Bed bugs are a growing concern in many urban areas across the United States, and Washington State is no exception. These tiny pests have made their way into homes, hotels, and other public spaces, causing stress and discomfort for residents. While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, their presence can lead to severe itching, anxiety, and in some cases, secondary infections due to scratching. Several cities in Washington are grappling with an increasing number of bed bug infestations, and local governments are working hard to combat this problem. In this article, we will highlight five Washington cities actively addressing the bed bug onslaught and what steps they are taking to protect residents.
1. Seattle
Seattle, Washington’s largest city, has seen a notable rise in bed bug reports in recent years. As a bustling urban center with a large population, the city faces unique challenges in combating infestations, particularly in apartment buildings, hotels, and public transportation hubs.
Actions Taken by Seattle:
Public Awareness Campaigns: The city of Seattle has launched public education campaigns aimed at informing residents about the dangers of bed bugs, how to identify them, and how to prevent infestations. The city partners with local pest control companies and organizations like the Seattle-King County Public Health Department to provide resources.
Collaboration with Hotels and Businesses: Many hotels and businesses in Seattle are taking proactive steps by hiring pest control experts to inspect and treat their properties regularly. This helps reduce the risk of public exposure to bed bugs, especially in high-traffic areas like downtown Seattle.
Increased Inspections: Public health inspectors are trained to look for bed bugs during routine inspections of rental properties, motels, and even public spaces. Those found with infestations are given strict timelines to resolve the issue.
2. Spokane
Spokane, located in eastern Washington, has experienced an uptick in bed bug reports, particularly in apartment complexes, student housing, and older buildings. The city is working to raise awareness and provide support to residents dealing with these pests.
Actions Taken by Spokane:
Community Education: Spokane’s public health department offers resources and guidance for residents on preventing and dealing with bed bugs. Educational materials are distributed to local landlords, property owners, and tenants to help them understand their responsibilities in keeping properties bed bug-free.
Bed Bug Task Force: In Spokane, a dedicated task force works to address the issue by coordinating efforts between pest control companies, health inspectors, and the public. The task force helps streamline responses to infestations and provides financial assistance for low-income households needing pest control services.
Bed Bug-Free Certification: To encourage businesses and landlords to take action, Spokane has developed a certification program for properties that are bed bug-free. This gives peace of mind to tenants and visitors while also incentivizing proactive prevention measures.
3. Tacoma
Tacoma, located south of Seattle, has been actively addressing the bed bug issue with citywide efforts to reduce the number of infestations in homes and public spaces. While bed bugs are typically found in lower-income areas, Tacoma’s efforts are aimed at protecting all residents.
Actions Taken by Tacoma:
Public Health Partnerships: Tacoma’s Pierce County Health Department collaborates with local landlords and pest control companies to ensure effective treatment of infested areas. The health department provides educational programs for renters and landlords about the signs of bed bugs and how to prevent infestations.
Pest Control Subsidies: To assist low-income households that may not be able to afford pest control services, Tacoma offers subsidies to cover the cost of professional bed bug treatments. This program helps mitigate the financial burden for families experiencing infestations.
Community Outreach: Tacoma has implemented community outreach programs that visit affected neighborhoods to distribute information on how to spot bed bugs, prevent them, and deal with an infestation. The city also offers free workshops and consultations for residents who need advice on pest control.
4. Vancouver
Vancouver, located in southwestern Washington near the Oregon border, has seen a significant rise in bed bug cases in recent years, especially in apartment buildings and hotels. The city has taken several steps to control the spread of these pests.
Actions Taken by Vancouver:
Public Education Initiatives: Vancouver has launched a citywide campaign to raise awareness about bed bugs. Local businesses, hotels, and landlords are encouraged to participate in educational programs to inform their employees, tenants, and guests about bed bug prevention and detection.
Proactive Inspections: The city has implemented a system for regular inspections of public spaces and rental properties. If an infestation is discovered, building owners are required to take immediate action and report their efforts to local authorities.
Collaboration with Pest Control Experts: Vancouver works closely with pest control professionals to ensure that treatments are effective and affordable. The city offers residents discounted services to help control the spread of bed bugs in private residences.
5. Everett
Everett, a city located north of Seattle, has experienced a growing number of bed bug infestations, particularly in multifamily housing units. The local government has prioritized tackling this issue with the help of both local residents and professional pest control companies.
Actions Taken by Everett:
Public Health Campaigns: The city has launched campaigns to educate the public about the signs of a bed bug infestation and how to treat it. These campaigns also highlight the importance of preventing the spread of bed bugs through proper maintenance and inspections.
Support for Landlords: Everett encourages landlords to take responsibility for maintaining pest-free living environments. The city offers training for property managers to recognize early signs of bed bugs and take appropriate action before infestations get out of control.
Community Outreach Programs: Everett’s public health team works with local schools, businesses, and community centers to distribute information about how to prevent and manage bed bug infestations. These programs are designed to reach as many people as possible to educate them on how to deal with bed bugs effectively.
The rise in bed bug infestations has prompted several cities in Washington, including Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Everett, to take proactive measures to combat the problem. Public awareness campaigns, inspections, community outreach programs, and collaboration with pest control professionals are all part of the strategies being used to protect residents and reduce the spread of bed bugs. While these pests continue to be a challenge, these cities are working hard to ensure that residents are informed and equipped to handle any infestations that may arise.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.orkin.com/press-room/worst-cities-for-bed-bugs-annual-rankings
[2] https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250609442363/en/The-Bed-Bug-Boom-Terminix-Reveals-Top-50-Infested-U.S.-Cities
[3] https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2025/06/21/the-worst-cities-for-bed-bugs/84290661007/
[4] https://www.terminix.com/blog/whats-buzzing/top-bed-bug-cities/
[5] https://www.pctonline.com/news/chicago-tops-orkins-2025-bed-bug-cities-list/
