Report Identifies U.S. Cities with Highest Bedbug Risk for Travelers

A report has identified U.S. cities and states with the highest risk of travelers encountering bedbugs. Bedbugs, small insects that feed on blood, are commonly found in places where people sleep or rest. According to Zachary DeVries, an associate professor of urban entomology at the University of Kentucky, bedbugs can be found in beds, couches, and nearby furniture. The report, published by casino.ca, ranks Michigan as the state with the highest risk, with a 1 in 57 chance of encountering bedbugs. Warren, Michigan, is noted as the top city for bedbug encounters, followed by North Las Vegas, NV, and Madison, WI. Ohio and Maryland follow Michigan in risk levels, while Hawaii and Oregon are identified as states with the lowest risk. The report combines rankings from pest control companies with hotel reviews and social media analysis. DeVries cautioned against over-reliance on such rankings, noting that bedbugs can appear in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Dini Miller, a professor of urban pest management at Virginia Tech University, added that bedbugs are often highlighted in media during events that attract visitors, such as the World Cup. Experts suggest that bedbugs are more commonly found in homes and apartment complexes than in hotels, and they advise travelers to check for signs of bedbugs when staying in accommodations.