Bed bugs have surged across Oregon, turning cozy homes into nightmares for residents in major cities. Portland, Eugene, Salem, Medford, and Bend lead the fight against these resilient pests, fueled by travel, dense housing, and mild Pacific Northwest weather.
Portland: Epicenter of the Crisis
Portland tops Oregon’s bed bug hotspots, ranking high nationally per Orkin reports due to its apartment density and tourism. Infestations plague multi-family units, hotels, and shelters, with calls to pest control up sharply in 2025.
The city responds aggressively: Multnomah County runs a Bed Bug Information Line (503-988-BUGS) offering free advice and connecting residents to licensed exterminators. Public housing sees routine fumigations, while education campaigns teach early detection via bites, spots, and musty odors.
Landlords face stricter inspections under local codes, and low-income aid covers treatments. EcoCare Pest Control notes 1-3 follow-up visits clear most cases when paired with resident prep like laundering and decluttering.
Eugene: Student Housing Struggles
Eugene-Springfield, ranked among Orkin’s top infested metros, battles bed bugs in off-campus rentals near the University of Oregon. Student turnover spreads pests via shared furniture and luggage…