Colorado faces a growing bed bug crisis, with several cities seeing sharp rises in infestations driven by travel, population growth, and resistant pests. Recent rankings from pest control experts like Orkin place Denver firmly among the nation’s worst hotspots, while other areas battle through education and legal action.
Denver’s Top-Ranked Struggle
Denver leads Colorado’s fight against bed bugs, recently climbing to 14th on Orkin’s 2025 national list of worst-infested cities. The Mile High City’s dense urban population and role as a major airport hub fuel the spread, with treatment calls surging over recent years.
Local reports show a seven-spot jump in rankings for the city, hitting 15th in some data before edging higher. Residents face costs exceeding $2,000 for professional extermination as these nocturnal pests hide in mattresses and luggage.
Colorado Springs’ Rising Calls
As Colorado’s second-largest city, Colorado Springs reports steady increases in bed bug service requests from pest control firms. Tourism and population booms make hotels and rentals prime spread points for the resilient insects.
The city’s challenges mirror statewide trends, where growing visitor numbers introduce bed bugs via unchecked belongings. Early detection remains key, though local data lags behind Denver’s national spotlight.
Fort Collins’ Student Surge
Fort Collins grapples with bed bugs tied to its college-town vibe and high student turnover in housing. Transient populations bring infestations from dorms to apartments, amplified by frequent moves and shared living spaces.
Though not topping national lists, the city’s influx of visitors and renters creates ongoing vulnerability. Pest experts note that young adults often overlook early signs like itchy bites or dark stains on sheets.
Boulder’s Proactive Defense
Boulder County stands out for its forward-thinking response, offering residents detailed guides on non-chemical controls like heat treatments. Public education campaigns stress prevention to curb outbreaks before they spread.
The area’s eco-conscious community favors alternatives to pesticides, promoting steam and encasements over sprays. These efforts help contain issues in multi-unit housing common around the university.
Wheat Ridge’s Legal Battles
Wheat Ridge highlights the human cost through tenant lawsuits against landlords over severe infestations violating habitability laws. Cases underscore failures in timely response, forcing property owners to fund eradications.
Such disputes reveal enforcement gaps, with residents enduring months of bites until legal action intervenes. Colorado’s updated bed bug statutes now clarify responsibilities for quicker resolutions.
Citywide Combat Strategies
Across these cities, responses blend education, legislation, and tech. Denver and others push awareness via city resources, urging inspections with the S.L.E.E.P. method: Search rooms, Lift linens, Elevate luggage, Examine bags, and Process clothes in hot dryers.
New state laws define landlord-tenant duties, while professionals deploy heat and targeted sprays against resistant bugs. Early reporting prevents citywide surges, protecting visitors in hotels comprising 68% of U.S. infestations.
Colorado’s vigilance shows results—some metros dropped rankings through prevention—but travel season risks reversal. Residents should check for apple-seed-sized bugs, musty odors, or shed skins, calling experts at first sign to avoid the itchy onslaught.
Sources
- (https://rivercityomaha.com/2025/01/insect-invasion-5-colorado-cities-combatting-bed-bug-onslaught/)
- (https://www.orkin.com/press-room/worst-cities-for-bed-bugs-annual-rankings)
- (https://rivercityomaha.com/2025/01/insect-invasion-5-colorado-cities-combatting-bed-bug-onslaught/)
