Ohio faces a surging bed bug crisis, with five major cities ranking high on national infestation lists from Terminix and Orkin surveys in 2025. Dense urban areas, travel hubs, and rentals fuel the spread.
Cleveland-Akron (Canton)
Ranking third nationally per Terminix, this metro sees rampant infestations in apartments and hotels. Local health departments ramp up inspections amid rising complaints.
Pest control calls spiked post-pandemic due to travel resurgence.​
Columbus
Columbus clocks in at 12th on Terminix’s list and 8th on Orkin’s, battling bugs in its vast rental market. City officials partner with exterminators for public awareness campaigns.
High mobility from universities exacerbates issues.​
Dayton
Dayton ranks 11th nationally (Terminix), with widespread neighborhood outbreaks. Authorities urge residents to inspect secondhand furniture, a common vector.
Cincinnati
At 14th on Terminix and present on Orkin lists, Cincinnati combats older housing vulnerabilities. Travel hubs like airports heighten risks.
Toledo
Toledo rounds out the top 50 (36th Orkin), reporting steady complaints despite lower severity. Prevention efforts focus on public transit and low-income housing.
Combatting Strategies
Cities deploy free inspections, heat treatments, and education drives. Travelers should check luggage edges and avoid floor placement in hotels.
| City | Terminix Rank | Orkin Rank | Key Factor |
|---|
| City | Terminix Rank | Orkin Rank | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland-Akron | 3 | 2 | Dense housing​ |
| Columbus | 12 | 8 | Rentals​ |
| Dayton | 11 | 43 | Neighborhoods​ |
| Cincinnati | 14 | – | Travel hubs​ |
| Toledo | – | 36 | Transit |
SOURCES :
- https://thewrangler.com/insect-invasion-5-ohio-cities-combatting-bed-bug-onslaught/2025/06/21/
- https://bgfalconmedia.com/170086/news/ohio-places-five-on-list-of-most-bed-bug-infested-cities-in-u-s/?__cf_chl_rt_tk=M.QejmnpLKwFfbwuXJ04JPJwZK6DtTBVYOKt3aWdb98-1773636294-1.0.1.1-_bEPKhiyI750hqo7_gPF1KoBYd9B35j91DMNgYOluUE
