Bed Bug Infestations Surge Across Southern States

Spring break travelers face rising risks in budget accommodations

Mar. 15, 2026 at 4:06pm

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Reports indicate that bed bug infestations linked to travel are increasing in several southern states, including Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. Pest control experts warn that budget-friendly accommodations popular with young travelers, such as hostels and spring break destinations, are more prone to bed bug issues due to frequent guest turnover and difficulty maintaining thorough cleaning. Travelers are advised to inspect luggage and clothing after trips and use high heat to kill any potential bed bugs before bringing them home.

Why it matters

Bed bug infestations can be difficult and costly to eliminate, making this a growing concern for travelers and residents in affected areas. The rise in cases across the South highlights the need for increased awareness and preventative measures to avoid the spread of these pests.

The details

According to a recent report from Terminix, Georgia ranked 6th nationwide for bed bug service requests among the 50 most affected U.S. cities. Other southern states like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee have also reported growing concerns tied to travel-related bed bug infestations. Travel experts note that budget-friendly accommodations frequented by younger, spring break tourists are particularly prone to bed bug issues due to high guest turnover and challenges maintaining thorough cleaning.

  • Spring break season is currently underway across the United States.

The players

Terminix

A pest control company that released a report ranking the top cities affected by bed bug infestations.

Lee Abbamonte

A New York-based travel expert who spoke to Fox News Digital about the increased bed bug risks in certain types of accommodations popular with young travelers.

Benjamin Hottel

A Georgia-based entomologist with Orkin who provided advice to Fox News Digital on how travelers can prevent spreading bed bugs.

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What they’re saying

“Bed bugs often arise in places frequented by younger, more budget-friendly tourists. Places like popular spring destinations for students or youth hostels.”

— Lee Abbamonte, Travel Expert (Fox News Digital)

“Young people and students generally don't care about the state of the room. They just want to be in the destination for as cheap as possible.”

— Lee Abbamonte, Travel Expert (Fox News Digital)

“Bed bugs are skilled at 'hitchhiking' on personal belongings. Travelers can unknowingly carry bed bugs onto planes, into hotels and eventually back home.”

— Benjamin Hottel, Entomologist, Orkin (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

Travelers are advised to inspect luggage and clothing after trips and place travel clothes in a dryer on high heat for 30-45 minutes to help eliminate any potential bed bugs before bringing them home.

The takeaway

The surge in bed bug infestations across the South, particularly in budget-friendly accommodations popular with young spring break travelers, highlights the need for increased awareness and preventative measures to avoid the spread of these pests. Thorough inspection and high heat treatment of luggage and clothing can help travelers avoid inadvertently transporting bed bugs back home.