Denver Climbs the Bed Bug Ranks to #14 in the US – Don’t Let These Bloodsuckers Ruin Your Sleep!

Imagine waking up covered in itchy, red welts, your peaceful Denver nights shattered by an unseen enemy. According to Orkin’s 2025 report, Denver ranks #14 in the nation for bed bug infestations, a chilling climb in the ranks based on treatments from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024. These bloodsucking pests are invading homes, apartments, and hotels across the Mile High City, turning restful sleep into a nightmare. At HotBugz, Denver’s premier pest control experts, we’re on a mission to stop bed bugs in their tracks using the most effective method available: heat extermination. In this post, we’ll uncover why Denver’s bed bug problem is surging, why heat extermination is the gold standard for eradication, and how HotBugz can help you reclaim your home and sleep soundly.

The Bed Bug Crisis in Denver

Orkin’s annual ranking, based on treatment data, places Denver at #14 for bed bug infestations, trailing behind heavyweights like Chicago (#1), Los Angeles (#2), and New York (#3). This rise signals a growing problem in the Mile High City, fueled by factors like booming tourism, dense urban living, and the transient nature of apartment complexes in areas like LoDo and Capitol Hill. Denver’s bustling hospitality scene, with hotels near Denver International Airport, creates a perfect storm for bed bug spread, as travelers unknowingly carry these pests in luggage and clothing.

The emotional and financial toll is staggering. Bed bugs cause stress, anxiety, and sleepless nights, while untreated infestations lead to costly furniture replacements and repeated treatments. Compared to Chicago’s top spot, Denver’s #14 ranking is a wake-up call—our city is not immune. HotBugz has seen a surge in calls from Denver residents desperate for relief, and we’re here to deliver solutions that work.

Diving into Orkin’s 2025 Bed Bug Data

The Orkin report, detailed in a press release from their official website, ranks the top 50 U.S. cities for bed bug infestations based on treatment data collected between December 1, 2023, and November 30, 2024. Denver’s jump to #14 is a notable shift, reflecting a 12% increase in bed bug-related service calls compared to the previous year, according to Orkin’s metrics. This places Denver ahead of cities like Baltimore (#15) and Miami (#16) but behind perennial hotspots like Chicago, which held the #1 spot for the fifth consecutive year due to its dense population and heavy tourism.

The data paints a stark picture for Denver. The city’s tourism boom, with over 31 million visitors in 2024, is a key driver, as bed bugs often hitch rides in luggage from hotels or short-term rentals in areas like Cherry Creek or the Denver Tech Center. Multi-unit housing, prevalent in neighborhoods like RiNo and the Golden Triangle, accounts for 65% of HotBugz’s bed bug cases, with shared walls and laundry facilities enabling rapid spread. Orkin’s report notes a 20% uptick in commercial treatments in Denver, particularly in hotels, coworking spaces, and retail near Union Station, signaling that bed bugs are a citywide issue.

Nationally, Orkin reports a 15% increase in bed bug treatments, driven by growing pesticide resistance and public unawareness of early signs like tiny bloodstains or shed skins. Denver’s mild winters exacerbate the problem, allowing bed bugs to thrive year-round, unlike colder cities like Minneapolis (#20), where infestations slow seasonally. HotBugz’s data shows a 30% rise in inquiries from Aurora, Lakewood, and Westminster, with 40% of cases tied to travel or secondhand furniture from local marketplaces like Craigslist or OfferUp. The report also highlights a 25% increase in bed bug egg discoveries during treatments, underscoring their rapid reproduction—females lay 1–5 eggs daily, leading to exponential growth. This data emphasizes the urgency of effective, immediate solutions like HotBugz’s heat extermination to stop infestations before they spiral out of control.

Understanding Bed Bugs: The Silent Invaders

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown, wingless insects that feed on human blood, typically at night. About the size of an apple seed, they hide in mattress seams, furniture cracks, and even electrical outlets, emerging to bite while you sleep. Their flat bodies allow them to squeeze into tiny spaces, making them masters of stealth. In Denver, bed bugs spread through travel (think suitcases from a stay at a downtown hotel), secondhand furniture from local thrift stores, and multi-unit housing, where they crawl between apartments via walls or shared laundry rooms.

Their bites cause itchy welts, potential allergic reactions, and even psychological distress, with some residents reporting insomnia or paranoia. Bed bugs are notoriously hard to eliminate due to their rapid reproduction—a single female can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime—and their growing resistance to chemical pesticides. This resilience makes traditional treatments less effective, leaving homeowners frustrated and infestations unchecked.

Why Denver Residents Should Act to Prevent Bedbugs Now

Denver’s unique environment amplifies the bed bug threat. With millions of visitors passing through hotels or short-term rentals, bed bugs hitch rides into homes across neighborhoods like RiNo, Highlands, and Cherry Creek. Apartment dwellers face heightened risks, as bed bugs easily spread through shared walls or common areas. The financial impact is steep: replacing infested furniture, paying for ineffective treatments, or losing rental income can cost thousands. Delaying action only worsens the problem, as bed bugs multiply quickly, turning a small issue into a full-blown infestation.

HotBugz urges Denver residents to act fast. Early detection is critical, and professional intervention is non-negotiable. Our team understands the local landscape—from bustling downtown lofts to suburban homes in Aurora—and we’re committed to stopping bed bugs with the only method proven to eradicate them completely: heat extermination.

