Bed bugs are a persistent problem in Washington State. Several cities are actively fighting infestations as these hardy pests continue to spread to homes, apartments, hotels, and businesses.
Even though Washington cities aren’t at the top of the national list for worst infestations, the problem is big and getting worse, so public health officials, pest control professionals, and local governments are working together to solve it.
Here are five Washington cities actively combatting bed bug onslaughts
| City | Recent Bed Bug Activity | Response Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | Ranked #39 in Orkin’s 2025 Top 50 Bed Bug Cities list, up 5 spots from last year. | Aggressive professional extermination, public education, and city health department guidance. Seattle’s dense housing and high travel rates make it a hotspot. |
| Tacoma | Increasing reports in multi-unit housing and hotels. | Landlord obligations for pest control, tenant education, and rapid response protocols per state and local health regulations. |
| Spokane | Not nationally ranked, but local health agencies report rising cases. | Focus on early detection, tenant-landlord cooperation, and partnerships with pest control companies for targeted treatments. |
| Vancouver | Growing concern in apartment complexes and rental units. | City and county health departments offer resources and enforce landlord responsibilities for timely remediation. |
| Everett | Reports of infestations in both residential and commercial properties. | Community outreach, regular inspections, and professional pest management services. |
Why These Cities Stand Out
Seattle is the most well-known city in Washington on national bed bug lists. This is because it has a lot of people who move around and visit to other countries. expert pest control companies in the area say that both home and business infestations are common, and that expert help is usually needed to get rid of them for good.
Even though Tacoma, Spokane, Vancouver, and Everett aren’t on the national top-50 lists, local agencies say that infestations are getting worse, especially in hotels and multifamily housing. These towns are spending money on public education, making sure landlords do their jobs, and helping tenants report and handle outbreaks.
Statewide and Local Responses
Landlord-Tenant Law: In Washington state, landlords are required by law to get rid of bed bugs before new renters move in and to keep doing so as needed.
Public Health Guidance: Local health offices give detailed instructions on how to clean, get rid of clutter, and get ready for professional treatment.
Professional Extermination: Professionals stress that do-it-yourself methods are rarely enough. The standard way to get rid of pests is to use integrated pest control, which includes heat treatments and targeted pesticides.
Education and Outreach: To help people find, report, and deal with bed bug issues, city and county governments hand out fact sheets and set up hotlines.
Prevention Tips for Disasters
- Check your hotel rooms and bags while you’re traveling.
- Cut down on clutter and clean your living areas often.
- Tell renters or property managers right away if you think there are infestations.
- If you’re sure there are pests, hire a professional pest control service.
Seattle is the city in Washington that does the most to fight bed bugs, but Tacoma, Spokane, Vancouver, and Everett are also very active. To stop the spread of the bugs and protect their people, these cities use a mix of rules, education, and professional help.
