Bed bugs, once considered a pest of the past, have staged a dramatic comeback across the United States-and Iowa is no exception. These tiny, elusive insects are notorious for their ability to hide in cracks and crevices, feed on human blood at night, and rapidly multiply, making them one of the most challenging pests to eradicate.
In recent years, several Iowa cities have found themselves on national lists for the worst bed bug infestations, prompting urgent action from residents, property managers, and pest control professionals.
The Iowa Bed Bug Hotspots
According to recent annual reports from Orkin, a leading pest control company, two Iowa cities consistently rank among the top 50 most bed bug-infested cities in the nation: Davenport and Cedar Rapids.
In 2024, Davenport climbed to 29th place, marking an increase in infestations, while Cedar Rapids dropped to 39th, showing some improvement but still struggling with persistent problems. In previous years, both cities have hovered in the mid-to-high 30s on the national list, underscoring the ongoing nature of the challenge.
Des Moines, Iowa’s capital and largest city, also faces significant bed bug concerns, although it did not make the most recent top 50 list. Local pest control services report year-round infestations, with spikes occurring at the end of summer as residents return from vacations and travel increases.
Other communities, such as Dubuque and Waterloo, have reported rising cases, particularly in multi-unit housing and public accommodations, although they have not reached the same national notoriety.
Why Are Bed Bugs Spreading in Iowa?
Several factors contribute to the bed bug surge in Iowa cities:
- Travel and Mobility: Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers, clinging to luggage, clothing, and used furniture. Increased travel, especially in and out of hotels and public transit, facilitates their spread.
- Urban Density: Cities like Davenport, Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines have dense populations and a high volume of apartment complexes, hotels, and shelters-prime environments for bed bugs to thrive and move between units.
- Resilience and Reproduction: Bed bugs can survive for months without feeding and reproduce quickly. A single female can lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime, making small infestations escalate rapidly if not addressed.
How Iowa Cities Are Fighting Back
1. Davenport
Davenport has seen a notable rise in bed bug cases, prompting increased public awareness campaigns and coordinated efforts between property owners and pest control professionals. Local authorities encourage immediate reporting of infestations and stress the importance of professional treatment over DIY solutions, which often fail to eliminate the problem entirely.
2. Cedar Rapids
While Cedar Rapids has managed to drop in the national rankings, the city remains vigilant. Multi-unit housing managers are implementing bed bug action plans, which include routine inspections, tenant education, and building-wide treatments when infestations are discovered.
3. Des Moines
Des Moines pest control companies offer discreet, effective treatment options, including heat and chemical solutions. Public health officials advise residents to inspect secondhand furniture, avoid picking up discarded mattresses, and use protective covers on beds to minimize risk.
4. Dubuque
Though not on the national list, Dubuque has experienced enough cases to prompt local health departments to distribute educational materials on prevention and early detection. Community workshops and tenant meetings are increasingly common.
5. Waterloo
Waterloo landlords and property managers are working closely with pest management professionals to ensure prompt identification and containment of outbreaks, especially in multi-family dwellings. Regular staff training on bed bug identification and reporting procedures is now standard practice.
Prevention and Control: What Residents Can Do
- Inspect hotel rooms and secondhand items before bringing them home.
- Use protective covers on mattresses and box springs.
- Transport infested items in sealed plastic bags and avoid moving furniture unnecessarily.
- Report infestations early to landlords or pest professionals.
- Follow professional guidance for treatment preparation and aftercare.
The Road Ahead
Bed bugs are a persistent threat in Iowa’s urban centers, but coordinated efforts between residents, property managers, and pest control experts are making a difference. Vigilance, education, and rapid response remain the best defenses as Iowa cities continue to combat this resilient invader.
Sources:
- https://eagle1023fm.com/several-iowa-illinois-cities-among-the-worst-for-bed-bug-infestations/
- https://b100quadcities.com/iowa-has-two-of-the-most-bed-bug-infested-cities-in-the-u-s/
- https://www.calhouncounty.iowa.gov/document_center/Public%20Health/Bed%20Bugs/Preventandcontrolinmultihousing.pdf
- https://www.hawkeyeexterminators.com/bed-bug-removal-and-treatment/
- https://trustspringer.com/bed-bugs/prevention/how-to-prevent-bed-bugs-from-spreading/
