Kentucky is facing a growing bed bug crisis, with recent reports from pest control firms like Terminix and Orkin ranking multiple cities among the nation’s worst hotspots.
Louisville, Lexington, and Paducah top the list based on 2025 treatment data, prompting aggressive local responses from health departments and landlords. These resilient pests thrive in urban settings, spreading via travel and secondhand items.
Louisville’s Battle
Louisville consistently ranks in Orkin’s Top 50 (No. 49 in 2024), driven by high hotel and apartment turnover.
The Louisville Metro Health Department partners with Orkin for free inspections in public housing, emphasizing early detection via canine units. Landlords must treat under KRS 383.595 if infestations predate tenants, with fines up to $500 for delays; citywide fumigation drives in 2025 targeted 200+ complexes.
Lexington’s Infestation Surge
Lexington climbed to No. 28 on Terminix’s 2025 list and No. 50 on Orkin’s, linked to university dorms and motels. Fayette County Health teams distribute prevention kits—encasements, interceptors—and mandate reporting within 48 hours for multi-unit buildings…