Hawaii, known for its stunning beaches and tropical allure, is facing an unwelcome pest invasion—bed bugs. These tiny, bloodsucking insects thrive in the state’s warm and humid climate, making it a challenging issue for residents and visitors alike.
Bed bugs are not only a nuisance but also cause discomfort such as itchy bites and skin reactions. In recent years, several cities in Hawaii have seen a rise in these pests, prompting local governments and communities to take action. Here’s how five Hawaii cities are fighting back against the bed bug onslaught.
Why Bed Bugs Are a Growing Problem in Hawaii
Bed bugs flourish in warm environments, and Hawaii’s tropical climate provides the perfect setting for their rapid reproduction and survival. Tourism is a major factor contributing to the spread of bed bugs, as these pests often hitch rides on luggage, clothing, and guests traveling to and within the islands. Bed bugs infest homes, hotels, public housing, and even public institutions, making control efforts complex and ongoing.
1. Honolulu: Tackling Bed Bugs in Hotels and Apartments
As Hawaii’s largest city and prime tourist destination, Honolulu faces significant challenges with bed bugs in hotels, apartments, and rental units. The constant flow of visitors creates opportunities for infestations to spread.
To fight this, the city has partnered with pest control professionals to increase awareness and provide inspections and treatments. Education campaigns target hotel owners and residents, emphasizing prevention and early detection to curb the spread.
2. Hilo: Addressing Infestations in Public Housing
Hilo, on the Big Island, is battling bed bug problems primarily in public housing complexes. Infestations can escalate quickly due to the close proximity of living units. The local housing authority collaborates with pest control experts to offer free inspections and treatments.
Education efforts teach residents how to identify early signs of bed bugs, such as reddish stains on bedding and itchy bites, helping reduce further spread within communities.
3. Kailua: Proactive Prevention Through Local Government
Kailua has responded by focusing on prevention amid its growing population and high-density rental market. The local government distributes free prevention kits that include mattress encasements, bed bug traps, and instructional materials. Public informational sessions promote awareness on how to manage and prevent infestations in homes and businesses, aiming to halt the rise of new bed bug cases before they start.
4. Maui: Combating Bed Bugs in Vacation Properties and Resorts
Maui’s luxury resorts and vacation rentals are also affected by bed bugs, largely fueled by a continuous influx of tourists. The tourism industry works closely with pest control specialists to implement heat treatments—a method effective in eradicating bed bugs at all stages of life.
Regular inspections and public education help property owners and travelers detect and deal with infestations promptly, minimizing the pests’ spread among accommodations.
5. Lihue: Awareness and Support in Residential Areas
On Kauai, Lihue has seen bed bugs mainly in residential homes and smaller hotels. The city runs public awareness campaigns and offers free or discounted pest control services to residents.
Businesses are encouraged to inspect for infestations before renting to new tenants or guests. This cooperative approach between the city, local businesses, and pest control providers strives to keep bed bug issues manageable and prevent broader outbreaks.
How Hawaii Is Preventing Future Bed Bug Problems
Across all affected cities, efforts to prevent bed bug infestations emphasize public education and practical advice, including:
Inspecting second-hand furniture and clothing before bringing them home.
Using bed bug-resistant luggage and protective covers while traveling.
Regularly checking homes for early signs of bed bugs, especially after trips.
Sealing cracks and crevices in furniture and walls to reduce hiding spots.
The collaboration between city governments, pest control companies, landlords, homeowners, and tourists is crucial in tackling Hawaii’s bed bug problem. While these pests are difficult to completely eradicate, informed communities and proactive measures help reduce their impact—protecting Hawaii’s residents and visitors alike from the discomfort and stress caused by bed bug infestations.
Sources
[1] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/07/08/insect-invasion-5-hawaii-cities-combatting-bed-bug-onslaught/
[2] https://www.mbjguam.com/bed-bug-numbers-soaring-hawaii-again
[3] https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/02/hawai%CA%BBi-might-ban-bedbugs-in-housing-but-not-hotels/
[4] https://b105country.com/terminix-bed-big-infested-cities-2025/
[5] https://www.sandwichisle.com/bed-bug-control/
