Insect Invasion: 5 Maine Cities Combatting Bed Bugs Onslaught

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Infestations of bed bugs have increased recently in Maine, although officials say the outbreaks are not as bad as they were a few years ago. Some regions of Maine are actively fighting these enduring pests, even though no Maine city has made the list of the worst bed bug-infested cities in the United States. These five cities in Maine are battling bed insect problems:

1. Augusta

There have been numerous bed bug issues in the state capital. A famous instance of the mental pain these infestations can cause occurred in 2017, when a furious resident flung a cup of live bed bugs at a city official.Since then, Augusta has strengthened her efforts to eliminate pests in public places.

2. Biddeford

Biddeford Middle School recently announced that a bed insect had been found in one of its classrooms.Parents were swiftly notified by school administrators, who also started a comprehensive assessment of the impacted area. The event highlights how bed bugs can proliferate in school environments.

3. Camden

After discovering a bed bug in a classroom, Camden Hills Regional School recently employed pest control specialists.Two tiny meeting rooms have signs of the insects, according to additional research. In order to keep an eye out for bed bugs for the rest of the academic year, the school has implemented new procedures.

4. Portland

Portland, the largest city in Maine, has seen a number of bed bug infestations. Due to its bigger population, Southern Maine, including Portland, has higher infestation levels, according to local pest management firms.The city has taken the initiative to teach locals about treatment and preventative strategies.

5. Bangor

The third-biggest city in Maine, Bangor, has also had to deal with bed insect problems. Located in Orono, close to Bangor, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension frequently receives inquiries regarding bed insect sightings in a variety of locations, including schools.

Prevention and Treatment

Landlords are required by Maine law to swiftly address bed insect infestations. After receiving a tenant complaint, they have five days to get in touch with a pest control agency.Additionally, tenants must assist with inspection and treatment operations and report any suspected infestations.

Because bed bugs can spread through luggage and personal possessions, experts advise being cautious when traveling. It’s wise to look for bed insect infestations in the furniture and bedding when visiting hotels or other lodgings.

Professional pest control services are frequently required for homeowners who are suffering with infestations. Bed bugs can be effectively eradicated using heat treatments.Even while bed bugs don’t spread illness, their presence can be extremely upsetting and uncomfortable.

The majority of people here consider bed bugs to be filthy, whereas people in other nations view us as “just part of life,” according to Jim Dill, a pest management specialist at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

In order to manage and prevent bed bug infestations throughout the state of Maine, public awareness, timely reporting, and expert treatment are still essential as the state struggles with these hardy parasites.

Sources:

• [1] https://www.bangordailynews.com/2023/02/16/homestead/not-pleasant-but-bed-bugs-part-of-maine-life-n6hjn1me0n/
• [2] https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/bedbugs-detected-in-augusta-after-ordinance-passed/97-378174822
• [3] https://www.bangordailynews.com/2025/01/13/midcoast/midcoast-health/midcoast-high-school-addresses-bedbug-infestation/
• [4] https://92moose.fm/maine-cities-worst-bed-bugs/
• [5] https://wgme.com/news/local/its-not-pleasant-but-bed-bugs-are-part-of-maine-life-hartford-sumner-elementary-school-infestations-cdc-university-of-maine-cooperative-extension