The Post-Pandemic Travel Boom is Fueling New Jersey’s Worst Bed Bug Crisis in Decades

As New Jersey residents eagerly embrace travel after years of pandemic restrictions, an unwelcome consequence has emerged: pest control companies across the country have reported an uptick in bed bug infestations in recent months, with professionals noting “a consistent increase in bed bug control service performed since the ‘new normal’ post-COVID-19 pandemic.” Nationwide searches for bedbug extermination have risen 53% between May 2024 and April 2025, signaling what experts are calling the most significant bed bug surge in decades.

The Perfect Storm: Tourism and Bed Bug Resurgence

Now that lockdowns are lifted and people are feeling more comfortable shopping in town and resuming their normal routines as well as traveling both domestic and abroad, bed bugs are making a comeback. In fact, pest control companies across the country have reported an uptick in bed bug infestations in recent months. The boom in tourism and surge in crowds means more hosts for the bloodsucking pests. The tiny, flat, parasitic insects feed on people’s blood at night while they sleep, making hotels and travel accommodations prime breeding grounds for infestations.

More than half of pest control professionals noted that they receive the most bed bug complaints during the summer, as increased travel during this time of the year may help spread bed bugs from vacation destinations to homes. The most common way for bed bugs to spread is via travel: unsuspecting vacationers carrying them in the folds of their clothes and luggage, or transporting furniture across long distances.

New Jersey’s Growing Bed Bug Problem

News circulated the web in 2024 that New Jersey was voted one of the worst places for bed bug infections. While the ranking was disputed by public health experts for being similarly based on internet searches rather than tangible measurements, it is true that Rutgers University had a very high-profile battle with bed bugs in the dorms of Jameson Hall. Some states that have crawled up the ranks (pun intended) are Florida, Ohio, New Jersey, and Maryland.

The state’s proximity to major travel hubs like New York City, combined with people from New Jersey accounting for 60% of visitors to New York destinations, creates ideal conditions for bed bug transmission. The top three places where pest professionals report finding bed bugs are single-family homes (91 percent), apartments/condominiums (89 percent), and hotels/motels (68 percent).

The Travel Connection: Hotels as Ground Zero

According to a new survey from the Sleep Doctor, 14 percent of Americans reported bed bug encounters in hotels and other living accommodations in a recent survey, shedding light on the extent of this issue and how it impacts travelers. With 14 percent reporting such encounters, these findings shed light on the extent of this issue and how it impacts travelers. The majority (80 percent) of travelers who encountered bed bugs say it impacted their sleep for days. Furthermore, 99 percent say the experience had an impact on the way they travel. Now, 73 percent say they will always check for bed bugs, 63 percent will spend more money to stay at nicer accommodations, and 55 percent will avoid certain accommodation companies/chains.

Bed bugs are in hotels because guests bring them in, plain and simple. To help stop this outbreak, the hospitality industry as well as guests must take full responsibility. Since bed bugs can move through walls, they can infest multiple units and rooms of apartments and hotels. They usually enter new rooms through luggage that is transported from one place to another.

Why the Post-Pandemic Surge is So Severe

During the early days of the pandemic, many businesses and public spaces were closed their doors and quite simply people stayed home. Because fewer people were out and about, bed bugs had fewer opportunities to hitch a ride on unsuspecting hosts (i.e., humans). This led to a temporary decline in bed bug populations in many areas. However, although bed bugs normally feed a few times a week, they can live for several months without a blood meal. Of course, a blood meal is necessary for egg laying and so reproduction efforts were adversely affected.

Now, with travel at or exceeding pre-pandemic levels, these dormant populations are experiencing a feeding frenzy. The results reveal a notable surge in bed bug activity, with cities across Ohio, Texas, Florida, California and Pennsylvania dominating the list – a trend fueled by increased travel, urban density and housing conditions.

Professional Solutions for New Jersey Residents

For New Jersey homeowners facing bed bug infestations, professional intervention is often the most effective solution. Local companies like Prestige Pest Unit & House Wash understand the unique challenges facing Garden State residents. At Prestige Pest Unit, we understand the stress and frustration that bed bugs can cause. That’s why we offer a comprehensive approach to bed bug control, tailored to the unique needs of each home in Franklin, NJ. We’re not just about quick fixes; we’re about long-term solutions.

Professional Bed Bug Control NJ services utilize advanced techniques including heat treatments and targeted insecticide applications. Heat Treatments: We raise the temperature of your home to a level that kills bed bugs in all life stages. Insecticides: We use targeted applications of EPA-approved insecticides to eliminate bed bugs. Family and Pet-Friendly: We use treatments that are safe for your loved ones and the environment. Satisfaction Guaranteed: We’re not happy until those bed bugs are gone for good.

Prevention Tips for Travelers

To protect against bringing bed bugs home from your travels, experts recommend following the S.L.E.E.P. protocol: Survey the hotel room for signs of an infestation. Be on the lookout for tiny, ink-colored stains on mattress seams, in soft furniture and behind headboards. Lift and look in bed bug hiding spots: the mattress, box spring and other furniture, as well as behind baseboards, pictures and even torn wallpaper. Elevate luggage away from the bed and wall. The safest places are in the bathroom or on counters.

Examine your luggage carefully while repacking and once you return home from a trip. Always store luggage away from the bed. Place all dryer-safe clothing from your luggage in the dryer for at least 30-45 minutes at the highest setting after you return home.

The Road Ahead

As travel continues to rebound and New Jersey residents explore destinations near and far, the bed bug threat shows no signs of diminishing. These pests typically peak during the heart of travel season, between June and October. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency points to recent increases in infestations being a result of more travel, increased pesticide resistance, and a lack of knowledge about pest control.

The key to managing this crisis lies in education, prevention, and professional intervention when needed. By understanding the connection between travel and bed bug transmission, New Jersey residents can take proactive steps to protect their homes while still enjoying the freedom to explore that we’ve all been eager to reclaim.