Bed Bugs: The Houseguest No One Invited

When you think about the issues that come with owning a home in Los Angeles, you probably think about insurance, earthquakes, termites, plumbing, or maybe the occasional rodent. Bed bugs probably aren't very high on the list. But perhaps they should be. Los Angeles ranked No. 2 in the country for bed bug treatments in Orkin's 2026 Bed Bug Cities List, moving up from No. 4 the previous year. The ranking is based on the number of residential and commercial bed bug treatments performed by Orkin, so it isn't a count of every infestation in the city—but it does give you an idea of just how prevalent the problem can be in Los Angeles.

Part of the reason bed bugs thrive in a city like LA is simply how much movement we have. Millions of residents and visitors move between homes, apartments, hotels, vacation rentals, college housing, and other accommodations. Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can travel unnoticed in luggage, clothing, boxes, furniture, and other belongings. Contrary to one of the biggest misconceptions about them, having bed bugs doesn't mean a home is dirty. They can turn up in a luxury hotel, a multimillion-dollar home, an apartment building, or just about anywhere else people live and sleep.

Once inside a home, they're remarkably good at staying out of sight. Bed bugs tend to hide in mattress seams, box springs, headboards, upholstered furniture, baseboards, and tiny cracks and crevices. Often, the first indication isn't actually seeing a bug. Homeowners may notice small reddish stains on bedding, dark spotting around a mattress or furniture, shed skins, or unexplained bites. And because bites alone aren't enough to confirm bed bugs, it's usually a good idea to have a suspected infestation inspected by an experienced pest-control professional.

The issue can be particularly challenging in Los Angeles apartment buildings, condos, duplexes, and other multifamily properties. Bed bugs can potentially move from one unit to another through wall voids and areas around plumbing and electrical lines, meaning a problem that begins in one unit doesn't necessarily stay there. LA County considers bed bug infestations a housing issue as well: rental units are required to be free of bed bug infestation and harborage conditions.

Prevention mostly comes down to awareness. When traveling, take a quick look around the mattress, headboard, and surrounding furniture before settling into a hotel or vacation rental, and think twice before bringing used mattresses or upholstered furniture into your home without thoroughly inspecting them. If you do discover bed bugs, acting quickly is important. They're notoriously difficult to eliminate, and professional treatment is often the most effective route.

For Los Angeles homeowners, the takeaway isn't to panic every time you wake up with an itchy spot. It's simply to know that bed bugs are more common here than many people realize. Like termites, leaks, or any number of other homeownership headaches, catching the problem early can make it much easier to deal with. And in a city that currently sits near the top of a national bed bug treatment ranking, knowing what to look for isn't a bad addition to your homeowner toolkit.

Have a question about your home, your neighborhood, or Los Angeles real estate? I'm always happy to be a resource.