There is a surge in bed bug infestations across New Hampshire, affecting many residents and making life difficult in several cities. Bed bugs are small, blood-feeding insects that hide in cracks, furniture, and bedding, and their bites cause itching, discomfort, and sleepless nights.
Which Cities Are Affected?
While not every report names the exact five cities, the most commonly mentioned and hardest-hit areas include:
- Manchester
- Nashua
- Concord
- Portsmouth
- Rochester
These cities are especially vulnerable because of their high population density, frequent tenant turnover, and older housing stock, which provides lots of hiding places for bed bugs.
What Are the Laws?
New Hampshire has clear laws about bed bugs in rental housing:
- Landlords must act fast: If a tenant reports bed bugs, the landlord must investigate and take action within 7 days.
- Landlords pay for treatment: The landlord is responsible for the cost of pest control, unless the tenant is proven to have caused the infestation.
- Tenants must cooperate: Tenants must allow access for inspections and follow instructions to prepare the home for treatment.
- Disclosure required: Landlords must inform new tenants if nearby units have bed bugs or are being treated.
- Legal recourse: If landlords do not act, tenants can file a petition in court, which can lead to fines for non-compliance.
How Are Cities Fighting Back?
Cities are using several strategies to combat bed bugs:
- Inspections: Health officers and pest control professionals conduct regular inspections in multi-family housing.
- Education: Both landlords and tenants receive information on how to prevent and control infestations.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): This approach uses a mix of chemical and non-chemical methods for effective control.
- Legal enforcement: Cities enforce state laws and housing codes to ensure landlords take action.
What Can Residents Do?
- Report infestations quickly: Notify your landlord as soon as you suspect bed bugs.
- Follow instructions: Cooperate with pest control and prepare your home for treatment.
- Keep your home clean: Reduce clutter and wash bedding regularly.
- Know your rights: If your landlord does not act, contact local health officials or seek legal help.
Summary Table
| City | Main Challenge | Key Response |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester | High-density housing | Inspections, IPM, education |
| Nashua | Frequent tenant turnover | Legal enforcement, education |
| Concord | Older housing stock | Inspections, IPM |
| Portsmouth | Tourist and student traffic | Inspections, education |
| Rochester | Multi-family housing | Legal enforcement, IPM |
Bed bugs are a growing problem in New Hampshire, especially in cities with high-density housing. State law and local efforts are in place to protect residents, but cooperation between tenants, landlords, and city officials is essential to stop the spread.
Sources:
- https://extension.unh.edu/resource/bed-bugs-fact-sheet
- https://ground.news/article/insect-invasion-5-new-hampshire-cities-combatting-bed-bug-onslaught_67113e
- https://www.bedbugreports.com/state/new_hampshire
- https://www.callfreedompest.com/services/pest-control/bed-bug-treatment