A bed bug resurgence has swept across Connecticut in 2025, putting residents, hotels, and local governments on high alert. As infestations surge, five cities are fighting hard to contain the spread and keep public health protected. Here’s how Hartford, Bridgeport, New Haven, Waterbury, and Manchester are tackling the bed bug invasion.
Hartford: Connecticut’s Epicenter of the Outbreak
Hartford has seen the most dramatic jump in bed bug activity, leaping an unprecedented 48 spots to No. 35 on Orkin’s Top 50 Bed Bug Cities List for 2025. The city’s housing authority has implemented an integrated pest management program, paying for quarterly inspections and daily work orders to ensure residential units remain monitored and professionally treated.
As a travel hub, Hartford’s vigilance is crucial in keeping infestations from spreading into hotels and multi-family housing.
Bridgeport: Community Resources and Early Detection
Bridgeport’s public health department receives regular complaints about bed bugs and takes a proactive approach by educating tenants on identification, treatment, and the importance of early reporting.
Despite lingering stigma and fears of eviction that discourage some residents from reporting infestations, the city is pushing community awareness and accessible pest control services, aiming to prevent outbreaks before they escalate.
New Haven: Professional Removal and Public Information
New Haven works with dedicated pest elimination companies to offer residents comprehensive removal protocols, involving detailed inspections and customized treatments.
The local government encourages residents to wash bedding regularly, inspect for signs of infestation, and call in professionals at the first sign of trouble. Educational campaigns provide updated resources for identifying and combating the persistent pest.
Waterbury: Hotel and Hospitality Response
Hotels in Waterbury have been sites of reported bed bug cases, especially during the travel season. Hotel owners cooperate closely with pest control services and enforce stringent inspection routines.
The Connecticut Coalition Against Bed Bugs partners with the hospitality industry to provide targeted training, prevention information, and tools for swift remediation should sightings arise. This network has helped contain outbreaks and limit travel-related spread.
Manchester: Collaboration with State Health Departments
Manchester leverages support from the Connecticut Department of Public Health and local pest experts to ensure the city responds quickly to new infestations. By linking public health officials with local residents and waste management centers, Manchester shares educational pamphlets and access to state resources for both identification and treatment. Their collaborative approach aims to minimize community spread through rapid intervention and knowledge sharing.
Connecticut’s battle against bed bugs in 2025 has required multi-pronged approaches: professional extermination, community education, regular inspection, and rapid response. As these five cities demonstrate, resolution combines public awareness, skilled pest management, and continued vigilance—a model for other cities facing the insect invasion.
Sources
[1] https://www.orkin.com/press-room/worst-cities-for-bed-bugs-annual-rankings
[2] https://www.ctpublic.org/health/2016-01-11/bed-bugs-our-creepy-pervasive-and-expensive-problem
[3] https://www.yalepest.com/bed-bugs/bed-bug-removal-preparation-in-ct/
[4] https://www.ctpest.com/pest-library/bed-bugs/
[5] https://mattressrecyclingcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Bed-Bug-Trifold-for-Transfer-Station-Personnel-Eng.pdf
