s important they know how to protect themselves through pest identification and proper control,” said Ben Hottel, Orkin entomologist. “Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are visible to the naked eye, but are excellent at hiding. Involving a trained professional at the sight of a bed bug introduction is recommended.”

Orkin mentions that bed bugs are 3/16 inch long, red to dark brown in color and are mostly nocturnal insects that come out of hiding to take blood meals from sleeping humans. They are able to travel from place to place easily by clinging to items such as your purse or even your luggage.

Be diligent when traveling...it can't hurt to take a second and check for the little devils that could be hiding in that comfy bed.

You can view the entire "Top 50 Bed Bug Cities" list here.