Bed bug infestations have surged across Texas in 2024 and 2025, pushing several major cities into the national spotlight for their persistent and costly battles against these resilient pests. Here’s a look at the six Texas cities most affected and the strategies being deployed to fight back.
1. Houston
Houston is currently the epicenter of Texas’s bed bug crisis, ranking as the third worst city for bed bug infestations in the entire United States. The city’s large number of hotels, used furniture stores, and warm, humid climate create ideal breeding grounds for bed bugs. Residents face tens of thousands of bed bug-related incidents annually, prompting widespread public awareness campaigns and aggressive pest control measures.
2. Dallas
Dallas consistently lands near the top of national bed bug infestation lists. As a major travel and business hub with dense urban living, it is particularly vulnerable to outbreaks. Dallas was recently ranked 11th among the 500 largest U.S. cities for bed bug problems. Local authorities and pest control professionals are responding with targeted heat and chemical treatments, as well as educational outreach to hotels and apartment complexes.
3. Fort Worth
Sharing the metroplex with Dallas, Fort Worth faces similar challenges. It was ranked 37th nationally for bed bug issues, with dense housing and high rates of travel contributing to persistent infestations. The city is investing in aggressive pest management and public education to slow the spread.
4. San Antonio
San Antonio ranks 16th in the nation for bed bug risk. The city’s high tourism rates, frequent hotel stays, and significant travel activity make it a hotspot for infestations. In response, San Antonio has increased inspections in hospitality and rental properties and issued public health advisories on prevention and identification.
5. Austin
Austin’s growing urban density and apartment living contribute greatly to the spread of bed bugs. The city’s population growth and high turnover in apartment complexes allow bed bugs to move quickly between units. Modern pest control in Austin emphasizes integrated pest management, combining inspections, targeted treatments, and prevention strategies, including organic pesticides and ongoing service plans.
6. Irving
Irving rounds out the list of Texas’s top bed bug hotspots. Like other cities on this list, Irving’s proximity to major travel hubs and dense residential areas make it especially susceptible to infestations. Residents and pest control professionals are working together to implement comprehensive treatment and prevention programs.
Why Are Bed Bugs So Persistent in Texas?
Texas’s warm climate, high rates of travel and tourism, and dense urban environments create ideal conditions for bed bugs to thrive. These pests are expert hitchhikers, spreading through luggage, clothing, used furniture, and between apartment units. Infestations are not limited to homes—hotels, offices, and public spaces are all at risk…