Terminix data flags high mosquito or bed bug activity in seven of 11 tournament metros

With one of the world’s biggest sporting events already underway and millions of international visitors on the ground across U.S. cities, new data from Terminix®, a Rentokil Terminix company, reveals a striking convergence: seven of the 11 host cities for this summer's next wave of soccer matches also rank among the country's worst for mosquito activity, bed bug infestations, or both.

The data is drawn from two Terminix annual reports released this spring, both based on 2025 service data from more than 300 Rentokil-owned Terminix branches nationwide.

The Double Threat: Host Cities Ranking Among the Top 10 for Both Pests

Also on the Map: Host Cities Ranking in the Top 10 for One Pest

Mosquitoes & the Outdoor Event Effect

The city hosting this summer's final match has also claimed a title no one wants: America's most mosquito-infested city, a Terminix first for New York. Extreme summer heat and rainfall have created a perfect storm for pest activity, hitting peak levels right as travelers from around the world descend on the metro area for the summer's biggest outdoor events, and New York isn't the only host city feeling it.

“These aren’t random cities, they’re dense, high-traffic urban environments where warm temperatures and increased rainfall extend mosquito season well into the summer months,” said Dr. Sydney Crawley, Principal Vector Scientist at Terminix. “With millions of fans gathering outdoors this summer, travelers need to be thinking about protection before they arrive, not after they’ve been bitten.”

Before You Head Outdoors

• Apply an EPA-registered repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus before heading to outdoor events or fan zones.
• Wear long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito hours — dusk and dawn — especially in high-humidity cities.
• Avoid standing water near your accommodations, including planters, gutters, and pool areas, where mosquitoes breed.

Bed Bugs & the Travel Multiplier

Bed bugs don’t need a ticket to travel with people; they just need a ride. As international crowds flood transit hubs, hotels, and rentals, the chance of picking up a hitchhiking pest spikes. Philadelphia is defending its No. 1 bed bug spot for a second straight year. Yet the data shows the surge extends far beyond the tournament's footprint: non-host cities like Cincinnati (jumping from No. 14 to No. 2) and Detroit (surging to No. 4) both made dramatic, double-digit year-over-year leaps.

“Bed bug demand has consistently increased over the past several years,” said Eric Braun, Technical Service Manager at Terminix. “What this summer adds is scale. The volume of international travelers moving through a concentrated set of cities over a short window is likely unlike anything we’ve seen in recent years.”

Your Bed Bug Travel Checklist

• At check-in: Inspect mattress seams, headboard, and upholstered furniture for rust-colored or black stains, shed skin, or live bugs before placing luggage on any surface.
• Store luggage on a hard surface: Bed bugs can be found on fabric-covered racks, so store luggage on the bathroom tile floor or other hard surfaces like a desk.
• Returning home: Run all clothing through a dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes.

For expert tips, prevention resources, and treatment options for both bed bugs and mosquitoes, visit terminix.com/bed-bug-control and terminix.com/mosquito-control.

About Rentokil Terminix

Rentokil Terminix is the leading provider of residential and commercial services in North America. The company provides health, hygiene, and environment services, and pest management services, including protection against termites, mosquitoes, rodents and other pests. The company is part of Rentokil Initial plc (NYSE: RTO), one of the largest business services companies in the world. To learn more, visit EnhancedPestControl.com, or linkedin.com/company/rentokilterminix.

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