Pennsylvania is facing a significant bed bug problem, with several cities ranking among the most infested in the United States. According to data from pest control companies like Orkin, these infestations are prompting aggressive responses from local governments, businesses, and residents.
Top 5 Pennsylvania Cities Battling Bed Bugs
Based on recent rankings and reports, the following five Pennsylvania cities are notable hotspots for bed bug infestations:
- Philadelphia
Ranked as the third most bed bug-infested city in the nation, Philadelphia has been a persistent hotspot for years. The city is taking steps to address the issue, including proposed legislation requiring landlords to notify tenants about past infestations and to ensure prompt extermination measures. - Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is another major city grappling with bed bug outbreaks, ranking 21st nationally. Public awareness campaigns and professional pest control responses are ongoing to contain the spread. - Harrisburg
Harrisburg, the state capital, is also among the most affected. The city’s higher education institutions and tourism contribute to the increased risk, and local pest control companies report high demand for bed bug extermination services. - Lancaster
While not always in the national top 50, Lancaster experiences frequent bed bug issues, especially in multi-unit housing and hospitality sectors. Local pest control experts are actively engaged in combating infestations. - York
York, like Lancaster, faces recurring bed bug problems. Regional pest management companies are involved in ongoing efforts to educate residents and eradicate infestations.
Strategies and Responses
Cities and residents are using a variety of tactics to fight the bed bug onslaught:
- Professional Extermination:
Specialized pest control services using heat treatments, steam cleaning, and chemical applications are the primary methods for eradicating bed bugs. - Public Education:
Outreach programs educate residents on identifying signs of infestation, such as bites, live bugs, and dark spots on bedding and furniture. - Legislation and Policy:
Philadelphia is moving toward stricter regulations requiring landlords to act quickly on bed bug complaints and to maintain transparency with tenants about infestation history and remediation steps. - Preventive Measures:
Residents are encouraged to inspect secondhand furniture, reduce clutter, and use monitoring devices to detect bed bugs early. - Rapid Response in Public Spaces:
When infestations are found in public venues, such as the reported outbreak in a Susquehanna Township movie theater, immediate closures and professional treatments are implemented to prevent further spread.
The bed bug crisis in Pennsylvania is concentrated in major urban centers like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg, but cities like Lancaster and York are also actively fighting the problem. Through a combination of professional pest control, public education, and evolving legislation, these cities are working to stem the tide of this persistent insect invasion.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.readingpa.gov/bed-bug-fact-sheet
[2] https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/philadelphia-ranked-3-on-bed-bug-top-50-list-orkin/
[3] https://mynbc15.com/news/nation-world/bedbugs-invade-movie-theater-in-pennsylvania-regal-movie-theater-in-susquehanna-township-outbreak-box-office-blood-itchy-bites-irritation-susquehanna-township-codes-department
[4] https://www.phila.gov/media/20201224103922/Philadelphia-Bed-Bug-Brochure-2021_NoDate.pdf
[5] https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/should-philadelphia-hire-a-pest-czar-to-control-bed-bugs/
