Fayetteville ranks No. 1 on Natural State Pest Control’s top 10 list for bed bug infestations in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. Springdale follows closely, taking the No. 2 spot, and Fort Smith ranks third on the list. Bentonville ranks No. 4 as one of the top bed bug cities, and Rogers rounds out the Top 5, coming in fifth place.
Bed bugs are parasitic pests that feed on human hosts at night. While they’re not known to carry or cause any diseases, they are nuisance pests, commonly leaving behind a red, rash-like bite pattern that is unpleasant and uncomfortable. Bed bug infestation commonly leads to frequent sleep disruptions, blood-stained sheets, and ruined mattresses.
Top 10 Bed Bug Cities in NWA & the River Valley
- Fayetteville
- Springdale
- Fort Smith
- Bentonville
- Rogers
- Siloam Springs
- Greenwood
- Prairie Grove
- Van Buren
- Gentry
Natural State Pest Control created this list using bed bug remediation treatment data from the cities they service in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. The data includes commercial and residential bed bug treatments performed from Jan. 1, 2023 - Dec. 31, 2023.
According to a recent press release, The Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) exceeded 1 million enplanements over a 12-month period from March 2023 through February 2024. With the increase in travel to and from Northwest Arkansas, we expect the number of bed bug infestations to increase. If your upcoming vacation plans include cruise ships, hotels, AirBNBs, or other short term rental properties, be on high alert!
Contrary to popular belief, bed bug infestation is not related to sanitation, so even clean homes are at risk. Natural State has a few pro tips for travelers to minimize the risk of exposure:
- Carry hard luggage.
- Check for bed bugs on arrival.
- Check again when departing.
- Protect your home if you have an infestation.
- Ask a professional for help.
Always Carry Hard Luggage
Bed bugs are hitchhikers, so they travel and spread by crawling onto people and their belongings. They hide in the seams and folds of luggage, bedding, mattress folds, cracks in headboards, bed frames, and the creases of soft furniture. Carrying hard-shell luggage adds an extra layer of protection from bed bugs, making it more difficult for them to find their way into your suitcase. As an extra precaution, you can also pack your clothing in sealable plastic bags.
Before Unpacking, Inspect for Hidden Bugs
As soon as you enter your hotel room, immediately inspect the bed to ensure there are no unwanted guests already cozied up and waiting for you to be their midnight snack. Take a few minutes to examine the bed, headboard, and the surrounding areas (recommended 15 feet perimeter). Look for small bugs or sheds (exoskeletons) in the bedding and anything that looks like black mold or pepper on the sheets and in crevices of the mattress. Even after your thorough inspection, bed bugs can still make an appearance from hiding in neighboring rooms or cleaning carts. As a best practice, inspect your luggage again before you check out.
Keep Your Home Protected If You Have an Infestation
If you encounter bed bugs, heat is your best option. Put your garments into the dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes before proceeding with standard washing. Bed bug heat remediation for homes requires a professional treatment that raises the room temperature to at least 117 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature that is lethal to the survival of bed bugs.
Do You Need Professional Help?
Dealing with bed bugs is both stressful and time-consuming. Seeking professional help ensures the problem is immediately addressed and permanently resolved. At Natural State Pest Control, we provide fast, reliable service that you can count on. We will make sure that any bed bugs you’ve brought home from vacation are completely eliminated. When you partner with us to handle your bed bug needs, you can expect:
- A comprehensive inspection of your home.
- Reliable heat treatments for quick elimination.
- Exceptional service that is child & pet-friendly.
- A 30-day guarantee for your peace of mind.
- And so much more!