Oklahoma faces a growing bed bug crisis in 2026, with major cities ranking high on national infestation lists from pest control firms like Terminix and Orkin.
Oklahoma City and Tulsa lead the state’s efforts, combating surges tied to travel hubs, urban density, and post-pandemic mobility. Local health departments and exterminators report heightened treatments amid resilient pests thriving in apartments and hotels.
Oklahoma City: Top National Hotspot
Oklahoma City ranks #19 on Terminix’s 2024-2025 Top 50 list (up from prior years) and climbs in Orkkin’s 2025 rankings, signaling a sharp rise. The OKC-County Health Department leads responses with free inspections, public education, and partnerships for low-income housing fumigations.
Champion Pest Control notes a 30% service spike, using heat treatments that kill bugs at all life stages without chemicals. Citywide awareness campaigns urge mattress encasements and laundry protocols amid airport-driven spread.
Tulsa: Climbing Regional Threat
Tulsa sits at #29 on Terminix’s list, battling infestations in motels and rentals near I-44 travel corridors. Tulsa Health Department deploys rapid-response teams, offering subsidized extermination for multi-unit buildings.
Local firms like Terminix report repeat calls from universities and apartments, emphasizing integrated pest management—vacuuming, steaming, and canine detection dogs for hidden nests. Community workshops stress early detection via bite patterns and fecal spots.
Norman: Suburban Spread Concerns
Norman, home to the University of Oklahoma, sees surges in dorms and off-campus housing, fueled by student moves. City vector control coordinates with Oklahoma State University Extension for DIY guides and professional referrals.
Efforts include ordinance enforcement requiring landlords to treat within 72 hours, reducing evictions from untreated units. Heat remediation trailers target entire complexes efficiently.
Lawton: Military Base Challenges
Lawton ranks amid rising cases near Fort Sill, where barracks and transient quarters amplify risks. Comanche County Health focuses on base collaborations, providing free bed bug interceptors and educating troops on luggage steaming post-travel. Local exterminators deploy K-9 units for preemptive scans, curbing spread to civilian neighborhoods.
Broken Arrow: Residential Surge
Broken Arrow, a fast-growing suburb, combats home invasions via city code updates mandating disclosures in rentals. Pest pros report cluster treatments in new subdivisions, using non-toxic gels alongside traditional sprays. Public libraries host seminars on prevention, like decluttering and secondhand furniture inspections.
Prevention Tactics Across Cities
Oklahoma’s fight emphasizes vigilance: isolate luggage, wash linens at 120°F, and hire licensed pros early—DIY fails 90% against eggs. State extension services push IPM, combining vacuums, encasements, and monitoring traps. Fines hit negligent landlords, but education drives compliance.
SOURCES:
- https://www.mypmp.net/top-50-most-bed-bug-infested-cities-in-the-u-s-revealed-by-terminix/
- https://www.orkin.com/press-room/worst-cities-for-bed-bugs-annual-rankings
