by PHILADELPHIA, PA – Bed bugs are making an alarming comeback across Pennsylvania, with several cities now ranking among the worst in the country for infestations. Once thought to be a pest of the past, these tiny invaders are spreading rapidly in homes, apartments, hotels, and public spaces.
According to new reports from pest control experts and public health officials, five Pennsylvania cities—Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Allentown, and Reading—are at the center of this growing problem. Each community is stepping up efforts through prevention programs, legal protections, and public education campaigns to protect residents from the resurgence.
Philadelphia: Ground Zero for Bed Bugs
Philadelphia remains one of the worst cities in the U.S. for bed bugs, consistently ranking in the top three nationally. Experts say the city’s dense population, high turnover of renters, and frequent travel create a perfect storm for infestations to thrive.
In response, the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) has rolled out a $15 million, five-year initiative with Allergy Technologies, called ATAHC (Affordable Housing Anti-Bed Bug Control Program). This plan includes routine inspections, rapid treatment, and long-term monitoring, with goals to reduce reintroductions by more than 99% in public housing.
Philadelphia law also requires landlords to:
- Respond promptly to infestation reports.
- Hire licensed pest professionals for treatment.
- Disclose any infestation history to prospective tenants.
Meanwhile, public awareness campaigns stress early detection, warning signs, and safe treatment methods to stop bed bugs before they spread.
Pittsburgh: Rapidly Climbing the Rankings
According to The Hop Town Press, Pittsburgh has also seen a significant surge, recently landing at 21st place nationally for bed bug infestations. Much like Philadelphia, second-hand furniture, shared housing, and increased travel contribute to the spread.
Local health agencies emphasize preventive steps:
- Inspecting furniture seams before purchase.
- Using protective mattress covers.
- Reporting infestations early to landlords.
The city also enforces landlord accountability, requiring swift extermination once notified. Tenant education programs are helping residents recognize the difference between normal household pests and the telltale signs of bed bugs.
Harrisburg: Growing Hotspot
Harrisburg has recently joined the national top 50 list of most infested cities. With a growing renter population and reliance on public transit, the capital city has become increasingly vulnerable.
Health officials are advising residents to:
- Inspect bedding and furniture regularly.
- Wash clothing and linens in hot water.
- Dry items on high heat to kill both bugs and eggs.
Hotels and apartment complexes are urged to train staff in detection and encourage immediate reporting.
Allentown: Strong Legal and Community Response
Allentown’s bed bug challenge has prompted the city to enact tenant-protection regulations. Landlords are required to maintain habitable properties, which includes prompt eradication of infestations.
If landlords fail to act, tenants may pursue legal claims for damages, including costs of medical treatment, replacing damaged belongings, and compensation for disrupted living conditions.
Community outreach programs are also providing free educational resources to help residents detect infestations early and avoid spreading them through discarded furniture.
Reading: Education at the Forefront
Reading is tackling the bed bug problem primarily through public education campaigns. City officials distribute guides on:
- Identifying bed bugs.
- Using vacuuming and protective covers.
- Proper disposal of contaminated furniture.
Residents are reminded not to leave infested mattresses or sofas on sidewalks, as they can easily spread the infestation to other households.
Read Also: Wisconsin City Tops 2025 List of Worst Places for Bed Bugs in America
Common Strategies Across Pennsylvania Cities
While each city has a unique approach, several strategies are being widely used across Pennsylvania:
- Early Detection & Reporting: Catching infestations early greatly increases the chance of successful eradication.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Professional extermination paired with resident cooperation—laundering, vacuuming, and sealing items.
- Legal Protections: Pennsylvania law requires landlords to ensure habitable conditions, giving tenants leverage if infestations are ignored.
- Education & Outreach: Informing the public about how to spot, prevent, and manage infestations before they escalate.
The Bigger Picture
The resurgence of bed bugs is more than a nuisance—it’s a public health and housing crisis. Experts stress that without cooperation between residents, landlords, pest control professionals, and city officials, the fight against these pests will remain uphill.
Have you or someone you know experienced a bed bug problem in Pennsylvania? How do you think cities should handle this growing issue? Share your thoughts in the comments on ibwhsmag.com.
