If Texans are typing “bedbug treatment” into Google more often, North Texas appears to be doing it the most.
A new study by Hawx Pest Control, a North Texas pest control company, shows cities across the Dallas-Fort Worth area are driving a sharp statewide rise in bedbug-related searches. The study analyzed year-over-year Google search data and found statewide searches for “bedbug treatment” increased by 311% in August. Ten of the top 20 Texas cities with the largest increases are in North Texas, according to the study.
Frisco ranked first statewide, recording a 1,000% increase in bedbug treatment searches. Other North Texas cities followed closely, including McKinney, Fort Worth, Denton, and Irving.
What the increase may indicate
“The dramatic increase in online searches related to bedbug treatments highlights a concerning trend across the state,” said Daniel Baldwin, a board-certified entomologist at Hawx Pest Control.
“This is a clear indication that bedbug infestations are increasing,” Baldwin said. While bedbugs are not known to spread disease, he said, infestations can disrupt sleep and affect mental well-being, making early detection and prevention important.
Why infestations occur
Baldwin said bedbugs spread primarily through travel and movement.
“Bedbug infestations occur because bedbugs are master hitchhikers,” Baldwin said. “They stow away in luggage, clothing, backpacks, or second-hand furniture. Once inside, even a single fertilized female can lead to a full infestation.”
Why North Texas is a hotspot
According to Baldwin, North Texas presents conditions that allow bedbugs to spread quickly.
“The DFW metroplex is one of the nation’s busiest travel corridors,” he said. “High population density, multi-family housing, and frequent relocation for work and travel increase the chances of bedbugs moving from one property to another.”
How to spot bedbugs
Experts recommend watching for several common signs of infestation:
- Itchy bites often appear overnight on exposed skin.
- Minor blood stains on bedding or pillowcases.
- Dark fecal spots resembling pepper or coffee grounds.
- Whitish eggs or eggshells in mattress seams or furniture crevices.
- Shed exoskeletons near hiding areas.
- A musty odor in cases of larger infestations.
How infestations are treated
Baldwin said addressing a bedbug infestation typically involves multiple steps:
- Washing fabrics in hot water and drying on high heat.
- Vacuuming mattresses and furniture thoroughly.
- Sealing gaps around baseboards and bed frames.
- Using mattress encasements designed for bedbugs.
- Professional heat treatments, which raise temperatures above 120 degrees.
- Careful use of pesticides, following all label instructions.
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