Yelp’s Summer Infestation Index finds bed bug extermination searches on the rise nationwide

Yelp data uncovers the top 20 cities preventing and combating bed bugs, plus pest-proofing tips amid summer travel and at-home entertaining

As summer heats up, so do social calendars, travel plans-and, unfortunately, pest problems. One unwelcome guest that can quickly disrupt summer fun? Bed bugs. These stubborn pests, which can hitch rides in luggage and clothing during travel, are notoriously tough to eliminate without professional help.

Ahead of National Bed Bug Prevention Day on June 10, Yelp data shows that nationwide searches for bed bug extermination have risen 53% from May 2024 through April 2025 (compared to the previous 12-month period), which reflects a growing demand for service pros who can take action.* While these pests are active year-round, bed bugs typically peak during the heart of travel season, between June and October. In fact, searches on Yelp for pest control and bed bug inspection have both climbed steadily every month of 2025, highlighting the increased need for prevention and treatment.*

To help provide peace of mind this season, the latest edition of Yelp's Infestation Index uncovers the top cities taking action against bed bugs with the help of service pros. We'll also provide tips for fending off and managing bed bugs and other common pests during your summer activities.

Northeast and Midwest cities lead in bed bug searches nationwide

Atlantic City, New Jersey claims the top spot this year for bed bug-related searches on Yelp-demonstrating that local residents are taking measures for prevention and treatment.** Other major East Coast cities also ranked highly in our top 20 list, including New York (#8), Philadelphia (#9), and Boston (#14). Data highlights strong pest awareness across the region, showing that vigilant residents aren't taking chances ahead of bed bug season.

Midwest cities like Chicago (#4), St. Louis (#15), Minneapolis (#18), and more ranked among the areas with the most bed bug related searches, along with Southwest hotspots like Las Vegas (#3) and Oklahoma City (#17). It's clear Americans nationwide are turning to pest control pros to keep their homes comfortable and bug-free.

"Discovering bed bugs or other pests at home is something no one wants to deal with-especially heading into a busy summer of travel and entertaining-but it can happen to anyone," says Yelp Trend Expert Tara Lewis. "That's why early prevention is key. It's much easier to address these issues before they arise. With Yelp, you can easily connect with trusted, top-rated pros for prevention and treatment, to avoid bigger problems and get back to enjoying your home and summer."

Summer pest-proofing tips from Yelp Trend Expert Tara Lewis

Looking to keep your home pest-free? Check out the tips below, and don't hesitate to connect with experienced local pros who can provide trusted expertise. With Yelp's Request a Quote feature, you can send your request to multiple pest control businesses at once and quickly compare rates and availability.

Don't let pests follow you home from summer fun

Bed bugs and other pests aren't only found in hotels-they can turn up in gyms, cabs or rideshares, planes, movie theaters, and more. With a little vigilance, you can stop these bugs from becoming unwanted houseguests. When you travel or visit public places, try to keep bags and personal items off the floor. Take a few minutes to inspect mattress seams, upholstered seats, and bags for signs of bed bugs, such as small reddish-brown spots or dark specks. After you return home, immediately wash clothing on high heat to help eliminate potential stowaways.

Communication is key: Find reliable pros with Yelp's new response quality badges

When you're facing bed bugs-or any urgent pest problem-clear, timely communication can make all the difference. Yelp's new AI-powered response quality badges make it easy to find service pros who consistently provide helpful and informative replies. Look for these badges on business profiles and in search results to connect with pros who have a reputation for reliable and thorough communication, so you can get the help you need quickly.

Combat indoor humidity to deter summer pests

Warm, humid weather attracts more than just bed bugs-cockroaches, mosquitoes, and silverfish thrive in moist conditions. To make your home less inviting, use dehumidifiers in damp areas such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. Also, fix any leaky pipes or faucets to keep moisture levels in check.

If you notice a potential issue in your home-whether it's a damp spot, gaps and cracks that could be entry points for bugs, or signs of possible pests-check out Yelp Assistant, now with AI-powered photo recognition. When you upload a photo related to your project, Yelp Assistant will pinpoint the service you're looking for, ask relevant follow-up questions, and connect you with the right pros to complete your project.

Tailor your pest plan: Adjust inspection and treatment frequency to fit your home

While some situations-like picking up bed bugs while traveling-can be less predictable, proactive inspections will help minimize pest problems. Experts generally recommend professional pest inspections annually or quarterly, but the frequency can depend on factors such as your location and your home's age and structure. Many pest control businesses on Yelp offer seasonal or monthly maintenance plans for ongoing protection tailored to your specific needs.

For more tips to help keep your home comfortable and running smoothly through summer, check out our summer home maintenance quick-start guide.

Methodology

*Yelp identified trends within searches by measuring the frequency of the phrases mentioned per million searches on Yelp, comparing May 2024-April 2025 vs. May 2023-April 2024.
**Yelp analyzed bed bug-related searches within the top 200 core-based statistical areas. Cities were ranked based on the volume of bed bug-related searches per million between May 2024-April 2025.