In 2025, Iowa is grappling with a growing bed bug problem that has spread across multiple cities. The infestations have worsened significantly, with Cedar Rapids and Davenport at the forefront of this battle.
Local authorities, pest control services, and communities are stepping up their efforts to combat this persistent issue, but the challenge remains widespread. Here’s an overview of the five Iowa cities facing the most significant bed bug problems and how they are responding to this growing crisis.
1. Cedar Rapids
Scale of the Problem: Cedar Rapids has seen a major jump, moving up 19 spots to rank #20 on Orkin’s 2025 Top 50 Bed Bug Cities list, making it the highest-ranked Iowa city for bed bugs.
Infestation Dynamics: The problem is especially severe in apartment complexes and areas with rising homelessness, where people move frequently between units, spreading bed bugs. These pests are able to thrive in communal spaces where they easily hitch rides on people’s belongings.
Response: Local pest control services like Bed Bug and Beyond are actively working with property managers and residents. However, challenges such as language barriers and lack of awareness are delaying prompt action, allowing infestations to spread.
Preventive Tips: Residents are encouraged to launder bedding regularly, inspect for signs like ink stains, exoskeletons, or musty odors, and act quickly if they notice any signs of an infestation.
2. Davenport
Scale of the Problem: Davenport is ranked #21 in Orkin’s 2025 list, moving up eight spots from the previous year, signaling a worsening situation.
Contributors to Spread: The bed bug problem is exacerbated by increased mobility, communal living, and possibly travel, which helps these pests spread throughout the city.
Community Action: Davenport has been proactive in tracking infestations citywide, with pest control services seeing a rise in calls for treatments. Residents are urged to be vigilant in public spaces and multi-unit housing, where bed bugs are more likely to spread.
3. Sioux City
Scale of the Problem: Sioux City hasn’t made it into the national top 50 in 2025, but it remains a concern due to its history on past Orkin lists and ongoing pest control concerns. Its population mobility and travel habits create ideal conditions for bed bugs to spread.
Local Response: Pest control services in Sioux City offer discreet treatments and public education, particularly emphasizing the year-round nature of bed bug infestations. Late summer sees a particular rise in infestations, often linked to increased travel during this time.
4. Des Moines
Current Status: Although Des Moines did not make it into the top 25 cities nationally in 2025, bed bug activity is still a growing issue in Iowa’s largest city. Factors such as dense housing and busy travel corridors contribute to the ongoing challenge.
Local Response: Local pest control companies and city services are focused on prevention and removal campaigns, working to curb the spread of bed bugs throughout the city.
5. Dubuque
Current Status: Dubuque isn’t currently in the national top 50 for bed bugs, but regional pest control experts and public health advisories indicate that bed bugs are still present and occasionally see spikes. These spikes often occur due to travel and high-density housing, which provide ideal conditions for infestations.
Sources:
1. https://www.orkin.com/press-room/worst-cities-for-bed-bugs-annual-rankings
2. https://www.terminix.com/blog/whats-buzzing/top-bed-bug-cities/
3. https://www.marthastewart.com/cities-with-highest-bed-bug-infestations-11768884
4. https://www.thegazette.com/news/are-bedbugs-a-growing-problem-in-cedar-rapids/
