Milwaukee is currently the epicenter of Wisconsin’s bed bug crisis. According to recent data from Orkin, Milwaukee jumped 15 spots to rank 25th among U.S. cities with the most bed bug treatments between December 2022 and November 2023, marking a significant increase in infestations.
This makes Milwaukee not only the worst in the state but also one of the most affected cities nationwide.
Other Wisconsin Cities
While Milwaukee is the only Wisconsin city to make Orkin’s top 50 list, the broader concern is that other urban areas-like Madison-are also seeing increased reports of bed bugs, though not at Milwaukee’s scale.
The issue is not limited to private homes; public housing complexes, such as Milwaukee’s College Court, have faced class-action lawsuits from residents over persistent and severe infestations, highlighting the widespread and challenging nature of the problem.
Why the Outbreak Matters
- Bed bugs are small (about 3/16 inch), nocturnal, and feed on human blood, making them hard to detect until infestations are established.
- Infestations can spread through second-hand furniture, clothes, or even luggage, which is why experts urge careful inspection of all items entering the home.
- The cost and difficulty of extermination, especially for low-income residents, make bed bugs a persistent urban health issue.
How Cities Are Responding
- Milwaukee: Increased funding for pest control in public housing, city oversight of housing authority maintenance, and calls for comprehensive building-wide treatments instead of piecemeal approaches.
- Madison: Landlords are legally responsible for extermination, and aggressive treatment protocols are encouraged, though legal ambiguities sometimes complicate prompt action.
- Public Awareness: Experts recommend routine inspection of beds, furniture, and second-hand items, as well as decluttering to make detection easier.
Summary Table: Wisconsin Cities and Bed Bug Status
| City | National Ranking | Notable Actions/Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | #25 (2024) | Lawsuits, increased city funding, public housing crisis |
| Madison | Not ranked | Reports of rising cases, landlord responsibility |
| Others | Not ranked | No major outbreaks reported, but vigilance urged |
Milwaukee’s sharp rise in bed bug cases has put the city in the national spotlight, prompting both legal action and increased municipal intervention. Other Wisconsin cities are on alert, with experts emphasizing early detection and comprehensive treatment as the best defenses against further spread.
Sources:
- https://www.mylolowcountry.com/usa-laws/insect-invasion-5-wisconsin-cities-combatting-bed-bug-onslaught/
- https://mylolowcountry.com/usa-laws/insect-invasion-5-wisconsin-cities-combatting-bed-bug-onslaught/
- https://milwaukeenns.org/2024/09/11/housing-authority-residents-seek-remedy-for-bedbugs-in-class-action-lawsuit/
- https://www.wil-kil.com/blog/biting-bad-the-nightmare-of-bed-bugs-in-madison-homes/