Alabama is experiencing a significant bed bug problem, with multiple cities ranking among the most infested in the United States. Recent analyses by pest control experts and national surveys have highlighted the scale of the issue and identified the cities most affected.
1. Birmingham
Birmingham is consistently ranked as the most bed bug-infested city in Alabama, appearing at No. 33 on Terminix’s national list of the top 50 most bed bug-infested cities. The city’s dense population and numerous multi-unit residences make it a hotspot for infestations, with pest control services reporting high volumes of calls and treatments.
2. Mobile
Mobile also faces a significant bed bug challenge, ranking at No. 42 nationally. Bed bugs in Mobile are commonly found in hotels, apartment complexes, and homes, often spreading through travel and shared living spaces.
3. Dothan
Dothan is another Alabama city to make the national list, coming in at No. 50. Infestations here are frequently reported in both residential and commercial properties, with residents often struggling to identify the source and eradicate the pests.
4. Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa stands out in a separate ranking by Pest Gnome, which analyzed 500 U.S. cities for bed bug risk factors such as accommodations, multi-unit buildings, and population density. Tuscaloosa ranked No. 139, making it the highest-risk city in Alabama in that analysis.
5. Huntsville
Huntsville is also battling bed bug infestations, ranking No. 216 in the same Pest Gnome study. The city’s growing population and transient workforce contribute to the spread of bed bugs in apartments, hotels, and other communal living spaces.
Other Notable Alabama Cities Facing Bed Bug Issues
- Montgomery (No. 355 in Pest Gnome’s ranking)
- Auburn (No. 274)
- Hoover (No. 215)
Why the Surge?
Bed bugs are adept at hitching rides on luggage, clothing, and furniture, making them difficult to contain. They thrive in places with high human turnover, such as hotels, dormitories, and apartment complexes. The bugs are nocturnal, hiding in small crevices during the day and feeding on humans at night.
Combating the Onslaught
Alabama cities are responding with increased public awareness, professional pest control interventions, and community education on prevention and early detection. Residents are urged to inspect bedding and furniture regularly, vacuum suitcases after travel, and seek professional help at the first sign of infestation.
Table: Top 5 Alabama Cities Combating Bed Bug Infestations
| City | National/State Ranking | Key Issues Noted |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | #33 (Terminix) | Dense population, multi-unit housing |
| Mobile | #42 (Terminix) | Hotels, apartments, travel |
| Dothan | #50 (Terminix) | Residential, commercial infestations |
| Tuscaloosa | #139 (Pest Gnome) | High-risk, accommodations |
| Huntsville | #216 (Pest Gnome) | Growing population, transient workforce |
Bed bugs remain a persistent challenge, but with vigilance and professional support, Alabama’s most affected cities are working to curb the spread and protect residents.
Sources
[1] https://953thebear.com/alabama-is-crawling-with-bed-bugs-three-cities-among-most-infested/
[2] https://www.pctonline.com/news/terminix-top-50-bed-bug-cities-list/
[3] https://alabamaprofessional.com/services/pest-control/common-house-pests/bedbugs/
[4] https://tuscaloosathread.com/ixp/532/p/this-might-make-you-itch-how-alabama-towns-ranked-for-bed-bugs/
[5] https://www.terminix.com/blog/whats-buzzing/top-bed-bug-cities/