Rising bed bug infestations: More than a 50% increase in incidents reported compared to June 2024, yet a decrease as the year progresses.
Bed bug infestations are on the rise during the summer of 2025, according to recent data and reports from various sources. The Syndicate of Dog Detection Experts for Bed Bugs (SEDCPL) and the Association of Health Protection Professionals have confirmed an increase in confirmed cases of bed bug infestations.
The global figures observed in the first half of 2025 reflect a 26% decrease in confirmed bed bug cases compared to the same period in 2024. However, the number of bed bug infestation cases remains high, with bed bugs still being "more and more numerous". Sébastien Pizzocaro, president of SEDCPL, has noted a "spectacular increase in demand for diagnosis and control of bed bugs" in the first half of 2025, with a 68% increase compared to 2024.
The increase in bed bug infestations is closely linked to increased travel and urban population dynamics. The busy summer travel season is a major factor in spreading bed bugs, as travelers often stay in hotels, Airbnbs, and use transportation hubs, which serve as prime environments for bed bugs to spread rapidly. High turnover of guests in these venues allows bed bugs to move from room to room and latch onto luggage and personal belongings, leading to new infestations after travelers return home.
Urban infestation hotspots are also a significant contributor to the rise in bed bug cases. Major US cities like Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Indianapolis are seeing varied trends in bed bug activity. Some cities like Hartford showed a sharp rise in infestations, while others like New York and Philadelphia saw declines, reflecting localized changes in infestation dynamics.
Lack of awareness about identifying and preventing bed bugs contributes to their spread. Insufficient public knowledge about bed bug behavior, signs of infestation, and prevention measures can result in people unknowingly transporting these pests or failing to take early action.
Prevention strategies are crucial in combating bed bug infestations. When traveling, it's important to carefully inspect hotel or rental accommodations for signs of bed bugs, such as spotting bugs, shed skins, or small blood stains on bedding and mattress seams. Keeping luggage elevated and away from beds and furniture, and inspecting and vacuuming bags after returning home can also help prevent infestations. Washing and drying clothes at high heat can kill bed bugs and their eggs.
Early detection and prompt treatment are also essential. When bed bugs are detected, professional pest control treatment should be sought immediately to prevent infestations from worsening.
The hotel sector has become a leader in prevention and has massively invested in these protocols, contributing significantly to the drop in positive cases. The number of positive units in the hotel industry in 2025 has been halved compared to 2024. It is suggested that this model should be extended to other sectors like social landlords and student residences.
Increasing awareness about bed bug infestations is essential to reduce their spread, especially during peak seasons and in high-risk urban areas. The size of bed bugs is comparable to an apple pip, making them difficult to spot without proper knowledge. BFM TV has reported on the increase in bed bug infestation cases, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and proactive control measures during the summer season.
Summer remains a period of great vulnerability due to population movement for vacations and high temperatures favored by bed bugs. It is crucial for individuals to be vigilant and take preventive measures to protect themselves and their homes from these pests.
- The rise in bed bug infestations during the summer of 2025 has prompted discussions in the realm of science and medical-conditions, with a special focus on chronic diseases and respiratory conditions.
- Experts in sleep and workplace-wellness have raised concerns about the impact of these infestations on people's health and productivity.
- The increased demand for diagnosis and control of bed bugs indicates a need for betterdigestive-health, eye-health, hearing, and general health-and-wellness awareness.
- Fitness-and-exercise, sexual-health, and skin-care are also areas that have become interconnected with bed bug infestations, as these pests can affect an individual's well-being.
- Autoimmune-disorders and neurological-disorders are potential complications arising from bed bug bites, underscoring the importance of early detection and therapies-and-treatments.
- Climate-change has played a role in the spread of bed bugs, as warmer temperatures favor their survival and reproduction.
- Mental-health has emerged as a concern as a result of the stress and anxiety caused by bed bug infestations.
- Mens-health and womens-health are equally affected by bed bugs, with specific implications for each gender.
- The impact of bed bugs on aging population is a growing concern within the industry, including Medicare and long-term care facilities.
- Pets are not immune to bed bugs; they, too, can be affected and can become a means of spreading the infestation.
- Parenting can be complicated by bed bug infestations, as they pose a risk to the health of children, and prevention strategies must be implemented in homes and childcare facilities.
- Weight-management can be affected directly through the stress caused by bed bugs and indirectly through poor nutrition and disrupted sleep patterns.
- Cardiovascular-health can be compromised by stress and lack of sleep caused by bed bugs, making it essential to maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise regimen.
- Financial implications extend beyond medical bills, as dealing with bed bug infestations can also involve costs related to home repairs, furnishings replacement, and possible losses in business.
- CBD has been suggested as a potential solution to manage the stress and discomfort caused by bed bug infestations.
- The environmental-science community recognizes the impact of bed bugs on the environment, particularly in urban areas.
- Financial institutions and businesses are affected by bed bug infestations, as they can impact the reputation and financial stability of establishments.
- Lack of effective clothing and linen treatment options can contribute to the spread of bed bugs, highlighting a need for innovation in the fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and home-and-garden industries.
- Cybersecurity measures in the realm of technology and personal-finance can help mitigate the risks associated with online shopping and booking travel accommodations.
- Data-and-cloud-computing solutions can aid in the tracking and analysis of bed bug infestations, enabling local governments and health departments to implement targeted strategies.
- Artificial-Intelligence and gadgets can be utilized to develop advanced methods for bed bug detection and control.
- In order to foster healthy relationships, communication and proactive measures are necessary to address bed bug infestations within households and other living arrangements.
- Pet care requires understanding the signs of bed bug infestations, as well as taking the necessary steps to treat and prevent these pests.
- Travelers or tourists can take precautions, such as avoiding staying in infested areas or taking recommended protective measures to minimize the risk of bed bug exposure during travel.
- Cars and any personal belongings transported during travel can also serve as conduits for bed bugs, necessitating vigilance.
- Books, shopping, and social media can provide useful resources for learning about bed bug infestations and strategies for prevention and control.
- Movies-and-tv and entertainment content can raise awareness about bed bugs and the importance of maintaining clean and safe environments.
- Music can serve as a form of therapy and relaxation during times of stress caused by bed bug infestations, offering a means of coping and maintaining mental-health and well-being.
