by Charlotte, NC – Bed bugs are staging a troubling comeback in North Carolina, spreading quickly in homes, hotels, and businesses. According to the latest data from Orkin, three major metro areas—Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh-Durham—are now ranked among the top 25 worst U.S. cities for infestations, with Charlotte climbing into the top ten for the first time. Wilmington, Hickory, and several other cities are also reporting sharp increases, leaving both residents and businesses struggling to contain the outbreak.
Charlotte: The Unwanted Top Ten
Charlotte has officially earned the unfortunate distinction of being the 9th most bed bug-infested city in America. Experts cite the city’s booming population growth, steady flow of business travelers, and warm year-round climate as major factors behind the rise.
Hotels and rental properties in Charlotte have had to step up their game. Many are now investing in protective mattress covers, frequent pest inspections, and immediate room shutdowns when bed bugs are detected. Pest control experts recommend that travelers check hotel mattresses thoroughly—especially in seams, creases, and behind headboards—before settling in. Locals are also being reminded to follow Orkin’s S.L.E.E.P. protocol, a step-by-step prevention plan that helps minimize the risk of carrying bed bugs back home after traveling.
Greensboro: A Rapid Rise
Greensboro has seen one of the fastest increases in the nation, jumping 25 spots on Orkin’s list to reach 18th place. Pest control companies in the area report being inundated with service calls from both homeowners and businesses, suggesting that infestations are spreading rapidly.
According to exterminators, the biggest mistake residents make is ignoring the early warning signs. These include small reddish-brown insects, clusters of eggs, or blood-like stains on sheets and pillowcases. Because bed bugs reproduce quickly and hide in cracks and crevices, do-it-yourself sprays rarely work. Instead, Greensboro professionals rely on specialized chemical treatments, canine detection units, and heat-based extermination services to ensure complete elimination.
Raleigh-Durham: Persistent Pest Pressures
Raleigh-Durham, a hub for both business and tourism, now ranks 24th nationwide. With dense housing developments and heavy domestic and international travel, the region is especially vulnerable. Apartments, student housing, and extended-stay hotels are among the hardest hit.
Local pest control companies are responding with comprehensive inspection plans, heat remediation treatments, and ongoing maintenance programs for property owners. In multi-unit buildings, exterminators often treat adjacent apartments as a precautionary step, since bed bugs can crawl between units through shared walls, ductwork, and electrical outlets.
Wilmington: Bed Bugs in Coastal Hotels
As per The Hop Town Press, Wilmington, a top tourist destination in coastal North Carolina, is also feeling the sting of infestations. The city’s busy hotel industry has made it particularly vulnerable. In one case, a guest unknowingly brought bed bugs home from a local hotel, resulting in thousands of dollars in extermination and cleaning costs.
The incident highlights both the financial and emotional impact of bed bug encounters. Local health departments now require hotel owners and property managers to hire licensed pest control firms to address confirmed infestations, with many hotels introducing stricter inspection routines.
Hickory and Western NC: Regional Challenges
Western North Carolina, including Hickory, is not immune. The region’s humid summers and seasonal travel traffic create an ideal breeding ground. Pest control companies in the area warn that even smaller communities are seeing a rise in infestations.
Residents are urged to take simple but effective steps, including:
- Washing clothing and bedding in hot water after traveling
- Vacuuming carpets, couches, and bed frames frequently
- Using mattress encasements to reduce hiding spots
- Decluttering homes, which makes it harder for pests to establish colonies
When infestations are severe, professional treatments—whether heat, chemical, or freezing methods—are the only reliable solutions.
Read Also: Wisconsin City Tops 2025 List of Worst Places for Bed Bugs in America
Economic and Social Impact of Bed Bugs
The spread of bed bugs has become more than just a nuisance—it’s also an economic issue. Families often spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on treatments, replacing furniture, and cleaning services. Businesses, especially those in hospitality, risk losing customers and facing lawsuits if infestations are not handled quickly and transparently.
Bed bugs also carry a psychological burden. Residents often report stress, anxiety, and lack of sleep due to fear of being bitten. Although they do not spread diseases, their presence can still have a major impact on quality of life.
Combating the Onslaught: Prevention and Professional Solutions
Experts agree that prevention and early action are the best defenses. The most important steps North Carolina residents can take include:
- Inspecting luggage and furniture regularly, especially after traveling
- Calling professionals immediately when signs of bed bugs appear
- Using proven eradication methods like whole-room heat treatments or certified chemical applications
- Educating tenants and hotel staff to recognize early warning signs
- Coordinating efforts in multi-unit housing complexes to prevent infestations from spreading
While the battle against bed bugs is ongoing, awareness and professional solutions can significantly reduce their impact. For North Carolina cities ranked among the worst in the nation, constant vigilance is key to keeping the problem from growing even worse.
Have you experienced bed bugs in your city? Share your story and prevention tips in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
