Nebraska is grappling with a bed bug crisis, with five cities—Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island, and Kearney—facing significant infestations. These cities are taking proactive measures to combat the onslaught of these resilient pests. Here’s a closer look at the situation and the strategies employed:
1. Omaha: Battling Persistent Infestations
Omaha ranks among the worst cities for bed bugs in the U.S., as per Orkin’s national list, placing 36th overall. The Omaha Housing Authority (OHA) has been at the center of public scrutiny due to severe infestations in its low-income housing units.
Tenants have filed a class-action lawsuit against OHA, citing years of unchecked infestations that caused physical and mental distress. In response, OHA has expanded its pest control team and introduced heat treatment rooms to address furniture infestations. State Senator Terrell McKinney has proposed legislation (LB 287) requiring visual inspections and timely pest control responses for housing authorities.
2. Lincoln: Comprehensive Pest Control Efforts
Lincoln is actively addressing bed bug issues through specialized pest control services like ABC Termite & Pest Control. The company uses a five-step process combining heat treatments and EPA-approved chemical sprays to eliminate infestations. Preventive measures such as mattress liners and regular inspections are emphasized to reduce future outbreaks.
3. Bellevue: Tailored Treatments for Homes
Bellevue residents are combating bed bugs with customizable control packages offered by local companies. Heat treatments are a popular choice, effectively eradicating bed bugs at all life stages without harsh chemicals. Spray treatments complement heat methods, ensuring thorough extermination and long-term protection. Education about prevention, such as inspecting secondhand items and sealing cracks in homes, is also prioritized.
4. Grand Island: Commercial and Residential Solutions
Grand Island faces bed bug challenges in both residential and commercial spaces. Orkin provides tailored pest management plans for healthcare facilities, hospitality businesses, and private homes. Their approach includes thorough inspections, targeted treatments, and preventive measures to keep infestations under control.
5. Kearney: Proactive Pest Management
Kearney employs advanced pest control methods, including Greenix Pest Control’s six-step process that targets cracks, crevices, and exterior perimeters of properties. This comprehensive approach ensures that homes are protected from bed bug invasions while minimizing risks of re-infestation.
Preventive Measures Across Cities
Bed bugs thrive in hidden spaces like mattresses, furniture seams, and baseboards. Preventive strategies include:
- Regular Inspections: Frequent checks of beds, furniture, and carpets for signs of infestation.
- Travel Precautions: Inspecting hotel rooms and keeping luggage off floors to avoid bringing pests home.
- Secondhand Item Checks: Carefully examining used furniture or clothing before introducing them into homes.
- Protective Covers: Using mattress liners to block bed bugs from nesting in bedding.
Nebraska’s cities are actively fighting back against bed bug invasions through legislative action, advanced pest control techniques, and community education.
While Omaha remains the epicenter of the crisis due to its high concentration of infestations in public housing units, other cities like Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island, and Kearney are implementing innovative solutions to protect residents from these persistent pests.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://www.iheart.com/content/2024-01-25-one-nebraska-city-named-among-worst-cities-for-bed-bugs-in-the-us/
[2] https://ktvz.com/cnn-regional/2025/02/12/nebraska-legislature-committee-hears-testimony-for-bill-requiring-omaha-housing-authority-to-address-bed-bugs/
[3] https://abctermite-pest.com/bed-bugs/
[4] https://www.custombedbug.com/areas-we-service/bellevue-bed-bugs-treatment/
[5] https://www.orkin.com/locations/nebraska-ne/grand-island-pest-control/branch-784
