Arkansas cities are facing a surge in bed bug infestations, driven by booming travel, economic growth, and hitchhiking pests from hotels and airports. Northwest Arkansas leads the charge, with local pest control data pinpointing hotspots amid rising treatment calls.
Fayetteville: NW Arkansas Epicenter
Fayetteville tops Natural State Pest Control’s 2023 list (data through 2025 trends persist) for bed bug treatments in residential and commercial sites.
The University of Arkansas draws students and visitors, while Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) hit over 1 million enplanements in 2023-2024, fueling spread via luggage and Airbnbs. Local firms like Natural State deploy heat treatments reaching 117°F to eradicate bugs and eggs, offering 30-day guarantees.
Springdale: Close Second in Infestations
Ranking No. 2, Springdale sees heavy calls due to its proximity to Fayetteville and growing poultry industry workforce housing. Infestations hit homes, hotels, and businesses; experts note summer peaks from travel. City health officials urge inspections of mattress seams and headboards, recommending professional remediation over DIY sprays.
Fort Smith: River Valley Hotspot
Fort Smith claims No. 3, part of the Terminix Top 50 (No. 34 metro with Fayetteville-Rogers-Springfield). Economic expansion brings more renters and transients; bed bugs thrive in apartments and motels near interstates. Pest teams combat via canine detection and steam, as bugs resist common insecticides.
Bentonville: Walmart Boom Backlash
At No. 4, Bentonville’s corporate influx and tourism amplify risks in hotels and offices. Walmart’s headquarters attracts global visitors, mirroring national trends where growth correlates with outbreaks. Residents report bites causing rashes; prevention includes hard luggage and dryer heat for clothes post-travel.
Rogers: Rounding Out Top 5 Onslaught
Rogers hits No. 5, with shared metro vulnerabilities from population booms and events. Hotspots include restaurants and museums; Terminix links it to visitor surges. Arkansas Department of Health advises sealing cracks and vacuuming, but stresses pros for whole-home heat.
Why the Invasion?
Bed bugs exploded post-COVID with travel rebound; they’re sanitation-agnostic, hiding in clean spaces and spreading via seams. Arkansas’ airport growth and tourism exacerbate issues, unlike cooler climates. National lists (Orkin/Terminix 2025) omit Arkansas cities from top tiers but confirm regional rises.
Prevention Tips
Inspect 15 feet around beds for specks or sheds; use hard luggage and isolate post-trip. Dry clothes on high heat 30+ minutes; avoid soft bags. For infestations, hire locals like Natural State for child-safe solutions.
Cities ramp up awareness via health departments, urging reports to curb spread. Early action prevents costly evictions and sleepless nights.
SOURCES:
- https://www.naturalstatepestcontrol.com/blog/2023/april/fayetteville-ranks-no-1-for-bed-bug-infestations/
- https://blakefriedmanlaw.com/nevada-drivers-license-renewal-for-seniors-citizens/
