Mississippi faces a growing bed bug challenge in urban hubs, with local pest firms ramping up extermination efforts. Cities like Jackson and Gulfport report persistent infestations in hotels, apartments, and homes, fueled by travel and dense housing.
Jackson’s Bed Bug Surge
As Mississippi’s capital, Jackson leads with numerous hotel and apartment complaints on registries. Guests report bites and bugs in bedding at spots like motels near interstates, prompting urgent cleanings and steam treatments by local pros. City health officials urge inspections amid 2025-2026 spikes tied to transient populations.
Pest control teams deploy heat treatments reaching 120°F to kill all life stages. Community education focuses on early detection for youth housing or community centers.
Gulfport’s Coastal Crisis
Gulfport’s tourism draws invaders via luggage, with Reddit users flagging hotels like Home2Suites for carcasses and bites. Exterminators note visible signs like blood stains and musty odors in infested zones. Local firms use inspections targeting mattresses and crevices, followed by chemical barriers.
Harbor traffic exacerbates spread; prevention includes mattress encasements. Wellness programs highlight itch relief for affected families.
Southaven’s Suburban Spread
Near Memphis, Southaven sees residential outbreaks, with pros citing itchy bites and fecal spots. Services emphasize multi-stage eradication via steam and follow-ups to hit eggs and nymphs. Hotspots include furniture near sleeping areas.
Residents combat via encasements and vacuums, aiding home improvement efforts. No national top-50 ranking, but local demand surges.
Biloxi’s Hospitality Hotspots
Biloxi’s casinos and inns battle reports from TripAdvisor and registries, including bugs in bathrooms and bedding. Management switches rooms, but repeat issues demand professional heat and sprays. Gaming crowds accelerate infestations.
City pushes reporting to MSDH for regulated facilities like nursing homes.
Hattiesburg’s Hidden Infestations
University-town Hattiesburg logs hotel woes, with exterminators offering inspections for shed skins and odors. Treatments blend chemicals and prevention tips like laundering at high heat. Student housing amplifies risks.
Prevention Strategies
Seal cracks, use interceptors under legs, and inspect secondhand items. MSDH handles facility complaints but not homes—hire licensed pros early. For gardening or construction enthusiasts, quarantine tools from infested sites.
National lists skip Mississippi, but local battles rage amid mild winters boosting survival.
SOURCES:
- https://www.orkin.com/press-room/worst-cities-for-bed-bugs-annual-rankings
- https://msdh.ms.gov/page/14,0,119,542.html
