As summer travel heats up in 2025, Arkansas is facing an unexpected problem that has nothing to do with traffic or travel costs—bed bugs.
The state has seen the highest increase in bed bug cases in the country, with reports jumping by almost 50% over the past year, according to pest control company Terminix.</p>
Bed Bug Cases Surge in Arkansas
Terminix says they are receiving more calls from Arkansas than ever before. While many people assume bed bugs only infest dirty hotel rooms, experts say the majority of cases are actually coming from homes.
Dr. Sue Weinstein from the Arkansas Health Department shared, “We get a lot of questions about bed bugs every week. They’re not just in hotels—they’re everywhere.” Dr. Weinstein is Arkansas’ State Veterinarian and even keeps a sample bed bug in her office for education.
Why Bed Bugs Are a Growing Problem
Bed bugs are tiny insects that survive by feeding on human blood. They are attracted to warm places and the carbon dioxide people breathe out. These pests are hard to see and often leave behind itchy bite marks or tiny blood spots on sheets.
Mark Vitulli from Terminix in Sherwood says their team is now handling several cases every week. “People are usually panicking when they call us. They want help right away,” Vitulli explained.
How Bed Bugs Spread
Bed bugs hide in small spaces like the seams of mattresses, furniture, and cracks in floors or walls. “They like to get into areas where fabric meets wood or mesh,” Vitulli said, showing how easily they can go unnoticed.
One major reason for the increase in Arkansas is more travel. As people move around more often, especially across state lines and countries, bed bugs can travel with them in luggage, clothes, or furniture.
How to Prevent a Bed Bug Infestation
To protect yourself from bed bugs, Terminix recommends checking your surroundings, especially when staying in a new place. Look at mattress seams, headboards, drawers, and even floor corners for signs of bugs or small blood spots.
If you suspect you have bed bugs at home, don’t wait. Call a pest control professional right away before the problem spreads. Bed bugs reproduce quickly and are tough to get rid of without proper treatment.
Arkansas may be leading the nation in the rise of bed bug cases, but with the right awareness and action, you can protect your home. Always check new places carefully when you travel, and act fast if you notice signs of an infestation.
Early detection and professional help are key to stopping bed bugs before they become a big problem.
