Bed bugs have become a growing problem across South Dakota, affecting homes, hotels, apartments, and public spaces. These small, blood-feeding pests hitch rides on luggage, secondhand furniture, and clothing, causing infestations that are notoriously difficult to eradicate.
Recent reports from the South Dakota Department of Health and local authorities reveal that multiple cities are confronting increasing bed bug sightings and infestations as residents and businesses seek solutions to this invasive threat.
Sioux Falls: The Epicenter of Bed Bug Issues
Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s largest city, consistently ranks high in searches for bed bug extermination and has seen a notable rise in reported infestations in 2025.
Experts advise residents to be vigilant, particularly in multi-unit housing complexes where bed bugs can easily spread through walls and shared laundry facilities. Community outreach and professional detection services, including canine bed bug inspections, are being utilized to identify and mitigate outbreaks swiftly.
Rapid City: Increased Public Awareness and Proactive Measures
Rapid City has experienced a surge in calls regarding bed bug problems in residential and commercial settings. City officials emphasize “vigilance” as the key to control, recommending residents inspect secondhand furniture and luggage carefully before bringing items into their homes.
The city’s Building Services Division has shared guidelines from the EPA on preventing infestations through cleaning, reducing clutter, and frequent vacuuming. Cooperation between landlords and tenants is crucial in managing infestations in rental properties.
Aberdeen: Tackling Bed Bugs with Professional Help
Aberdeen has seen a rising demand for professional pest control services as bed bugs proliferate. Local pest experts stress the need for accurate identification and repeated treatments to fully eradicate infestations, which can take weeks or months. Residents are encouraged to report problems early and seek licensed exterminators to avoid prolonged discomfort and property damage.
Watertown: Focus on Prevention and Education
Watertown health officials focus heavily on education and prevention. Programs aim to inform the public about early signs of infestation, hygiene practices that reduce risk, and how to properly prepare for professional treatments. By lowering the chances of introduction and quick detection, the city hopes to keep bed bug populations manageable and reduce costly exterminations.
Yankton: Community Collaboration to Combat Spread
In Yankton, collaboration between landlords, tenants, and public health agencies is at the forefront. Residents are encouraged to promptly report infestations and coordinate with property owners to initiate treatment.
Efforts include the use of interceptor traps, heat treatments, and chemical applications to interrupt bed bug lifecycles. This community-driven approach aims to limit reinfestation and protect vulnerable populations from prolonged exposure.
Bed bugs pose a persistent challenge in multiple South Dakota cities, with Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Watertown, and Yankton actively combatting infestations through a mix of public education, professional pest control, and community cooperation. Vigilance, early detection, and proactive treatment are essential to managing these resilient pests and minimizing their impact on residents’ health and property.
Sources
(https://extension.sdstate.edu/bed-bugs-what-you-need-know)
(https://doh.sd.gov/diseases/bed-bugs/)
(https://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/maps/cities-most-worried-about-bed-bugs)
(https://www.siouxfalls.gov/health-safety/health-services/public-health/bedbugs)
(https://dakotabedbugdetection.com)
