California is facing a growing “insect invasion” as bed bug infestations surge across several major cities, prompting local governments and property managers to ramp up prevention and response efforts.
Pest‑control rankings and health‑department data show that dense, high‑traffic urban areas in the state are especially vulnerable, with reports rising in lockstep with travel, short‑term rentals, and the trade of secondhand furniture. Eight California cities stand out both for the scale of their bed bug problems and for the concrete steps they are taking to push back.
Los Angeles: Ground zero for infestation
Los Angeles consistently ranks among the top U.S. cities for bed bug activity, driven by its dense population, major airport hubs, and thousands of hotels and multi‑unit residences.
Reports from pest‑control firms note steep year‑over‑year increases in service calls, often tied to hotels, apartment complexes, and public‑transit spaces…