In 2025, Virginia is dealing with a growing problem of bed bug infestations. Five major cities—Richmond, Petersburg, Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Alexandria—are facing a surge in these pests, driven by factors like increased travel, dense housing, and urban growth.
These cities have ranked high in national bed bug activity reports, prompting local authorities to launch targeted pest control campaigns and public awareness initiatives.
Virginia Cities Combatting Bed Bug Onslaught
1. Richmond
Ranked among the top 50 U.S. cities for bed bug infestations in 2025, Richmond is actively working on citywide extermination efforts and awareness campaigns.
Special focus is being given to high-density housing and travel hubs, where bed bugs can spread easily due to frequent movement and population density.
Local authorities recommend residents remain vigilant for early warning signs and report any infestations quickly to health or housing officials.
2. Petersburg
Like Richmond, Petersburg is facing rising bed bug issues in 2025 and has seen an increase in the need for pest treatments.
The city is conducting proactive inspections, particularly in multi-family residences and transit centers, to control the spread and offer treatment before infestations get out of hand.
3. Roanoke
Although Roanoke ranks lower on national bed bug lists, the city has seen a growing demand for treatment services since 2024.
City campaigns are focused on education about bed bug prevention and promoting professional extermination services to reduce the risk of infestations.
4. Lynchburg
Lynchburg has been witnessing an increase in reported cases and is addressing the issue through public outreach and access to affordable pest control services.
A key focus is early detection and limiting the circulation of infested furniture, which can easily spread bed bugs between homes and businesses.
5. Alexandria
Alexandria has reported a surge in bed bug infestations due to higher travel activity and increased population density.
The city is ramping up extermination efforts, including heat treatments and chemical treatments, and is providing support for tenants and property managers to help curb the problem.
Context & Supporting Details
Travel & Urban Density: Experts point to increased travel and high population density as significant risk factors in Virginia’s growing bed bug problem. Cities with high public transport usage and transient populations, like those in Virginia, are particularly vulnerable.
Historical Presence: Virginia Tech researchers have shown that bed bugs have thrived in urbanized areas throughout history. This trend continues today, with urban clusters making it easier for bed bugs to spread.
Prevention and Response Measures
Routine Inspections: It’s essential to regularly inspect beds, furniture, and luggage for signs of bed bugs.
Launder Travel Clothing: After travel, be sure to launder and dry clothes on high heat to kill any potential bed bugs that might have been picked up.
Report Infestations: If bed bugs are found, residents are urged to report the issue to property managers and hire a licensed pest control service immediately for proper extermination.
Limitations
While pest control treatment data is used to rank cities, public reporting can be delayed or underreported due to stigma surrounding bed bugs. Therefore, rankings are based on treatment demand, not necessarily reflecting the true prevalence of infestations.
In 2025, Richmond, Petersburg, Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Alexandria are leading the efforts to tackle the growing bed bug problem in Virginia.
Through education, increased pest control efforts, and public health initiatives, these cities are working together to fight the spread of these resilient pests and protect residents from the discomfort and health risks they cause.
[1] https://www.orkin.com/press-room/worst-cities-for-bed-bugs-annual-rankings
[2] https://www.lajaunies.com/americas-most-bed-bug-infested-cities/
[3] https://www.terminix.com/blog/whats-buzzing/top-bed-bug-cities/
