Iowa is in the grip of a serious bed bug surge, with several cities scrambling to confront infestations that are climbing at an alarming pace. Here’s how five Iowa cities—Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Des Moines, Waterloo, and Dubuque—are battling an unprecedented bed bug onslaught in 2025.
1. Cedar Rapids: Top of the Iowa Charts
Cedar Rapids has vaulted to No. 20 on Orkin’s 2025 list of the most bed bug-infested cities, jumping 19 spots in a single year—a signal of rapidly growing bed bug activity. Local pest control experts report a particular spike in apartment complexes, where the bugs spread easily from unit to unit.
Efforts to educate tenants and landlords lag due to language barriers and enduring social stigma, exacerbating what’s now a snowballing issue. City and county resources for remediation are limited, though short-term programs have targeted pest removal for low-income and elderly residents. Unfortunately, demand outpaces funding, leaving many still without help when infestations occur.
2. Davenport: Unchecked Rise
Davenport isn’t far behind, ranking 21st in the nation for bed bug prevalence—an eight-spot increase over last year. The city is grappling with both growing numbers and rising awareness.
Factors like increased travel, multi-unit housing, and transient populations have contributed to infestations in both residential and commercial spaces. While code enforcement receives complaints, many cases go unreported, leading to prolonged and more expensive outbreaks.
3. Des Moines: Summer Surge
The summer heat has prompted a marked increase in bed bug activity in Des Moines and its suburbs. Professional pest controllers note that higher temperatures accelerate bed bug breeding and movement indoors—making summer the “prime time” for outbreaks.
Residents are urged to inspect bedding, mattresses, and furniture regularly; early signs include reddish welts and dark spots on linens. Heat treatment, administered by certified professionals, remains the most effective extermination method for these stubborn pests.
4. Waterloo: Coordination and Prevention
Waterloo, while not leading state rankings, has seen a steady uptick in bed bug reports, particularly in hotels, shelters, and multi-family buildings. Collaboration between local health departments, housing authorities, and nonprofit organizations has ramped up, focusing on tenant education campaigns and routine inspections. Preventive steps—such as regular laundering, minimizing clutter, and careful inspection of secondhand items—are stressed in community workshops and citywide advisories.
5. Dubuque: Early Intervention
Dubuque is experiencing an increase in bed bug calls as well, especially during peak travel seasons. Public health officials encourage citizens to act quickly at the first sign of an infestation, stressing the importance of early detection and professional treatment.
Partnerships with property managers and school districts aim to spread awareness and curb the spread in communal environments where infestations can escalate rapidly.
Across Iowa, bed bug infestations have become a year-round, multi-city problem, demanding increased funding, public education, and cooperation between city departments and residents alike. With rising rankings on national lists and an ever-present risk associated with summer travel and dense housing, Iowa’s cities are doubling down on treatments, education, and prevention in a fight that is far from over.
Sources
[1] https://www.pctonline.com/news/chicago-tops-orkins-2025-bed-bug-cities-list/
[2] https://www.thegazette.com/news/are-bedbugs-a-growing-problem-in-cedar-rapids/
[3] https://woc1420.iheart.com/content/2025-07-03-two-iowa-cities-make-list-of-top-50-us-bed-bug-cities/
[4] https://www.millerthekiller.com/blog/post/summer-bed-bugs-des-moines
[5] https://www.orkin.com/press-room/worst-cities-for-bed-bugs-annual-rankings
