Because the Fourth of July falls on a Thursday, many Idaho residents skip work on Friday as well, turning the holiday into a mini-vacation. According to AAA, nearly 71 million Americans plan to get out of town this year to enjoy fireworks, friends and barbecues.

They expect about 400,000 Idaho residents to make up a small portion of that record number. Where are we headed? AAA Idaho says this year's cities will be Anaheim, Seattle, Las Vegas, San Diego, Hawaii, Orlando, Anchorage, Salt Lake City, the Oregon Coast, Yellowstone and Grand Teton. These are all great destinations, BUT some of these cities are among the “bed bug capitals” of the United States.

How dangerous are bed bugs?

The good news is that while these tiny insects are absolutely repulsive, they are more of a nuisance than a danger. According to the CDC, if you were bitten by a bed bug overnight, there's a good chance you won't notice it when you wake up. Bed bugs inject humans with an anesthetic and an anticoagulant, so their bites are unlikely to wake you up and/or leave a trail of blood. Within a few days, these bites may become swollen or itchy, as would a mosquito bite.

READ MORE: If you see one of these 5 insects in Idaho, kill it immediately

However, bed bug bites can also cause more serious, invisible symptoms such as insomnia and anxiety.

Why are bed bugs a problem when traveling?

That's a good question, and probably the reason you're reading this article in the first place. If you're traveling to an area known for high bed bug infestations, you run the risk of bringing them home to YOUR home. Bed bugs have thin, flat bodies, so the number of places they can hide and hitch a ride is almost limitless.

They nest in the seams of your luggage, in the folds of your clothing, or in a pillowcase on the pillow you brought from home. They can survive for a while without food, so they just stay there until you unpack. When you least expect it, they show up, bite you again, and start spreading throughout your bedding, furniture, or other areas of your home.

This list is important because bed bugs have no prejudice. You may think you're avoiding them by booking a fancy five-star hotel, but in reality, they infest luxury accommodations just as often as they infest homeless shelters or college dorms.

How do I know if a bed is infested with bed bugs?

As mentioned, these guys are tiny, so you can't easily spot them with the naked eye. The CDC says that in addition to hiding in the areas listed above, they also hide in cracks, crevices, depressions in headboards, or behind wallpaper while waiting to feed. The most telltale sign that a room is infested with bed bugs is rust-colored blood stains on the mattress or furniture. You may also find their molted exoskeletons or smell a sweet, musty smell.

Although they can be difficult to spot with the naked eye, some of them can grow as large as Lincoln's head on a penny, so it's not impossible.

Idaho's most popular cities rank 3rd among America's most bed bug-infested cities

And that brings us to Orkins annual bed bug reportwhich ranks cities by the number of bed bug treatments conducted between December 1, 2022, and November 30, 2023.

About three of the cities on the AAA list of Most popular travel destinations for the 4th of July Overlaps with the bed bug list.

Disney World is known for its incredible fireworks displays year-round, but things get even more exciting on the 4th of July. Chefs also offer a range of patriotic snacks and drinks. This could be why Orlando is the sixth most popular travel destination for Idaho residents, but the city ranks 46th in terms of bed bug infestations.

Seattle ranks second in popularity, probably due in part to its Seafair Fourth of July celebrations and the incredible fireworks displays it hosts at Gas Works Park and South Lake Union Park. But… the city also ranks 44th in bed bugs.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas…except bed bugs. Vegas is the third-most visited destination by Idaho residents and just ranked 35th in the bed bug report for the first time.

We said “three” cities because Anaheim isn't technically on the list, but Los Angeles, which is only 26 miles away? It ranks fifth for bed bugs!

Planning a trip somewhere else? Here's Orkin's full list to help you look for signs of a bed bug infestation when you arrive at your hotel or Airbnb.