There are more and more bed bugs in Oklahoma. In several places, there are large-scale outbreaks that are causing problems in homes, businesses, and college campuses. Based on Orkin’s 2025 rankings, Oklahoma City is now one of the worst places in the country for bed bugs, having jumped 14 spots to become one of the worst.
Here’s what five places in Oklahoma are doing to deal with this growing problem.
- Oklahoma City: The outbreak’s center
Oklahoma place is the biggest and most affected place, and there have been a lot more reports of infestations in homes, hotels, and college dorms. Experts say that the spread is helped by the city’s high population density and high travel flow.
Pest control companies stress that heat treatments (120–130°F) are one of the best ways to get rid of pests. People who live there should carefully check their bags and used furniture for bed bugs and act quickly if they find any.
- Norman: Attack on College Dorms
In Norman, which is home to the University of Oklahoma, student housing has been hit the hardest. Reports of persistent infestations in the David L. Boren room made students worried about their health because of chemical treatments.
In answer, the university set up professional counseling, a temporary move, and regular follow-ups. Still, the spread shows how dangerous places where people live together can be.
- Tulsa: Being alert in cities
There are more pests in Tulsa than ever before, so experts are focusing on early detection and integrated pest control. Some methods are cushion covers, physical removal, and getting rid of extra stuff.
Health efforts in the area tell people to carefully check hotel rooms and stay away from used furniture that hasn’t been checked out.
- Edmond: Spread of the suburbs
Bed bugs are a problem in even small towns like Edmond. These bugs know how to get from one place to another by hiding in clothes, bags, and furniture. Professionals in pest control stress how important it is to treat the whole house and do follow-up checks because bugs can hide in places like baseboards and outlets that are hard to get to.
- Lawton: Response from the Whole Community
Lawton’s government is working with pest control companies to get educational materials out to people in the neighborhood.
Public health officials stress that bed bugs are not related to cleanliness and can happen to anyone. The goal of workshops and informational meetings is to teach people how to recognize early warning signs and act quickly.
Statewide Tips for Staying Safe
Oklahoma experts say that people should be careful, look for problems early, and get professional help if they need it. Important tips are:
- Check hotel rooms and bags while you’re traveling.
- Don’t buy used furniture until it has been inspected.
- Put sleeping covers on them.
- Cut down on home clutter
- For confirmed infestations, you should call experts.
Oklahoma is fighting this stubborn pest, and getting people to know about it and working together is key to stopping the spread.
