Orkin ranking places Nashville 34th for bed bug activity
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Nashville: National pest control company Orkin released its annual rankings this week covering treatments from May 2025 to May 2026, placing Nashville 34th and Knoxville 40th among U.S. metropolitan areas for bed bug activity; Chicago topped the list, while Tampa and Myrtle Beach newly appeared on Orkin’s 50-city list. Nashville-area public health officials and pest-control experts urged increased vigilance this travel season, recommending licensed treatments, heat remediation, vacuuming and mattress encasements; Orkin data show Knoxville improved from 29th in 2025 to 40th in 2026, and officials said monitoring and scheduled inspections are expected to increase in coming weeks this year.
Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- Mid-20th century: bans on chemicals such as DDT reduced available pesticides historically.
- Recent years: increased international travel and pesticide resistance contributed to bed-bug resurgence nationwide.
- May 2025–May 2026: Orkin compiled residential and commercial treatment data for its annual ranking period.
- June 2026: Orkin’s latest 50-city list published, showing Chicago highest, Nashville 34th, Knoxville 40th, Tampa 46th, Myrtle Beach 50th.
- Following publication: public-health officials and pest-control experts advised licensed treatments and heightened inspections during travel season.
Why This Matters to You
Bed bugs aren't just a nuisance, they're a health concern. Increased bed bug activity in Nashville means a higher risk of infestations at home or while traveling. It's time to be extra vigilant, especially during travel season. Check your hotel rooms and luggage carefully.
The Bottom Line
Nashville ranks 34th for bed bug activity, but Knoxville is improving. The best defense is a good offense: consider licensed treatments, heat remediation, and regular inspections. Worth forwarding if you know someone planning a trip soon.
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Pest control companies and licensed exterminators are likely to see increased demand for inspections, treatments and preventative services after Orkin’s report prompted public awareness and travel-season vigilance.
Residents and hospitality businesses in ranked metropolitan areas may face reputational effects, increased remediation costs, and heightened inspection or treatment expenses following higher reported activity.
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