Bed bugs, those tiny, pesky insects that feed on human blood, have made a big comeback in recent years across the United States, and California is no exception. As these bugs continue to spread throughout the state, local cities are scrambling to combat the growing problem. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at five California cities facing a surge in bed bug infestations and what they’re doing to fight back.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that are about the size of an apple seed. They are nocturnal creatures, feeding on the blood of humans and animals while they sleep. Their bites can cause itching, irritation, and even allergic reactions in some people. While bed bugs aren’t known to transmit diseases, their presence can cause significant distress and disrupt daily life.
Bed bugs are most often found in places with high human traffic, such as hotels, apartments, and public transportation. They are excellent hitchhikers, traveling from place to place in luggage, clothing, and furniture. Because they’re so good at hiding and reproducing quickly, they can be difficult to eliminate once an infestation takes hold.
1. Los Angeles: A Bed Bug Hotspot
Los Angeles is one of the largest cities in California, and it has been dealing with an increase in bed bug infestations in recent years. Known for its high population density and constant movement, L.A. provides an ideal environment for bed bugs to thrive. Hotels, apartment complexes, and even movie theaters have reported infestations, making it a top priority for pest control efforts.
The city has taken several steps to combat the problem, including launching awareness campaigns to educate residents about identifying and preventing bed bug infestations. The L.A. County Department of Public Health has also partnered with pest control experts to help individuals and businesses address infestations quickly.
Additionally, Los Angeles is encouraging landlords and property managers to take proactive measures, such as regular inspections and thorough cleaning, to prevent bed bugs from spreading.
2. San Francisco: Battling Bed Bugs in the City by the Bay
San Francisco, with its bustling tourism industry and high-density housing, has also seen a rise in bed bug infestations. The city’s compact nature, with people living in close quarters in apartment buildings, makes it especially susceptible to infestations. Bed bugs often hitch a ride into homes through secondhand furniture or on travelers’ luggage.
San Francisco has responded by increasing public education about how to spot bed bugs and what to do if an infestation occurs. The city has also updated its pest control regulations to require landlords to address bed bug problems quickly and effectively. Local pest control companies are in high demand as residents and businesses take preventive steps, such as regular professional inspections and sealing cracks in walls and floors where bed bugs can hide.
3. San Diego: A Growing Problem for the Coastal City
San Diego, known for its sunny weather and tourism, is another California city facing a growing bed bug issue. The city has seen a surge in reports of bed bug infestations in hotels, apartment buildings, and even public transportation. As with other cities, bed bugs are a common nuisance in places with high foot traffic, making the hospitality industry a prime target.
San Diego has implemented several measures to fight the spread of bed bugs. The San Diego Department of Environmental Health offers resources to residents and businesses, including educational materials on preventing and treating infestations. The city also works closely with pest control professionals to ensure that infested areas are treated quickly and effectively to prevent further spread.
4. Sacramento: Tackling Bed Bugs in the State Capital
Sacramento, the capital of California, has faced its own battles with bed bugs, particularly in public housing complexes and multi-family apartments. The combination of high population density and frequent movement of people has allowed these pests to thrive in the region.
The city has launched a number of initiatives to reduce the number of bed bug infestations, including public awareness campaigns and collaboration with local pest control agencies. Sacramento’s approach emphasizes education on preventative measures, such as inspecting secondhand furniture before bringing it into homes and using bed bug-proof mattress encasements.
Moreover, Sacramento has stepped up its efforts to ensure that landlords and property owners are taking proper action to eliminate bed bugs in a timely manner. The city is also working with residents to promote cleanliness and regular inspections in buildings to detect infestations early.
5. Fresno: Fighting Bed Bugs in Central California
Fresno, located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, has seen a notable rise in bed bug infestations, particularly in rental properties. These pests are often brought into homes through used furniture or by visitors, which makes them difficult to control without effective prevention strategies.
In response to the growing issue, Fresno has partnered with local pest control experts to educate the public on the signs of bed bug infestations and how to prevent them. The city has also taken steps to improve pest control protocols in multi-family housing units and hotels, which are more likely to harbor infestations due to the high turnover of residents and guests.
Fresno’s efforts include providing resources to landlords to help them implement proactive measures, such as regular pest inspections and maintaining cleanliness in shared spaces to reduce the chances of an infestation.
Bed bugs are no longer a rare nuisance in California—they’ve become a widespread problem affecting cities across the state. From Los Angeles to Fresno, local governments and pest control agencies are ramping up efforts to educate residents, improve prevention strategies, and eliminate infestations quickly. With the right steps and ongoing awareness, these California cities are working hard to protect residents from the itchy and often stressful consequences of a bed bug infestation.
SOURCE
[1] https://www.lajaunies.com/americas-most-bed-bug-infested-cities/
[2] https://patch.com/california/across-ca/most-bed-bug-infested-cities-where-these-ca-towns-rank
[3] https://passingthru.com/californias-bed-bug-problem-5-cities-where-youre-most-likely-to-find-them/
[4] https://news.terminix.com/press-releases/press-release-details/2025/The-Bed-Bug-Boom-Terminix-Reveals-Top-50-Infested-U-S–Cities/default.aspx
[5] https://www.mypmp.net/top-50-most-bed-bug-infested-cities-in-the-u-s-revealed-by-terminix/
