Bed bugs have become a significant public health concern in New Hampshire in 2025, with infestations surging in several cities. Five areas, in particular, have been facing a severe increase in bed bug activity: Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Portsmouth, and Keene.
In response to this growing problem, local governments and residents are stepping up efforts to prevent, detect, and eliminate these pests to protect the community’s health, economy, and overall well-being.
1. Manchester: Battling the Worst Outbreak
As New Hampshire’s largest city, Manchester is facing some of the most severe bed bug infestations in the state. With its high population density, the spread of bed bugs is exacerbated by the constant movement of people and goods, making it difficult to keep infestations under control.
Local pest control companies have reported a significant rise in calls from residents and businesses alike.
To address this crisis, Manchester has launched extensive public awareness campaigns aimed at educating residents about the importance of early detection and prevention. These campaigns encourage people to inspect their homes regularly and report any signs of infestation promptly.
Local authorities are working closely with pest control experts to tackle the issue head-on, recognizing that the sooner bed bugs are identified, the easier it is to prevent a larger-scale outbreak.
2. Nashua: Addressing the Challenge in Dense Housing Areas
In Nashua, the bed bug problem is concentrated in areas with dense housing, particularly public accommodations such as apartment complexes and public housing units. These high-risk areas make it easier for bed bugs to spread rapidly from one unit to another, leading to widespread infestations.
To combat this issue, city officials are collaborating with pest control experts to target the most affected areas. Nashua has implemented eradication programs aimed specifically at high-risk communities, offering support and resources to those who are affected by the infestation.
Additionally, there are ongoing initiatives to educate residents about preventive measures, such as proper cleaning and regular inspections of personal belongings.
3. Concord: The Capital Confronts Growing Bed Bug Cases
As the state capital, Concord faces similar challenges with rising bed bug cases. The city has seen an uptick in reports from both private residences and public accommodations, causing concern for both residents and businesses. In response, city authorities have ramped up efforts to encourage early reporting and prevention through education.
In addition to increasing awareness, Concord has been distributing informational materials to residents, helping them identify the signs of a bed bug infestation.
The city is also hosting educational events to teach people about how to prevent infestations and the best ways to deal with them once detected. This initiative aims to empower residents to take swift action to stop the spread of bed bugs.
4. Portsmouth: A Tourist Hub Struggles with Persistent Bed Bug Issues
As a popular tourist destination, Portsmouth faces unique challenges in managing bed bug infestations, particularly in its hotels, motels, and rental properties. With the constant flow of tourists, bed bugs can be easily introduced and spread through transient stays.
To address the situation, Portsmouth businesses, especially in the hospitality sector, have increased the frequency of inspections and implemented comprehensive staff training programs to recognize and deal with infestations.
The city has also adopted enhanced prevention measures, including heat treatments and mattress encasements, which have been proven effective in controlling the spread of bed bugs. Local businesses are working closely with pest control services to ensure that guests remain unaffected during their stays.
5. Keene: Rising Complaints in College Housing
In Keene, a small but growing college town, bed bug complaints are on the rise, particularly within shared student housing. As the school year progresses, many students living in dormitories and off-campus apartments have reported sightings of bed bugs in their living spaces.
The city has stepped in by offering support to affected residents, including subsidies for professional extermination services. Keene’s local government has also provided educational outreach to students and faculty to raise awareness of prevention tactics and encourage prompt action if an infestation is suspected.
Given the close quarters of student housing, the city is focused on reducing the spread by ensuring that both residents and staff are trained to recognize and deal with bed bugs.
Citywide Strategies to Combat Bed Bugs
In addition to city-specific efforts, New Hampshire cities have developed coordinated strategies to address the bed bug crisis:
Public Education
Cities have initiated widespread educational campaigns, distributing materials and offering resources at community centers, libraries, and schools. These efforts aim to raise awareness about the importance of early detection, prevention methods, and how to report bed bug sightings effectively.
Inspections and Treatments
Collaboration with professional pest control companies is key in identifying and treating high-risk areas such as hotels, apartment complexes, and public housing. Regular inspections are being conducted to ensure that any outbreaks are detected early and managed appropriately.
Resident Support
For those who are impacted by infestations, local governments are offering financial assistance for extermination services and temporary housing solutions to help displaced residents. This support is particularly vital for low-income families or those living in high-density housing areas.
Business Collaboration
Businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, have increased their efforts to prevent and address bed bug issues. This includes conducting regular inspections, training staff to recognize signs of bed bugs, and taking immediate action when necessary to prevent spread.
Reporting Systems
To make reporting easier and more efficient, cities have implemented systems for residents to notify authorities about potential infestations. This allows local governments to allocate resources where they are most needed and respond quickly to prevent further outbreaks.
How Residents Can Protect Themselves
While the city and state are working hard to combat the bed bug issue, residents also play a crucial role in preventing the spread of these pests. Here are some tips to protect yourself and your home from bed bugs:
Inspect Used Furniture: Before bringing any second-hand items into your home, make sure to thoroughly inspect them for signs of bed bugs.
Use Mattress Encasements: Invest in high-quality mattress encasements to trap any bed bugs inside and prevent new ones from entering.
Be Cautious When Traveling: Always inspect hotel beds and furniture before using them, and keep your luggage off the floor and beds.
Seal Cracks: Bed bugs can hide in tiny cracks and crevices. Sealing these openings can help reduce the number of hiding spots available.
Early Action: If you suspect a bed bug infestation, contact a pest control professional as soon as possible to avoid the issue from escalating.
In 2025, Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Portsmouth, and Keene are at the forefront of New Hampshire’s battle against the rising bed bug epidemic. These cities are proactively using public education, business collaboration, inspections, and resident support programs to reduce infestations and help affected residents.
By staying vigilant and acting quickly, both residents and local authorities can work together to mitigate the impact of these persistent pests.
SOURCE
[1] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/07/11/insect-invasion-5-new-hampshire-cities-combatting-bed-bug-onslaught/
[2] https://extension.unh.edu/resource/dont-let-bed-bugs-bite-fact-sheet
[3] https://cleanfax.com/bed-bug-extermination-searches-on-the-rise-nationwide/
