Recent reports highlight that Pennsylvania is facing a significant surge in bed bug infestations, with several cities now ranked among the most bed bug-infested in the United States. This issue is driven by increased travel, urban density, and shifting housing conditions, creating persistent challenges for residents, businesses, and local governments.
Among Pennsylvania cities, Philadelphia stands out as the top hotspot, ranking as the most bed bug-infested city in the U.S. for the second consecutive year. The city’s dense population, extensive travel networks, and aging housing stock contribute to its ongoing struggle with these pests. Local pest control companies are experiencing a surge in service requests, and public health officials are urging residents to inspect hotels, rentals, and second-hand furniture carefully to prevent the spread of bed bugs.
Pittsburgh also consistently ranks high for bed bug activity, landing in the top 15 nationally. Both residential and commercial settings in Pittsburgh are affected, with infestations reported in private homes, apartment complexes, and hotels. Local pest experts emphasize the importance of early detection, thorough cleaning, and professional intervention to control outbreaks. Strategies such as vacuuming frequently, laundering bedding in hot water, decluttering, and seeking professional help are recommended to manage and prevent infestations.
The Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York region is another area in Pennsylvania listed among the top 50 most infested in the country. Bed bugs are found in homes, hotels, and multi-family dwellings throughout this region. Professional pest control companies here use multi-stage treatments and canine inspections to combat the persistent pests. Homeowners and property managers are encouraged to work closely with pest control professionals and follow preparation guidelines to maximize the effectiveness of treatments.
While the most recent and widely cited rankings focus on Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and the Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York area, other Pennsylvania cities such as Allentown and Scranton have also faced notable bed bug challenges, especially in multi-family housing and areas with high turnover or travel activity. However, these cities do not always appear in the national top 50 lists, but local reports and pest control data confirm ongoing issues.
The five Pennsylvania cities most impacted by the bed bug onslaught are Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York (with Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York often grouped together in regional data). These cities are actively combatting infestations through public education, tenant-landlord cooperation, and advanced pest control strategies, but the problem persists due to the resilient nature of bed bugs and the complexity of urban living conditions.
Sources
[1] https://thewrangler.com/insect-invasion-6-pennsylvania-cities-combatting-bed-bug-onslaught/2025/06/15/
[2] https://www.asianhospitality.com/bed-bugs-infestation-philadelphia-report/
[3] https://www.mypmp.net/top-50-most-bed-bug-infested-cities-in-the-u-s-revealed-by-terminix/
[4] https://www.iheart.com/content/2024-01-25-two-pennsylvania-cities-named-among-worst-cities-for-bed-bugs-in-the-us/
[5] https://spectrumpestcontrolinc.com/sweet-dreams-understanding-the-risks-of-bed-bug-infestations-in-pittsburgh-and-how-to-address-them
