Bed bug infestations have become a persistent and growing problem across New Mexico, affecting homes, apartments, shelters, hotels, and other communal spaces. While Albuquerque is at the forefront of public reporting and intervention, several cities are grappling with the challenge of keeping these resilient pests under control.
1. Albuquerque
Albuquerque is experiencing widespread bed bug issues in a variety of settings, including homes, apartments, hotels, motels, healthcare facilities, dormitories, shelters, and schools. The city’s Environmental Health Department enforces local ordinances for insect and rodent control, especially in multi-unit dwellings and shelters. Residents in affected apartments are advised to notify property management first; if no action is taken, they can file a complaint with the city for enforcement and follow-up. The city does not provide pest control services for single-family homes, so private pest control is recommended in those cases.
2. Las Cruces
While not as publicly documented as Albuquerque, Las Cruces has seen an uptick in bed bug complaints, especially in hotels and apartment complexes. Pest control companies report increased calls for bed bug inspections and treatments during the warmer months, mirroring trends seen across the state.
3. Santa Fe
Santa Fe’s hospitality industry, including hotels and motels, has reported periodic bed bug infestations. Local health authorities and pest control services are frequently called upon to address outbreaks, particularly during tourism peaks.
4. Rio Rancho
As a growing suburb near Albuquerque, Rio Rancho has not been immune to bed bug problems. Multi-family housing units and rental properties are the most commonly affected, with local authorities encouraging landlords and property managers to act quickly to prevent the spread.
5. Roswell
Roswell has also reported a rise in bed bug cases, particularly in group living environments such as shelters and dormitories. Local pest control services have responded to an increase in requests for inspections and treatments.
How Cities Are Combatting Bed Bugs
- Reporting and Enforcement: Cities like Albuquerque have established hotlines (such as 311) for residents to report infestations in multi-unit dwellings, triggering city intervention and coordination with property managers.
- Shelter Management: Homeless shelters, such as the Westside Shelter in Albuquerque, face ongoing bed bug challenges. These facilities use dryers for clothing and bedding and coordinate with city pest control for periodic treatments, though complete eradication is difficult without full cooperation from all residents.
- Public Education: Cities are increasing efforts to educate residents about identifying bed bugs, reporting infestations, and preparing for professional treatments.
- Professional Pest Control: Private pest control companies play a crucial role, offering inspection, treatment, and follow-up services in both residential and commercial settings.
Key Takeaways
- Bed bugs are a year-round problem in New Mexico, with infestations peaking in the summer months.
- Albuquerque leads with structured reporting and intervention, but cities across the state are affected.
- Multi-unit housing, shelters, and hotels are especially vulnerable.
- Effective control requires cooperation between residents, property managers, city officials, and pest control professionals.
Bed bugs remain a persistent challenge, but with coordinated action and public awareness, New Mexico cities are working to contain and eliminate these invasive pests.
Sources
[1] https://www.cabq.gov/environmentalhealth/urban-biology/insect-infestation/bed-bugs-faq
[2] https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/bed-bugs-infest-westside-shelter-in-albuquerque/
[3] https://www.terminix.com/exterminators/nm/albuquerque-bed-bug-control/
[4] https://www.callgreenwaypest.com/blog/post/are-bed-bugs-common-in-albuquerque
[5] https://www.cabq.gov/environmentalhealth/urban-biology/insect-infestation/bed-bugs
