Bedbugs remain one of the most persistent concerns for travelers across the United States, and new research suggests that the risk is far from evenly distributed. A 2026 analysis identified the states where travelers face the greatest odds of an encounter, with the leading hotspot reaching roughly one in fifty-seven guests. For families who value clean and comfortable living spaces, understanding where these pests are most active is an important first step toward keeping them out of the home.
What the New Bedbug Research Found
The study, conducted by the analysis platform Casino.ca, compared established bedbug rankings from the pest control companies Orkin and Terminix against mentions of the insects across social media posts and TripAdvisor hotel reviews. Researchers examined the three largest cities in every state to build a clearer picture of where problems are reported most often. Michigan emerged at the top of the list, followed by a cluster of locations concentrated in the Midwest and the Northeast.
The higher-risk states identified in the analysis include the following:
• Michigan
• Ohio
• Maryland
• Pennsylvania
• Wisconsin
• Texas
• Illinois
• New York
• Washington, D.C.
Why Popularity Does Not Equal Safety
One of the more revealing takeaways is that bedbug activity tracks visitor turnover rather than the reputation of a destination. According to the research, popular cities and well reviewed hotels are not inherently safer, because a steady flow of new guests gives bedbugs more opportunities to spread. A five star rating offers no guarantee of protection, since bedbugs travel by hitchhiking on luggage, clothing, and other personal belongings. The lesson for travelers is straightforward. Basic preventative checks are worthwhile in every accommodation, even the most popular and trusted ones.
How to Inspect a Hotel Room for Bedbugs
Even a five star property can fall victim to an infestation, so a short inspection at check in is a sensible habit. Bedbugs are relatively uncommon, yet they are also visible to the naked eye, which makes a careful look both quick and effective. Travelers can use the following steps:
1. Examine the bed closely. Bedbugs are roughly the size of an apple seed, so a detailed search of the mattress and box spring is the priority.
2. Look for the signs they leave behind. Shed skins, small pale eggs, and dark dot-like fecal marks tend to gather along seams, piping, and tags.
3. Protect the luggage. Suitcases should remain elevated on a luggage rack and away from the bed, and every bag deserves a thorough inspection before the return home.
How to Keep Bedbugs Out of the Home
The most vulnerable moment often arrives after the trip ends, when luggage and clothing come back through the front door. A careful routine closes that gap. Travel garments can be washed and dried on high heat soon after arrival, and suitcases can be inspected and stored away from sleeping areas. For an added layer of defense, a plant-based bedbug spray allows households to treat mattresses, luggage, and upholstery without the harsh chemical residue that many families prefer to avoid.
Premo Guard Bed Bug Killer Spray is formulated to be natural, safe, and effective, with no trade-off between the two. It is proudly manufactured in the United States and designed for use around the spaces where people sleep and rest. For travelers who want peace of mind after a busy season on the road, a trusted preventative treatment turns a stressful possibility into a manageable one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has the highest bedbug risk in 2026?
According to the 2026 Casino.ca analysis, Michigan carries the highest traveler risk, with chances reaching approximately one in fifty-seven guests in the leading hotspot.
Can bedbugs be found in luxury hotels?
Yes. Bedbugs spread through visitor turnover rather than a property's rating, so even five star hotels can host them. They hitchhike on luggage, clothing, and personal belongings, which means no accommodation is fully immune.
How can travelers tell if a room has bedbugs?
Travelers should inspect the mattress and box spring for live insects the size of an apple seed, along with shed skins, eggs, and dark fecal marks near seams, piping, and tags.
What is the best way to prevent bedbugs after traveling?
Washing and drying travel clothing on high heat, inspecting luggage before storage, and treating mattresses and bags with a plant-based bedbug spray together provide strong protection against bringing the pests home.
