KY and TN Cities Appear on Annual 'Most Bed Bugs' List

I have never seen a bed bug in person, and I thank my lucky stars for that. In fact, I almost didn't write that sentence for fear it might JINX me. Certainly, that isn't the kind of jinx I need in my life. In case you were wondering, here's what an infestation can look like. Brace yourself:

To be perfectly honest, I know that bed bugs are bad news, but I had no idea it could get THAT bad. That's horror-movie level, if you ask me. And talk about going from extreme to the other; it was the Summer Olympics in Paris in 2024 and a horrifying bed bug infestation in 2023.

Kentucky, Tennessee Cities Among the 50 Worst With Bed Bug Issues

The two largest cities in Kentucky and the largest and third-largest cities in Tennessee find themselves on Orkin's dubious annual list of the cities with the worst bed bug problems. Lexington fell to 50th place while Louisville maintained the 49th position. Both Nashville and Knoxville are in the top 35.

How Orkin Determines the National Bed Bug List

Treatment data was gathered from metro areas where the most work was done to eradicate these vile little pests. Chicago has the dubious distinction of claiming a FOUR-PEAT. Yes, the Windy City is number one for the fourth year in a row. And while you might think it's all really large metropolitan areas, cities like Champaign IL, Charleston WV, and Harrisburg PA also made the cut. Their populations are a fraction of the populations of New York City, Philadelphia, the aforementioned Chicago, and other huge metros on the Orkin list.

The way Orkin describes how these things operate sounds like, yes, a HORROR MOVIE:

Bed bugs are typically 3/16 inch long, red to dark brown in color and are mostly nocturnal insects that come out of hiding to take blood meals from sleeping humans. These pests are hematophagous, which means blood is their only food source. Clinging to items such as luggage, purses and other personal belongings, bed bugs can travel from place to place with ease.

So that's not very comforting, is it? And listen, I don't want you to think my tone indicates I don't take this seriously. I absolutely do. Bed bugs are a nightmare; I have a good friend who was once in the exterminating business, and we've had bed bug discussions. They're chilling.

Answering the Big Bed Bug Question "How Do I Get Rid of Them?"

HERE'S an exterminator showing us how to deal with a bed bug issue should one arise, heaven forbid:

As far as Lexington and Louisville are concerned, they ARE pretty low on the list--No. 46 and No. 49 respectively--and the 'Ville looks like it's making its way OFF the list.

Hopefully, you won't be encountering any bed bug problems anywhere, but Orkin--which also provides tips on how to protect yourself while traveling--is a pretty reliable resource. So is ANY exterminator, for that matter. In the new world of social media networking, I'm certain you're no more than three degrees of separation away from one.