by Bed bugs, once thought to be pests of the past, are making an aggressive comeback across the United States — and Iowa is no exception. These tiny, blood-sucking insects thrive in hidden cracks and crevices, reproduce at alarming rates, and are notoriously difficult to eliminate. For many Iowa residents, the surge in infestations has become a growing public health and housing challenge.
Iowa Cities Hit Hardest by Bed Bugs
According to the latest Orkin Bed Bug Report, two Iowa cities consistently land on the list of the 50 most bed bug–infested cities in the U.S.:
- Davenport: Ranked 29th in 2024, reflecting a sharp rise in infestations.
- Cedar Rapids: Dropped slightly to 39th but still remains a national hotspot.
Meanwhile, Des Moines, the state’s capital, is not currently on the top 50 list but continues to report widespread infestations year-round. Other communities like Dubuque and Waterloo are also seeing steady increases, especially in multi-unit housing and public lodging facilities.
According to The Hop Town Express, These patterns underscore that bed bug infestations are not confined to one or two cities — they are a statewide issue demanding coordinated efforts.
Read Also: Wisconsin City Tops 2025 List of Worst Places for Bed Bugs in America
Why Are Bed Bugs Thriving in Iowa?
Several key factors are driving the surge:
- Travel and Mobility: Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers, easily transported via luggage, clothing, and used furniture. With more people traveling, they spread quickly.
- Urban Density: Cities such as Davenport, Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines have high concentrations of apartment complexes, hotels, and shelters, all ideal environments for infestations.
- Resilience: Bed bugs can survive months without feeding, and a single female can lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime. Left unchecked, small infestations rapidly escalate.
City-by-City Responses
1. Davenport
Davenport has experienced one of the fastest-growing bed bug problems in Iowa. Local officials are urging residents to report infestations immediately and rely on professional pest control services rather than DIY methods, which often fail. Public awareness campaigns now emphasize prevention, detection, and coordinated treatments across multi-unit properties.
2. Cedar Rapids
While Cedar Rapids managed to improve its national ranking, infestations remain widespread. Property managers are adopting bed bug action plans, including routine inspections, tenant education, and building-wide heat treatments. This citywide vigilance has helped slow, but not stop, infestations.
3. Des Moines
In Des Moines, pest control companies are deploying heat-based and chemical treatment solutions to address infestations. The Iowa Department of Public Health advises residents to inspect secondhand furniture, avoid collecting discarded mattresses, and use protective covers on beds to reduce risk.
4. Dubuque
Although Dubuque has not cracked the national list, cases are on the rise. Local health departments have launched educational workshops to help tenants identify bed bugs early. Outreach efforts target both homeowners and property managers to encourage quicker responses.
5. Waterloo
Waterloo has also seen a rise in infestations, particularly in multi-family housing units. Landlords are now working with pest management professionals to adopt preventative measures, including regular staff training on early identification and reporting protocols.
What Residents Can Do to Protect Themselves
Experts recommend a proactive approach:
- Inspect hotel rooms and secondhand items before bringing them home.
- Use protective covers on mattresses and box springs.
- Transport carefully: Move potentially infested items in sealed plastic bags.
- Report quickly: Notify landlords or pest professionals immediately when infestations are suspected.
- Follow treatment protocols: Preparing properly for extermination is essential to eliminate all life stages of bed bugs.
The Bigger Picture
Bed bugs are not just a nuisance — they affect quality of life, housing security, and public health. The resurgence in Iowa cities mirrors national trends, where infestations are spreading in both urban and rural settings.
While there is no quick fix, coordinated community responses, tenant awareness, and professional intervention are proving to be the most effective defenses. As infestations remain on the rise, Iowa cities are learning that vigilance is the only way to keep bed bugs at bay.
Have you or your community dealt with bed bugs recently? Share your story in the comments on ibwhsmag.com to help raise awareness.
