Maine is currently facing a significant surge in bed bug infestations, with five cities—Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, Auburn, and Augusta—leading the fight against this persistent and distressing pest. The challenges posed by bed bugs go beyond discomfort and can impact public health, housing stability, and mental well-being. Here’s how each city is tackling the onslaught and what residents need to know.
1. Portland: Maine’s Urban Front Line
As the state’s largest and most densely populated city, Portland has seen a steep rise in bed bug complaints, particularly in apartments, hotels, and shelters. The city’s transient population and status as a travel hub make it especially vulnerable.
Local authorities have expanded partnerships with pest control companies and public health officials.
Portland now offers educational seminars, distributes pamphlets in public spaces, and provides special resources for low-income renters struggling with infestations.
City inspectors have increased checks in hotels and apartment complexes to enforce best practices in pest prevention and cleanliness.
2. Lewiston: Community Outreach & Prevention
Lewiston has experienced a spike in cases, in part due to the movement of second-hand goods and a growing immigrant population where bed bugs are already common.
The city runs multilingual outreach programs to educate at-risk communities on bed bug recognition and prevention.
Subsidized pest control services are available for low-income families.
Lewiston works closely with landlords, demanding compliance with rigorous pest management standards to curb recurring outbreaks.
3. Bangor: Proactive Public Education
Bangor has combined public education initiatives and regulatory oversight to keep bed bug numbers in check.
The city facilitates discounted extermination services in partnership with pest control companies for affected residents.
A citywide information campaign, including pamphlets in schools and public libraries, underscores early-warning signs and effective reporting procedures.
Rental properties are subject to mandatory pest inspections before new tenants move in.
4. Auburn: Financial Assistance & School Programs
Neighboring Auburn faces its largest problems in older housing stock and multi-unit buildings.
Strict inspection protocols are now in place for rentals, with landlords facing legal consequences for failures to act.
The city offers financial help to those unable to cover the cost of professional extermination.
Auburn’s collaboration with local schools introduces students and parents to best practices for preventing the spread of bed bugs—both at home and in the classroom.
5. Augusta: Focus on Public Housing & Prevention
As the state capital, Augusta has seen a steady rise in infestations, especially in public housing and shelters.
Common Strategies and Their Impact
Across these cities, several recurring strategies have emerged:
Education & Awareness: Widespread public information campaigns, school programs, and outreach events are helping residents recognize early signs and avoid risky behaviors—like bringing second-hand furniture home without inspection.
Access to Professional Pest Control: Cities are offering discounted or subsidized extermination services, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Regulation & Inspections: Enforcement of inspection and treatment standards for landlords and housing authorities is curtailing the spread, especially in rentals and high-density housing.
Community Involvement: Collaboration across city departments, nonprofits, and neighborhood groups fosters faster reporting and more effective responses.
While Maine’s bed bug crisis hasn’t placed any of its cities among the “worst in America,” the problem is acute and demands ongoing vigilance. The coordinated efforts of municipalities, health officials, and vigilant residents offer hope that the tide can be turned—and Maine’s cities can rest a little easier at night.
Sources
[1] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/07/07/insect-invasion-5-maine-cities-combatting-bed-bug-onslaught/
[2] https://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/maps/cities-most-worried-about-bed-bugs
[3] https://92moose.fm/maine-cities-worst-bed-bugs/
[4] https://www.frommers.com/tips/hotel-news/travelers-beware-these-u-s-cities-have-the-most-bed-bugs/
[5] https://www.orkin.com/press-room/worst-cities-for-bed-bugs-annual-rankings
