Bed bugs are making a persistent comeback across the United States, and Kentucky is no exception. Several cities in the Bluegrass State are grappling with significant bed bug infestations, prompting public health responses and increased pest control efforts. Here’s a look at five Kentucky cities actively combatting the bed bug onslaught in 2025.
1. Louisville
Louisville remains the most prominent Kentucky city battling bed bugs. According to Orkin’s 2024 national report, Louisville ranked 49th among U.S. cities for bed bug treatments, maintaining its position from the previous year.
The city has seen widespread infestations in both residential and commercial settings, including public spaces like grocery stores. Local pest control companies report ongoing efforts to address complaints and prevent further spread.
2. Lexington
Lexington, Kentucky’s second-largest city, is also a bed bug hotspot. It ranked 50th on Orkin’s 2024 list, dropping four spots from the previous year-a sign of some improvement, but the problem persists. Lexington’s repeated appearance on national lists highlights the city’s ongoing struggle with these resilient pests.
3. Paducah–Cape Girardeau–Harrisburg
This metro area, which includes parts of western Kentucky, was identified by Terminix as one of the top 50 bed bug-infested cities in the U.S. for 2024. The presence of bed bugs here reflects the widespread nature of the problem, extending beyond Kentucky’s largest cities and affecting regional communities.
4. Evansville (KY-IN Border)
Evansville, located on the Indiana-Kentucky border, serves as a regional hub and appears on Terminix’s 2024 list of top bed bug cities. The city’s inclusion indicates that the broader region-including Kentucky communities served by Evansville’s pest control companies-is facing significant bed bug challenges.
5. Bowling Green
Bowling Green, while not ranked as high as Louisville or Lexington, is still a city where pest management professionals report regular bed bug treatments. Its status as a growing college town increases the risk and frequency of infestations, as transient populations and shared living spaces can accelerate the spread.
Summary Table: Kentucky Cities Facing Bed Bug Challenges
| City/Region | 2024 National Ranking | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville | 49 (Orkin) | Consistent hotspot, active public response |
| Lexington | 50 (Orkin) | Slight improvement, but persistent issue |
| Paducah–Cape Girardeau–Harrisburg | Top 50 (Terminix) | Regional challenge, affects western Kentucky |
| Evansville | Top 50 (Terminix) | Border city, impacts Kentucky/Indiana region |
| Bowling Green | Not ranked, but active | Regular treatments, college town risk factor |
Louisville and Lexington continue to be Kentucky’s most prominent battlegrounds in the fight against bed bugs, but Paducah, Evansville, and Bowling Green are also facing significant infestations.
These cities are ramping up public health measures, pest control strategies, and community education to combat the ongoing bed bug onslaught. As bed bugs remain a stubborn and widespread problem, vigilance and proactive prevention remain key for residents and local authorities alike.
Sources:
- https://mylolowcountry.com/usa-laws/insect-invasion-5-kentucky-cities-combatting-bed-bug-onslaught/
- https://wbkr.com/these-two-cities-in-kentucky-made-top-50-bed-bug-cities-in-u-s/
- https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef636
- https://www.tailormadepestcontrol.com/home-pest-control/bed-bug-control/