In 2025, five major South Dakota cities — Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Brookings, and Pierre — are tackling an unexpected and frustrating challenge: a growing bed bug outbreak. These tiny, blood-sucking pests have caused discomfort, concern, and rising complaints from both residents and businesses.
Bed bugs are not just a nuisance. They’re tough to find, harder to kill, and incredibly easy to spread. As a result, cities across South Dakota have started coordinated efforts to prevent the bugs from spreading and to help affected people with practical solutions.
Let’s take a closer look at how each city is responding and what steps residents can take to protect themselves.
Why Bed Bugs Are a Big Deal in 2025
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that hide in beds, furniture, wall cracks, and even electrical outlets. They come out at night to bite people, often leaving behind itchy red marks on the skin. These bugs don’t carry diseases, but their presence can lead to sleep problems, stress, and high costs for removal.
According to the South Dakota Department of Health, the bugs spread quickly through luggage, clothes, secondhand furniture, and shared living spaces like hotels or apartments.
And to make things worse, modern bed bugs have developed resistance to many pesticides, making them harder to eliminate.
Sioux Falls Leads with Education and Support
Sioux Falls is focusing on teaching people how to spot and stop bed bugs early. Public education campaigns are being held in schools, neighborhoods, and community centers.
The city also offers special assistance services for low-income residents to afford pest control treatment. Sioux Falls believes that the earlier people act, the easier it is to control the spread.
Rapid City Targets Hotels and Rentals
With a high number of tourists and short-term rentals, Rapid City is focusing on fast pest control in hotels, motels, and apartment buildings.
The city is working closely with landlords and property managers to respond quickly when infestations are reported. Early treatment in these shared spaces is key to stopping wider outbreaks.
Aberdeen Focuses on Affordable Solutions
Aberdeen is taking a more community-focused and affordable approach. The city is offering low-cost inspections and helping residents get rid of bed bugs without spending too much.
Regular checks in multi-family buildings are being promoted to catch infestations early. Their goal is to make sure everyone can afford proper treatment, not just those with extra money.
Brookings Combines Prevention with Financial Aid
Brookings is holding bed bug prevention events in libraries, schools, and local clubs. These sessions help people learn how to check for bugs and avoid bringing them home.
The city is also offering financial aid to families who can’t afford professional pest control services. Brookings wants to stop infestations before they start, especially in vulnerable households.
Pierre Puts Pressure on Landlords
In Pierre, the city is getting stricter with property owners. New rules require landlords to act fast when tenants report bed bugs. If they delay treatment or ignore the problem, they can face fines. Pierre’s updated regulations make landlords more responsible for maintaining pest-free homes, especially in rental properties.
Common Steps Across All Cities
Even though each city has its own strategy, they all share four main actions:
Raising awareness through public education
Providing financial and legal support for residents
Taking fast action in high-risk areas like hotels and rentals
Enforcing stronger rules for landlords
These combined efforts are helping limit the spread and reduce the damage caused by bed bugs in 2025.
Tips to Prevent Bed Bugs at Home or While Travelling
Whether you live in one of the affected cities or are just visiting, you can take simple steps to protect yourself:
Check beds and furniture in hotel rooms before settling in
Avoid secondhand mattresses and furniture unless professionally inspected
Wash your clothes in hot water after returning from a trip
Keep luggage off the floor and inspect it after travel
Act fast if you see signs of bed bugs — call pest control immediately
South Dakota’s 2025 bed bug outbreak shows how even small pests can cause big problems. But with quick action, smart planning, and community support, these five cities are making real progress.
From education in Sioux Falls to regulation in Pierre, these local efforts show the importance of public health, tenant protection, and shared responsibility.
If people stay alert, follow prevention steps, and work together, South Dakota can stop this invasion and protect homes, hotels, and communities from future outbreaks.
[1] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/06/14/insect-invasion-5-south-dakota-cities-combatting-bed-bug-onslaught/
[2] https://www.orkin.com/press-room/worst-cities-for-bed-bugs-annual-rankings
[3] https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/2023-11-01/u-s-cities-with-the-worst-bedbugs
