by Los Angeles, CA — California, with its warm climate and bustling cities, is experiencing a bed bug surge in 2025, with six major cities grappling to manage the increasing infestation.
From San Francisco’s high-rise apartments to Los Angeles’ tourist-heavy areas, residents and businesses are fighting against these persistent pests. Let’s look at the cities leading the charge and their unique strategies to control the problem.
Los Angeles: The Epicenter of the Infestation
Los Angeles consistently ranks among the top five most bed bug-infested cities in the United States. The city’s dense population, high tourist turnover, and numerous rental properties create an ideal breeding ground for bed bugs. In response, the city has taken several proactive measures:
- Frequent inspections in hotels, apartments, and high-traffic public spaces
- Launching public awareness campaigns to help residents identify and prevent infestations early
- Promoting professional pest control services, including heat treatments and eco-friendly chemical applications
San Francisco: Battling Urban Density
With a high cost of living and densely packed housing, San Francisco is a prime target for bed bug outbreaks. As more residents and tourists populate the city, bed bugs have begun to spread. Local authorities are addressing the issue by:
- Encouraging tenants and landlords to act quickly when infestations are reported
- Issuing guidelines for the safe disposal of infested furniture
- Providing education on preventative measures, especially for multi-unit dwellings
San Diego: Rising to the Challenge
San Diego’s temperate climate allows bed bugs to remain active throughout the year, making it a growing concern. The city now ranks among the top ten cities in the U.S. for bed bug infestations. Key responses include:
- Increased monitoring in hotels, short-term rentals, and local businesses
- Collaboration between pest control experts and city officials to address the crisis
- Distributing educational materials about identifying and preventing the spread of bed bugs
Oakland: Tackling the Increasing Risk
According to the Hop Town Press, Oakland has witnessed a sharp rise in bed bug cases due to its dense housing and increased movement of people. To combat this growing issue, the city is:
- Launching community outreach programs in neighborhoods most affected by the infestation
- Partnering with local pest control companies for rapid intervention
- Supporting tenant rights to effective and timely treatment for infestations
Long Beach: Heightened Vigilance in Coastal Areas
Long Beach is seeing a rise in bed bug reports, especially in multi-family housing and hospitality sectors. Authorities and property managers are stepping up efforts by:
- Conducting routine inspections in high-risk properties, particularly in coastal areas
- Providing resources for both prevention and remediation of bed bugs
- Sharing best practices for dealing with secondhand furniture and travel-related risks
Orange County: A Surge in Bed Bug Incidents
Orange County has seen a staggering 35% increase in bed bug-related calls since late 2024, with infestations reported in hotels, dormitories, and upscale apartments. Local pest control companies have implemented:
- Advanced heat treatment technology
- Targeted chemical applications and multi-room inspections for thorough eradication
- Free property inspections and follow-up treatments to ensure the issue is resolved
Read Also: Bed Bug Crisis Hits Pennsylvania: 6 Cities Fight Growing Infestation Threat
Why Are Bed Bugs Spreading?
Several factors are contributing to the bed bug surge in California’s major cities:
- Increased Travel: Movement of people, especially via hotels and short-term rentals, makes it easier for bed bugs to hitch rides across cities.
- Pesticide Resistance: Bed bugs have evolved to resist many traditional insecticides, making it more difficult to eradicate them completely.
- Secondhand Goods: The growing popularity of thrifting and secondhand furniture increases the chances of infestations spreading.
- Urban Density: Crowded living conditions in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles speed up the transmission of bed bugs.
Prevention and Solutions
The best defense against the bed bug surge in California’s cities is a combination of professional pest control and public awareness:
- Professional Treatments: Heat treatments, fumigation, and chemical applications are effective methods for eradication.
- Public Education: It is crucial for residents to regularly inspect their bedding, furniture, and luggage for bed bugs and report any infestations early.
- Legal Protections for Tenants: In California, landlords are legally required to address bed bug infestations in a timely manner, and tenants are entitled to live in pest-free environments.
With bed bug numbers rising across California, cities are pushing for collaborative action between residents, pest control professionals, and property owners to stem the tide of this ongoing infestation. It’s clear that vigilance, swift intervention, and education are crucial to ensuring public safety and comfort.
What steps are you taking to protect your home from bed bugs? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. For more information on pest control and prevention, visit ibwhsmag.com.
