Bed bugs—resilient, blood-feeding parasites—have made an unwelcome resurgence in Montana. Once a rare concern in the Big Sky State, these pests have found their way into apartments, hotels, and homes, sparking headaches for city officials, landlords, and residents alike. Currently, five Montana cities are in the spotlight for their ongoing battles with these persistent invaders, a fight that involves public health campaigns, landlord-tenant disputes, and coordinated cleanup efforts.
1. Billings
As Montana’s largest city, Billings has reported more bed bug complaints than any other urban area in the state. News reports highlight recurring infestations in apartment complexes and hotels, prompting city officials and pest control companies to work overtime. Community education campaigns and enhanced inspection protocols have become routine, aiming to diminish the stigma and encourage prompt reporting of new cases.
2. Missoula
Located near major travel corridors and possessing a lively university presence, Missoula faces unique challenges in curbing bed bug outbreaks. High turnover in rental units and a steady flow of visitors means bed bugs can hitchhike on luggage and personal belongings. The city recommends regular inspections for landlords and renters and quick professional treatment when infestations are discovered.
3. Great Falls
Great Falls has also experienced a noticeable increase in bed bug activity, particularly in multi-unit housing and transient accommodations. The city’s approach combines public awareness campaigns with strong advocacy for tenant rights, encouraging those affected to contact landlords swiftly and use official channels to prompt action.
4. Anaconda
A city with historic charm and aging housing stock, Anaconda was recently in the news after an apartment complex struggled with ongoing bed bug invasions. Local officials, together with health authorities, provided education on safe eradication methods, landlord obligations, and the need to involve professionals instead of relying on DIY remedies—critical to avoiding more widespread outbreaks.
5. Bozeman
With its thriving tourism scene and influx of new residents, Bozeman is not immune to bed bug problems. While cases are less publicized than in Billings or Missoula, Bozeman authorities emphasize early intervention, property owner responsibility, and traveler vigilance to curb the pests’ spread through hotels, Airbnb rentals, and university dorms.
Why Bed Bugs Are a Growing Threat in Montana
Bed bugs thrive in places where people sleep and travel, especially locations with frequent human turnover—like hotels, motels, shelters, and multi-family residences. Montana’s growing population, busy tourist seasons, and the mobility of college students and healthcare patients all contribute to the problem. Cities such as Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls see more frequent outbreaks simply due to their size and transient populations.
Combatting Bed Bugs: Prevention and Response
Montana’s cities are responding with:
Public health campaigns explaining how to spot and report bed bugs
Landlord and hotelier education about legal responsibilities and eradication procedures
Advocacy for quick professional intervention, rather than ineffective DIY solutions
Guidance for tenants and travelers on how to protect themselves and prevent bringing these pests home
Though bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, their presence causes anxiety, sleeplessness, and costly remediation. By raising awareness, supporting effective treatment, and fostering collaboration, these Montana communities aim to stem the bed bug tide—and keep infestations from gaining the upper hand.
Sources
[1] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/06/05/insect-invasion-5-montana-cities-combatting-bed-bug-onslaught/
[2] https://theriver979.com/bedbug-infestation-montana/
[3] https://www.bedbugattorney.co/montana-bed-bug-laws-billings-missoula-great-falls-bozeman-and-butte/
[4] https://my1035.com/montana-cities-infested-with-bed-bugs/
[5] https://apps.msuextension.org/montguide/guide.html?sku=MT199406AG
