Bed bug infestations have become a persistent and growing issue across New Mexico, with several cities actively fighting back against these resilient pests. Here’s a look at five New Mexico cities where bed bug problems are being addressed with community action, city initiatives, and professional pest control efforts.
1. Albuquerque
- Prevalence: Bed bugs are common in Albuquerque, infesting homes, apartments, hotels, motels, healthcare facilities, dormitories, shelters, and schools.
- City Response: The Urban Biology Division of the Environmental Health Department enforces the Insect and Rodent Control Ordinance. Residents in multi-unit dwellings are advised to notify property management first. If unresolved, the city steps in to work with property managers to eradicate infestations.
- Support: The city takes reports for apartment complexes, group homes, and hotels, but single-family homes must seek private pest control.
2. Santa Fe
- Prevalence: Bed bugs are a recurring problem in Santa Fe, with infestations reported in both residential and commercial properties.
- Professional Help: Companies like Greenway Pest Solutions and New Mexico Pest Control offer tailored inspection and treatment plans, emphasizing the need for professional intervention due to the difficulty of DIY removal.
3. Los Alamos
- Prevalence: Bed bug infestations have been noted in Los Alamos, particularly in multi-unit housing and public accommodations.
- Community Approach: Pest control specialists in Los Alamos focus on education, early identification, and comprehensive treatment to curb the spread of bed bugs.
4. Las Cruces
- Prevalence: While not as frequently cited as Albuquerque or Santa Fe, Las Cruces has seen increasing reports of bed bug infestations, especially in hotels and apartment complexes.
- Response: Local pest control companies provide inspection and eradication services, and public awareness campaigns are underway to help residents identify and address infestations early.
5. Rio Rancho
- Prevalence: As one of New Mexico’s fastest-growing cities, Rio Rancho has experienced a rise in bed bug complaints, particularly in rental properties and multi-family units.
- Action: Property managers and pest control professionals are working together to quickly address outbreaks and prevent further spread.
How Cities Are Combating Bed Bugs
- Reporting Systems: Cities like Albuquerque have dedicated hotlines (311) for bed bug complaints in multi-unit dwellings and public facilities
- Property Manager Involvement: Property managers are often the first line of defense, responsible for initiating professional extermination and following city guidelines
- Professional Pest Control: Across all cities, the consensus is that professional pest control is essential for effective bed bug eradication, with tailored treatment plans and follow-up inspections
- Education & Prevention: Public education on identifying bed bugs and preventing their spread is a key strategy, especially in high-risk environments like hotels and apartment complexes
Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Las Cruces, and Rio Rancho are among the New Mexico cities actively combatting a bed bug onslaught. Through a combination of city action, property manager responsibility, and professional pest control, these cities are working to contain and eliminate infestations, emphasizing rapid response and public education
Sources
[1] https://www.cabq.gov/environmentalhealth/urban-biology/insect-infestation/bed-bugs-faq
[2] https://www.callgreenwaypest.com/blog/post/are-bed-bugs-common-in-albuquerque
[3] https://newmexicopestcontrol.com/bed-bugs/identification/
[4] https://www.orkin.com/locations/new-mexico-nm/albuquerque-pest-control/branch-886
[5] https://www.cabq.gov/environmentalhealth/urban-biology/insect-infestation/bed-bugs