by Minneapolis, MN – Minnesota, famous for its lakes and natural beauty, is now battling an unwelcome foe: a sharp rise in bed bug infestations. In 2024, eight cities from the state landed on national rankings for worst bed bug problems, with five standing out for their high prevalence and aggressive response.
Here’s how Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Rochester, and Duluth are taking action against the bed bug onslaught.
Minneapolis – The New Epicenter
For the first time, Minneapolis cracked Orkin’s Top 50 Bed Bug Cities, ranking 47th nationwide. The city’s dense urban layout, bustling hotel scene, and constant population movement make it a prime target for infestations. Local pest control firms report a steep rise in service calls.
Efforts now include advanced heat treatments, biological controls using targeted spores, preventive inspections, and the installation of mattress encasements in high-risk locations. Public education campaigns aim to help residents identify early warning signs before infestations spread.
St. Paul – Doubling Down on Detection
The state capital, St. Paul, ranks 43rd nationally for bed bug prevalence. City officials have invested heavily in early detection strategies, deploying canine inspection teams capable of sniffing out even the smallest infestations.
Public awareness drives encourage residents to report suspected cases quickly, and partnerships with multi-unit housing property managers help ensure rapid containment and treatment.
Bloomington – Hotels on High Alert
Home to the Mall of America, Bloomington ranked 112th and faces unique challenges due to its heavy tourism traffic. Hotels and hospitality businesses have implemented staff training programs to spot early bed bug indicators such as blood spots, eggs, and droppings.
Local laws mandate that property owners act promptly when infestations are discovered. Many pest control companies offer same-day inspections and treatments to protect both visitors and the city’s tourism economy.
Rochester – Health Sector Mobilizes
Ranked 134th, Rochester is a major medical hub thanks to the Mayo Clinic, attracting thousands of patients and families from across the globe.
This high turnover increases the risk of bed bugs arriving via luggage and personal items.
Hotels and healthcare accommodations in Rochester follow strict inspection protocols, and pest control teams remain on call for rapid-response interventions. Public outreach emphasizes prevention tips for both locals and travelers.
Duluth – Community-Wide Prevention
At 149th on the national list, Duluth is adopting a community-wide strategy. Schools, apartment complexes, and shelters participate in prevention workshops. Residents are encouraged to report sightings early, while professional exterminators use heat treatments that kill bed bugs at all life stages.
City officials also provide do-it-yourself guidance—such as vacuuming, sealing cracks, and using protective mattress covers—to help residents fight infestations before they escalate.
Read Also: Insect Invasion: 5 New Mexico Cities Fighting a Growing Bed Bug Crisis
Why the Surge?
Bed bugs, once nearly eliminated in the U.S., have resurged due to increased travel, resistance to pesticides, and their ability to hide in luggage and furniture. They can infest even the cleanest homes and hotels, and while they do not transmit diseases, bites can trigger allergic reactions ranging from mild irritation to severe rashes.
Combating the Onslaught – Best Practices in Play
Across these Minnesota cities, a combination of professional methods and public cooperation is proving most effective:
- Heat Treatments – Raising room temperatures to lethal levels for bed bugs.
- Biological Controls – Targeted spores that attack bed bugs without harming humans or pets.
- Preventive Inspections – Regular checks in multi-unit housing and hotels.
- Education Campaigns – Teaching residents how to identify and avoid infestations.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – Combining chemical, non-chemical, and physical solutions for complete eradication.
While Minnesota’s problem is serious, it remains below the national top 10, and the state’s proactive measures offer hope for turning the tide.
Have you ever dealt with a bed bug problem in your Minnesota city? Share your experience in the comments, and find more community updates at ibwhsmag.com.
