New Jersey is facing a significant resurgence of bed bugs in 2025, a growing issue that mirrors nationwide trends. As the number of bed bug infestations rises across the United States, New Jersey cities are taking action to control and manage the spread.
Bed bugs, known for their ability to hide and multiply quickly, are becoming a pressing concern in urban areas, leading to increased public awareness and response.
5 New Jersey Cities Fighting Bed Bugs
Several cities in New Jersey have emerged as hotspots for bed bug infestations. These cities are working on several fronts to combat the issue, including public education, pest control interventions, and community cooperation. The following five cities are leading the charge in this battle:
| City | Key Actions/Context |
|---|---|
| Newark | Launching major awareness and eradication drives, focusing on public outreach and municipal pest control programs to tackle infestations. |
| Jersey City | Ranked among the worst in the U.S. for bed bug problems; pest control operations and community alerts are ramping up to address the city’s high infestation rates. |
| Atlantic City | Leading in bed bug-related searches nationwide, indicating a serious issue. The city is focusing on routine inspections and professional pest treatments. |
| Paterson | Reports of widespread infestations in multi-unit housing have led to tenant education campaigns and city partnerships with pest control services. |
| Elizabeth | Significant outbreaks in residential buildings and public transport have prompted collaborative efforts between health officials and exterminators. |
Recent Trends and Community Response
Sharp Increase in Bed Bug Activity: Nationwide, bed bug extermination searches increased by 53% between May 2024 and April 2025. New Jersey cities like Atlantic City have seen a marked rise in these search volumes, reflecting growing concerns and real infestations in the area.
Jersey City in National Spotlight: Jersey City has been identified as one of the worst U.S. cities for bed bug infestations. Factors like high population density, limited pest control access, and the increased presence of multi-family housing contribute to the severity of the problem.
Public Awareness Efforts: Cities like Newark, Paterson, and Elizabeth are focusing on public education to help residents spot early signs of bed bug infestations and learn about the most effective ways to eliminate them.
Collaboration with Pest Control Experts: Many cities are encouraging proactive inspections and collaborating with licensed exterminators specializing in bed bug treatments. Professional pest control is becoming a key part of the solution to this growing problem.
Safety and Prevention Tips
Residents in affected areas are advised to follow these safety and prevention tips to minimize their risk of a bed bug infestation:
Inspect Bedding and Furniture Regularly: Look for signs such as small reddish-brown bugs, blood stains, or molted skins on sheets, mattresses, and furniture.
Avoid Secondhand Furniture: If purchasing secondhand items, make sure they are thoroughly inspected for bed bugs before bringing them into the home.
Launder Bedding and Clothing: Wash and dry all bedding and clothes at high temperatures after travel to prevent bringing bed bugs into your home.
Report Infestations: If you suspect a bed bug infestation, report it immediately to property management or your local health department for coordinated action.
As New Jersey continues to battle rising bed bug infestations, cities like Atlantic City, Jersey City, Newark, Paterson, and Elizabeth are leading the efforts to fight back. These cities are focusing on public education, targeted treatments, and collaboration with pest control experts to address the issue head-on.
By working together and staying vigilant, they hope to curb the spread of these resilient pests and keep residents safe.
[1] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/07/22/insect-invasion-5-new-jersey-cities-combatting-bed-bug-onslaught/
[2] https://nj1015.com/new-jersey-has-one-of-the-worst-places-for-bed-bug-infestations/
[3] https://krforadio.com/ixp/150/p/terminix-bed-big-infested-cities-2025/
