Chicago is known for deep dish pizza, the Magnificent Mile, skyscrapers, and… bed bugs. So many bed bugs. Chicago might be one of the worst cities for bed bug outbreaks in the U.S. Whether you’re a resident of the Windy City, or you’re just sightseeing, here is everything to know about bed bugs in Chicago.
How Common are Bed Bugs in Chicago?
Bed bugs are very common in Chicago.
Even though bed bugs are a nationwide nuisance, the frequency and severity of outbreaks can vary from city to city. Unfortunately for Chicagoans, the Windy City has often ranked number one on the “Worst Cities for Bed Bugs” lists by Orkin and Terminix in recent years. That makes Chicago one of the worst cities for bed bugs.
Bed bugs were on the decline in Illinois during the 1940s-50s, but now their numbers have risen thanks to world-wide travel and resistance to pesticides. Chicago has a high population and is a popular destination for tourists, which means there are plenty of opportunities for bed bugs to spread whether it’s in hotels or apartments.
Chicago Hotels With Bed Bugs
With professional treatment, a bed bug infestation can be gone in as little as three weeks, so don’t be turned off by long-ago reports of bed bugs in a hotel. However, you should double check your hotel for recent or repeated bed bug reports on bed bug registry sites before booking a room.
Remember, bed bugs can find their way into any hotel, whether it’s on the higher end or budget-friendly. But repeated instances of bed bugs may be a sign of negligence or a large infestation that has not been properly handled.
Here are a few tips and tricks on how to prevent picking up bed bugs at a hotel:
What to do:
- Use hardside luggage.
- Keep your luggage off the floor by placing it on the luggage rack or in the bathtub.
- Use a flashlight to inspect the room thoroughly for bed bugs.
- Store your clothes in plastic bags before and after your stay.
- Don’t scatter your clothing on the floor or furniture.
What to look for:
- Live bed bugs
- Small reddish blood stains on the sheets and mattress
- Dark spots from bed bug frass
- Tiny white oval eggs similar to rice
- Tiny pale yellow egg shells
- Discarded skin casings from nymphs
Where to look:
- Bed skirts
- Box springs
- Carpet
- Couch cushion seams
- Curtains and windows
- Furniture cushions and zippers
- Headboards
- Mattress seams
- Outlets and USB ports
- Textured ceilings and walls
The higher guest turnover in tourist-rich cities like Chicago is more likely to bring in the occasional bed bug, but most hotels will promptly handle the infestation.
Chicago Bed Bugs Ordinance
In 2013, the City of Chicago passed an ordinance that assigns responsibilities both to landlords and tenants so that they could combat the growing number of bed bugs in rental properties. The ordinance states that:
Tenants
- Must notify their landlord within five days of noticing an infestation.
- Must cooperate with the landlord regarding inspection, treatment, and properly disposing of infested items.
Landlords
- Must provide a brochure on bed bugs to tenants who are signing or renewing their lease.
- Must notify tenants prior to any inspection or treatment and provide instructions for preparing the apartment.
- Must provide pest control services by a pest control pro within 10 days after receiving a report about bed bugs.
- Cannot retaliate against a tenant who reports or complains about a bed bug infestation.
Landlords and tenants who fail to comply can be fined up to $2,000 for a third offense by the City of Chicago.
The ordinance also states that:
- Businesses must provide pest control services when a bed bug problem occurs on their premises.
- Hotels are prohibited from renting rooms with a known bed bug problem.
- Bed bug infested items must be enclosed in a plastic bag and labeled before being thrown away.
- Bed bug infested items cannot be recycled.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs in Chicago
Once bed bugs have made it into your home, they are difficult to get rid of. Here are several tips on how to prevent bed bugs from hitchhiking with you so you can avoid the stress:
- Check secondhand furniture and clothing for bed bugs before taking them home. Steam treat the furniture and place your clothing in the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes.
- Encase your mattress in a protective cover.
- If you use a shared laundry facility, make sure to transport your clothing in plastic bags and fold them at home.
- Reduce clutter in your home to limit hiding places for bed bugs.
- Vacuum your home regularly.
- Regularly wash and dry your bedding.
- To avoid picking up bed bugs in the subway, keep your bag on your lap, or remain standing with your bag on you.
- If you are traveling, thoroughly inspect the hotel room for bed bugs before unpacking. Keep your suitcase in a plastic bag, in the bathtub, or on a carefully inspected luggage rack.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Chicago
The one good thing about bed bugs is that even though there are two main species (Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus), they have the same habits and behaviors. That means the methods to get rid of them are the same, too, so the process is universal.
If you find bed bugs in your Chicago home, here’s what you can do to send the bed bugs packing:
- Use a high-powered vacuum on your mattress, furniture, and carpet. Pay special attention to the cracks, crevices, and seams where bed bugs like to hide.
- Take a stiff bristle brush and scrub your mattress and floors to remove any eggs.
- Steam clean your mattress, carpet, and furniture at a minimum of 130 degrees with low airflow to avoid dispersing the bugs or their eggs. Let the steamed items dry.
- Heat treat your bedding, clothing, and furniture covers by washing in hot water and drying on high heat. Clothes that can’t be put in the dryer should be taken to a dry cleaner.
- Place glue traps and interceptor traps underneath your beds, chairs, and couches.
- Spread diatomaceous earth around your baseboards and behind electrical outlets.
The best way to get rid of bed bugs is to clean regularly so they don’t have a chance to hide and reproduce. But if you can’t get rid of your bed bug problems, then you may need to hire a bed bug exterminator in Illinois.
The Cost of a Bed Bug Exterminator in Chicago
The nationwide cost for bed bug treatment ranges between $917 and $1,917 depending on the type of treatment used and the number of infested rooms.
If you’re a resident of the Windy City, you can expect to pay somewhere within the range of $550 to $2,000 per treatment.
FAQ About Bed Bugs in Chicago
Are Bed Bugs Attracted to Dirty Places?
No, bed bugs don’t prefer dirty, filthy places, nor are they attracted to them. However, clutter gives them places to hide, which is why it’s recommended that you keep your place tidy to discourage bed bugs.
Do Bed Bugs Carry Diseases?
No, bed bugs are not vectors for disease. But some people have mild reactions to bed bug bites, which may result in a secondary infection if the itchy places are scratched.
What Attracts Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are primarily attracted to carbon dioxide, warmth, and blood, which humans have in abundance.
Hire a Pro
When the bed bugs bite in Chi-town and your DIY treatments aren’t enough, let Pest Gnome connect you with a local pest control pro today for bed bugs or other pest issues.
Main Image Credits:
Background: Leonid Andronov / Canva Pro / License
Bed Bug: Mainely Photos / Canva Pro / License
