Idaho is experiencing a notable uptick in bed bug infestations, with several cities now facing persistent challenges from these elusive pests. Although Idaho’s largest cities are not among the nation’s top 50 most bed bug-infested, recent rankings and local reports reveal that the problem is growing—and Idahoans need to stay vigilant.
Idaho’s Bed Bug Hotspots
According to a 2025 analysis by Pest Gnome, three Idaho cities—Boise, Nampa, and Meridian—are among the 500 worst U.S. cities for bed bug infestations. Boise ranks #326, Nampa at #468, and Meridian at #473. While these rankings are relatively low compared to national hotspots, the inclusion of multiple Idaho cities signals a statewide issue that can’t be ignored.
Other Idaho communities, including Post Falls and Lewiston, have also reported increasing bed bug activity, prompting local pest control services to ramp up public education and eradication efforts. These five cities—Boise, Nampa, Meridian, Post Falls, and Lewiston—are now at the forefront of Idaho’s fight against bed bugs.
Why Are Bed Bugs Spreading?
Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers, traveling easily in luggage, used furniture, and even on clothing. Increased travel, the popularity of secondhand goods, and population density in urban areas all contribute to the spread. Bed bugs can infest any location, from luxury hotels to college dorms, and their presence is not a reflection of cleanliness.
The Challenges of Detection and Eradication
Detecting bed bugs early is difficult. Signs include rusty-colored blood spots on mattresses, a sweet musty odor, shed exoskeletons, and itchy bites on the skin. Bed bugs hide in cracks, seams, electrical outlets, and even behind picture frames, making them hard to spot and even harder to eliminate without professional help.
Eradication is equally challenging. Bed bugs can survive months without feeding and are resistant to many over-the-counter treatments. Heat treatments—raising home temperatures to lethal levels—are among the most effective methods, but require professional equipment and expertise.
Idaho’s Regulatory Gap
Unlike some states, Idaho has no specific regulations or enforcement for bed bug infestations in hotels, motels, or apartments. This lack of oversight means that responsibility often falls on property owners and tenants, making coordinated responses more difficult. Local pest control companies have stepped in to fill the gap, offering inspection, education, and treatment services to affected residents.
Community Response and Prevention
Pest control experts recommend regular inspections, especially after travel or acquiring used furniture. Encasements for mattresses and box springs, frequent vacuuming, and sealing of cracks can help prevent infestations. However, once an infestation is established, professional intervention is strongly advised for complete eradication.
Boise, Nampa, Meridian, Post Falls, and Lewiston are leading Idaho’s battle against the bed bug resurgence. As infestations become more common, awareness, early detection, and professional treatment are crucial. Without statewide regulation, local action and vigilance remain Idaho’s best defense against these persistent pests
Sources
[1] https://liteonline.com/bed-bugs-memorial-day-2025/
[2] https://www.getlostpest.com/bed-bugs-in-idaho/
[3] https://localnews8.com/news/2025/04/03/dont-let-the-bed-bugs-bite/
[4] https://pointepest.com/service-area/idaho/pest-control-in-post-falls/bed-bug-control-in-post-falls/
[5] https://pointepest.com/service-area/idaho/pest-control-in-lewiston/bed-bug-control-in-lewiston/
