Massachusetts is facing a growing bed bug problem. Cities across the state are now seeing more bed bug infestations than ever before, and many of them have made it onto national lists for the most infested areas in 2025.
Major pest control firms like Terminix and Orkin have been tracking this increase, and local authorities are stepping up their efforts to control the pests.
Let’s take a look at the top five Massachusetts cities dealing with bed bug outbreaks and how they are addressing the issue.
Boston: The Bed Bug Epicenter of Massachusetts
Boston is undoubtedly the hardest-hit city in Massachusetts when it comes to bed bugs. It often ranks on national top-50 lists of cities with the most bed bug activity. Factors like the city’s crowded housing, large international travel hubs, and significant student population all contribute to frequent outbreaks.
Boston’s property managers and local authorities have implemented stricter inspection rules, and public awareness campaigns have been expanded to educate residents about how to spot and handle infestations early.
Worcester: Rising Reports and Proactive Measures
Worcester is another city in Massachusetts seeing a rise in bed bug cases. The city has been dealing with a steady stream of pest control requests throughout the year. To address this, Worcester has introduced new rental property inspection requirements and launched community health campaigns.
These efforts aim to raise awareness and encourage early action to prevent infestations from spreading further.
Springfield: Focus on Low-Income Housing
Springfield has seen an increase in bed bug cases, particularly in multi-family and subsidized housing areas. To help vulnerable populations, local authorities have teamed up with nonprofit organizations to provide free bed bug detection and treatment services.
These resources are helping low-income residents who may not be able to afford pest control on their own, making sure that infestations are addressed quickly before they spread.
Lowell: Vulnerable Housing and Education Efforts
Lowell faces unique challenges due to its older housing and high rental turnover rate. These conditions make it easy for bed bugs to spread. In response, the city has stepped up efforts to educate residents about how to identify and report bed bugs.
Public health officials distribute educational materials in both English and Spanish and are also helping landlords adopt better extermination practices. These proactive measures are designed to reduce the number of cases and help keep the problem from growing worse.
Cambridge: Bed Bug Problems on Campus
Cambridge, with its concentration of universities and student housing, faces a different set of challenges. The constant movement of students in and out of rental properties makes it easier for bed bugs to spread. To address this, the city has introduced regulations that require quick reporting of bed bug activity.
Cambridge is also working with local colleges to hold awareness workshops and conduct campus-wide inspections to catch infestations early before they spread to other housing units.
How Massachusetts Cities Are Combating the Bed Bug Surge
Massachusetts cities are taking a variety of steps to tackle the bed bug problem, from education to stricter policies and regular inspections.
Public Education Campaigns
Cities like Boston and Lowell are running ongoing education campaigns in multiple languages to help residents identify bed bugs early and prevent major infestations. These campaigns focus on teaching people how to spot the pests and what to do if they find them.
Stronger Landlord-Tenant Policies
In cities like Worcester and Springfield, new regulations require landlords to respond quickly when tenants report bed bugs. In many cases, landlords are also given official guidelines for how to treat infestations using professional pest control services.
Routine Inspections
In high-risk areas like hotels, student housing, and apartment complexes, regular bed bug inspections are a priority. Some cities even use canine detection teams to ensure that infestations are caught early and treated swiftly.
Community Resources and Nonprofit Support
Springfield has partnered with nonprofit organizations to help vulnerable residents access resources for dealing with bed bugs. These include distributing mattress encasements and providing funding for professional extermination services to low-income families.
Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, and Cambridge are the top five cities in Massachusetts dealing with a rising bed bug problem. These cities are working hard to control the issue with stricter inspections, tenant protection policies, and public education efforts.
By improving awareness and providing more resources, Massachusetts hopes to reduce the impact of bed bugs across the state in 2025.
[1] https://www.orkin.com/press-room/worst-cities-for-bed-bugs-annual-rankings
[2] https://live959.com/these-10-massachusetts-cities-made-list-of-most-bed-bug-infested-in-the-u-s/
[3] https://www.mypmp.net/top-50-most-bed-bug-infested-cities-in-the-u-s-revealed-by-terminix/
