While Iowa is not among the absolute worst states for bed bug infestations—cities like Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia consistently top national lists—Iowa does have several urban areas facing significant challenges with these pests.
Iowa Cities Facing Bed Bug Problems
1. Davenport
- Ranking: In 2024, Davenport was ranked as the 29th worst city in the U.S. for bed bugs, according to Orkin’s annual list.
- Trend: The city’s bed bug problem is worsening, moving up eight spots from the previous year.
- Local Response:Â Multiple pest control companies, including Orkin and Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators, offer specialized bed bug removal and prevention services, emphasizing both residential and commercial solutions.
2. Cedar Rapids
- Ranking:Â Cedar Rapids was ranked 39th in the 2024 Orkin list.
- Trend: The city’s situation improved compared to the previous year, dropping eight spots.
- Local Response:Â Orkin and other local exterminators provide year-round bed bug treatment and prevention, focusing on both homes and businesses.
3. Sioux City
- Notable Mention:Â While not always in the top 50, Sioux City is highlighted by local exterminators as a city with ongoing bed bug issues, especially due to high population mobility and frequent travel.
- Local Response:Â Iowa Exterminator offers specialized, discreet, and eco-friendly bed bug control services, with a focus on both treatment and prevention.
4. Des Moines
- Background: While Des Moines is not currently listed among the top 50 bed bug cities, as Iowa’s largest city and a major travel hub, it is likely to experience bed bug challenges, though current data does not place it in the most severe category.
- Local Response:Â Major pest control providers in the region offer bed bug services, but there is less publicized data on infestation rates.
5. Iowa City
- Background:Â Iowa City, home to a large university population and frequent student turnover, is another potential hotspot, though it does not appear in recent top 50 lists.
- Local Response:Â Similar to Des Moines, pest control companies in Iowa City provide bed bug services, but there is limited public data on infestation severity.
Note:Â Only Davenport and Cedar Rapids are consistently recognized in national rankings for bed bug infestations, but Sioux City, Des Moines, and Iowa City are also known for battling these pests at the local level.
How Iowa Cities Are Fighting Back
- Professional Pest Control:Â Companies like Orkin, Quik-Kill, and Iowa Exterminator offer targeted treatments, inspections, and ongoing monitoring.
- Prevention Education:Â Residents are advised to regularly inspect for bed bugs, especially after travel, and to use the S.L.E.E.P. method (Survey, Lift, Elevate, Examine, Place in dryer) to avoid bringing bed bugs home.
- Community Awareness:Â Local news and pest control companies actively educate the public on prevention and early detection.
Table
| City | National Ranking (2024) | Trend | Notable Services/Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport | 29th | Worsening | Orkin, Quik-Kill, ongoing monitoring |
| Cedar Rapids | 39th | Improving | Orkin, year-round treatment |
| Sioux City | Not in top 50 | Ongoing | Iowa Exterminator, eco-friendly |
| Des Moines | Not in top 50 | Not specified | Pest control available |
| Iowa City | Not in top 50 | Not specified | Pest control available |
Iowa’s top bed bug hotspots—Davenport and Cedar Rapids—are actively combating these pests with professional services and public education, while other cities remain vigilant and ready to respond to outbreaks.
Sources
[1] https://www.terminix.com/blog/whats-buzzing/top-bed-bug-cities/
[2] https://b1027.com/these-iowa-cities-are-among-the-worst-in-america-for-bed-bugs/
[3] https://www.orkin.com/locations/iowa-ia/davenport-pest-control
[4] https://www.orkin.com/locations/iowa-ia/cedar-rapids-pest-control/branch-524
[5] https://siouxcitybedbugs.com
