Analysis of 2026 Bedbug Trends and Distribution in the US
2026年美國床蝨趨勢與分佈分析
Introduction
The pest control company Orkin has published its 2026 rankings of the fifty US cities with the highest number of bedbug treatments.
害蟲防治公司 Orkin 公佈了 2026 年美國床蝨處理數量最高的五十個城市排名。
Main Body
The 2026 data, based on treatment records from May 2025 to May 2026, shows that bedbugs remain common in urban areas. Chicago has held the top spot for six years in a row, followed by Los Angeles, Detroit, Cleveland, and Indianapolis. There is a clear concentration in the Midwest; for example, Ohio has the most cities on the list. In Missouri, St. Louis and Kansas City are highlighted as high-activity zones, with Kansas City appearing on the list for the first time.
根據 2025 年 5 月至 2026 年 5 月的處理紀錄，2026 年的數據顯示床蝨在都市地區依然十分普遍。芝加哥已連續六年蟬聯榜首，隨後是洛杉磯、底特律、克里夫蘭和印第安納波利斯。中西部地區有明顯的集中趨勢；例如，俄亥俄州在名單上的城市最多。在密蘇里州，聖路易斯和堪薩斯市被標記為高活躍區域，而堪薩斯市則是首次進入名單。
Experts suggest that high population density and a large number of visitors cause these infestations to spread. Orkin emphasized that places with frequent human movement, such as hotels and dormitories, make it easier for pests to travel. Furthermore, an analysis by Casino.ca used data from Orkin, Terminix, and social media to identify Michigan as the highest-risk state for travelers. However, researchers from the University of Kentucky and Virginia Tech argued that these rankings focus too much on cities. They believe that people in rural areas might actually struggle more to get rid of bedbugs because they have less access to professional services.
專家建議，高人口密度和大量遊客導致了這些蟲害的傳播。Orkin 強調，如飯店和宿舍等人員流動頻繁的地方，更容易讓害蟲傳播。此外，Casino.ca 利用 Orkin、Terminix 及社交媒體的數據分析，指出密西根州是旅客風險最高的州。然而，肯塔基大學和維吉尼亞理工大學的研究人員認為，這些排名過於集中在城市。他們認為鄉村地區的人們在根除床蝨方面可能面臨更大困難，因為他們較難獲得專業服務。
To reduce the risk of bringing pests home, Orkin has introduced the 'S.L.E.E.P.' protocol. This method encourages people to carefully check linens and furniture, keep luggage off the floor, and use high heat in clothes dryers. These steps are necessary because the EPA and Orkin describe these insects as small, reddish-brown, and oval-shaped, which allows them to hide easily in small cracks.
為了降低將害蟲帶回家的風險，Orkin 推出了 "S.L.E.E.P." 方案。此方法鼓勵人們仔細檢查床單和家具，將行李移離地面，並使用高溫烘乾機烘烤衣物。這些步驟至關重要，因為美國環保署 (EPA) 和 Orkin 將這些昆蟲描述為微小、紅褐色且呈橢圓形，這使它們能輕易躲在微小裂縫中。
Conclusion
Current data shows that while big cities are the main areas for reported infestations, the risk still exists in many different environments.
目前的數據顯示，雖然大城市是通報蟲害的主要區域，但在許多不同的環境中依然存在風險。
Vocabulary Learning
🚀 THE UPGRADE: From 'Simple Lists' to 'Connecting Ideas'
An A2 student usually says: "Chicago has bedbugs. Los Angeles has bedbugs. Detroit has bedbugs."
To reach B2, you need to group information using Complex Connectors. Look at how the article moves from a list of cities to a broader geographical trend:
"There is a clear concentration in the Midwest; for example, Ohio has the most cities on the list."
🛠️ The B2 Tool: The "Example-Evidence" Bridge
Instead of just naming things, use these markers to prove your point:
- For example / For instance: Use these to zoom in from a big group (The Midwest) to a specific detail (Ohio).
- Furthermore: Use this when you want to add a new, stronger piece of evidence to your argument. (e.g., "Cities have pests. Furthermore, travelers are at risk.")
🧠 SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES: The "However" Pivot
B2 fluency is about showing two sides of a story. A2 students often use "but" for everything. To sound more academic and professional, use the Contrast Pivot found in the text:
"However, researchers... argued that these rankings focus too much on cities."
The B2 Logic:
- Point A: Most people think bedbugs are only in cities.
- The Pivot:
HoweverThis tells the reader: "Wait, there is another perspective!" - Point B: Rural areas actually struggle more.
💡 Quick Application
Stop using "and" to connect every sentence. Try this structure instead:
[General Fact]** $\rightarrow$ **[Furthermore + Extra Detail]** $\rightarrow$ **[However + Opposing View]**