There are a lot of bed bugs back in Ohio in 2025. Six big cities—Cleveland-Akron, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Lakewood—have a lot of them.
Ohio has some of the worst bed bug problems in the country, and the number of these annoying bugs is growing. This is happening because more people are traveling, more people are living in cities, and bugs are becoming resistant to insecticides. Take a look at how the state and its towns are dealing with this bigger issue.
The Six Ohio Cities Combatting Bed Bug Onslaught
| City | National Infestation Rank (2025) | Notable Factors & Response |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland-Akron | 3rd | Highest in Ohio; dense housing, high mobility |
| Columbus | 12th | Large rental market, active travel, city programs |
| Dayton | 11th | Widespread cases, both homes and apartments |
| Cincinnati | 14th | Older housing, major travel hub |
| Toledo | 40th | Steady complaints, ongoing treatments |
| Lakewood | Not ranked nationally, but active | Local ordinances, owner/tenant cooperation |
Why Are Bed Bugs Surging in Ohio?
1. Increased Travel
The surge in travel that followed the epidemic has made it possible for bed bugs to swiftly spread. Bed bugs are able to hitch rides in baggage and clothing as people move between homes, hotels, and public transportation platforms, which results in the unintended transfer of the disease.
2. Urban Density & Aging Housing
These pests are able to find the perfect hiding place in cities like Cleveland and Dayton because of the high housing density and older buildings that are found there. The fact that they are present in regions such as wall gaps, furniture seams, and cluttered areas makes it impossible to completely remove them.
3. Insecticide Resistance
Over-the-counter treatments are typically useless because bed bugs have evolved resistance to standard insecticides, which makes them difficult to eradicate. For the purpose of achieving successful eradication, the intervention of professional pest control services is required to address this expanding concern.
An entomology fact sheet from Oregon State University provides additional information and insights on this matter.
How Ohio Cities Are Responding
Public Health Campaigns
A number of municipalities, including Columbus and Cleveland, have initiated public education programs and have boosted the number of inspections. By providing citizens with legal counsel, educating them about prevention, and connecting them to services, these efforts hope to accomplish their goals.
Ordinances and Enforcement
The city of Lakewood has enacted stringent rules that require prompt notification and an elimination of the problem. Due to the fact that landlords of multi-unit residences in Columbus have the ability to be held legally responsible for delays in treatment, there is the possibility of legal action being taken if delays are overlooked. Additionally, additional direction can be found in the official pamphlet of Fair Housing.
Taking Precautions: What Each Individual Can Do
- It is important to do a thorough inspection of the hotel rooms and used furniture before bringing them home.
- Avoid putting your bags on the floor or on beds while you are travelling.
- After a journey, dry your clothes and bedding at a high heat (130 degrees Fahrenheit for thirty minutes).
- Fill in any cracks in the walls and clear away any clutter to get rid of any hiding places.
- For further protection, you could make use of HEPA vacuum cleaners and mattress encasements.
Bed bug infestations are on the rise, making it imperative that Ohio takes preventative measures, such as enacting regulations, conducting health campaigns, and raising public awareness. Early discovery, treatment by trained professionals, and prevention efforts at the community level are all necessary components in the fight against this recurrent pest.
