Massachusetts is facing a significant surge in bed bug infestations, with multiple cities ranking among the most bed bug-infested in the United States in 2024 and 2025. As travel increases and bed bugs become more resilient, urban and suburban communities across the state are stepping up their fight against these persistent pests.
The Bed Bug Boom: A Statewide Challenge
Recent reports highlight a dramatic rise in bed bug activity, with experts predicting a 67% year-on-year increase in 2025 due to warmer weather and increased travel.
Bed bugs are now a common problem not only in homes and hotels but also in workplaces and public spaces, making eradication efforts more complex and urgent.
Five Massachusetts Cities on the Front Lines
According to recent rankings, 13 Massachusetts cities are among the worst in the nation for bed bug infestations. Here are five of the most affected cities and how they are responding:
1. Boston
Ranked #7 nationally, Boston is at the epicenter of the state’s bed bug problem. The city’s dense population and high volume of travelers make it a hotspot for infestations. Local pest control companies are employing a mix of heat treatments and chemical sprays to combat outbreaks, while public health officials emphasize education and rapid response.
2. Cambridge
Coming in at #13, Cambridge faces challenges in both residential and student housing. Universities and landlords are working with pest management professionals to implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, focusing on prevention, monitoring, and targeted treatments.
3. Somerville
With a national ranking of #18, Somerville has seen a spike in reported infestations in apartment complexes and multi-family dwellings. The city is promoting public awareness campaigns and encouraging early reporting to prevent widespread outbreaks.
4. Lawrence
Ranked #27, Lawrence is tackling bed bugs through partnerships between housing authorities and pest control experts. Efforts include routine inspections, tenant education, and coordinated treatments to address infestations in both public and private housing.
5. Waltham
Not far behind in the rankings, Waltham is notable for its proactive approach. Local pest control companies offer advanced heat treatments and chemical options, with rapid response teams available for both commercial and residential properties. Public education about identifying and reporting bed bugs is a key part of the city’s strategy.
How Cities Are Fighting Back
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Cities are adopting IPM protocols, which combine monitoring, prevention, and targeted pesticide use to manage infestations with minimal risk to people and the environment.
- Heat Treatments: Professional pest control services increasingly use heat treatments, raising room temperatures above 122°F to kill bed bugs at all life stages in a single day.
- Public Education: Municipalities and pest companies are investing in public awareness campaigns, teaching residents how to identify bed bugs and prevent their spread.
- Technological Advances: New methods, including UVC light and advanced monitoring systems, are being tested to improve detection and eradication rates.
The Road Ahead
Bed bug infestations remain a significant public health challenge in Massachusetts, but cities like Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Lawrence, and Waltham are leading the way with coordinated, science-based responses.
While the problem is unlikely to disappear soon, ongoing innovation and community engagement are key to keeping the bed bug onslaught in check.
Sources:
- https://www.mass.gov/info-details/bed-bug-protocol
- https://nwpestcontrol.com/waltham-pest-control/waltham-bed-bug-control/
- https://www.uvcsanitisingsolutions.com/is-2025-the-year-of-the-big-bed-bug-boom
- https://live959.com/most-bed-bug-infested-cities-massachusetts/
- https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-bed-bug-control/