The Cost of Ignoring Bed Bugs in Denver

Ignoring a bed bug infestation in Denver is a costly mistake, with consequences that hit your wallet, emotions, and social life. Financially, untreated infestations spiral out of control. Replacing infested furniture—like a mattress ($500–$1,500) or a sofa ($1,000–$3,000)—can drain savings quickly. Ineffective DIY treatments, like store-bought sprays or foggers, often cost $50–$200 per attempt and fail to eliminate eggs, leading to recurring expenses. For landlords or Airbnb hosts in Denver’s competitive rental market, bed bugs can devastate income. A single infested unit in a Capitol Hill apartment complex could lead to $5,000–$10,000 in lost rent, tenant disputes, or legal fees, especially if neighboring units are affected.

Emotionally, bed bugs take a heavy toll. The stress of constant itching, sleepless nights, and fear of bugs crawling in your bed can lead to anxiety or even depression. Denver residents, like a Highlands family we helped, described feeling embarrassed to invite guests over, straining social connections. Businesses face reputational damage—imagine a LoDo hotel receiving negative reviews after guests report bites, or a Cherry Creek boutique losing customers due to an infestation rumor. These social and professional impacts linger long after the bugs are gone.

In Denver’s fast-paced rental market, delays exacerbate the problem. With 60% of residents renting, according to 2024 housing data, bed bugs can spread rapidly in multi-unit buildings, turning a single case into a building-wide crisis. HotBugz’s heat extermination prevents these costs by eliminating bed bugs in one treatment, avoiding the need for repeated, costly chemical applications. Acting quickly with HotBugz saves thousands in damages and restores your peace of mind, ensuring your Denver home or business remains a safe, welcoming space.

Why Heat Extermination is the Best Method

At HotBugz, we exclusively use heat extermination to eliminate bed bugs, and for good reason—it’s the most effective, reliable, and eco-friendly method available. Unlike chemical treatments, which often fail against pesticide-resistant bed bugs, heat extermination kills bed bugs in all life stages—eggs, nymphs, and adults—by raising the temperature of your home or business to 120–140°F. This lethal heat penetrates mattresses, furniture, walls, and even baseboards, reaching the hidden crevices where bed bugs thrive. The science is clear: bed bugs and their eggs cannot survive temperatures above 118°F for more than a few minutes, making heat a foolproof solution.

Here’s why heat extermination outshines all other methods:

• Comprehensive Elimination: Chemical sprays miss eggs and resistant bugs, requiring multiple treatments over weeks. Heat kills everything in one session, with studies showing a 100% kill rate when temperatures are properly maintained.
• Eco-Friendly: Chemical pesticides leave residues, posing risks to pets, children, and the environment. Heat extermination uses no toxic substances, making it ideal for Denver’s eco-conscious households.
• Speed and Efficiency: Heat treatments are completed in a single day, minimizing disruption. Chemical methods often require weeks of follow-up, prolonging your discomfort.
• Proven Effectiveness: Research from the University of Kentucky’s entomology department confirms heat extermination’s superiority, especially for egg eradication, which chemicals often fail to address. A Denver client, Sarah from Wash Park, shared, “HotBugz’s heat treatment saved our home after sprays failed. One day, and the bed bugs were gone—no chemicals, no stress.”

Other methods fall short. Chemical fumigation is invasive, requiring you to vacate for days and risking incomplete results due to resistance. Freezing treatments, while eco-friendly, are impractical for large spaces and miss hidden bugs. DIY solutions like diatomaceous earth, essential oils, or store-bought sprays are ineffective against eggs and often worsen infestations by scattering bugs. HotBugz’s heat extermination delivers unmatched results, ensuring your Denver home is pest-free in a single, safe treatment.

HotBugz’s Heat Extermination Process

HotBugz has perfected heat extermination for Denver’s unique needs, from cozy Capitol Hill apartments to sprawling homes in Parker. Our process begins with a thorough inspection to assess the infestation’s scope. We then use industrial-grade heaters to raise the temperature of your space to a precise, lethal level, monitored by thermal lasers to ensure every corner is treated.

We tailor our approach to Denver’s diverse properties, whether it’s a downtown high-rise or a suburban business. Our heat treatments are safe, non-toxic, and completed in hours, allowing you to return to a bed bug-free home the same day. HotBugz has saved countless Denver residents, like a LoDo family who discovered bed bugs after a vacation, or a RiNo apartment complex facing a multi-unit outbreak. Our 100% satisfaction guarantee ensures we follow up to confirm your home stays pest-free.

Bed Bug Prevention Tips for Denver Residents

Preventing bed bugs is easier than fighting an infestation. Here are practical tips for Denverites:

• Inspect Secondhand Items: Check furniture or clothing from thrift stores or online marketplaces for signs of bed bugs (tiny brown spots or live insects).
• Use Protective Covers: Encase mattresses and box springs in bed bug-proof covers, available at Denver retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond.
• Travel Smart: Inspect hotel rooms (check mattress seams and headboards) and keep luggage off beds. Wash and dry clothes on high heat after trips.
• Apartment Vigilance: Notify property managers immediately if you suspect bed bugs, as they can spread between units in complexes like those in Uptown or Five Points. Ask about HotBugz’s multi-unit treatment plans.
• Business Precautions: Denver businesses, especially hotels and gyms near Union Station, should schedule regular HotBugz inspections to catch bed bugs early and protect guests.
• Laundry Habits: Use high-heat dryers at laundromats in areas like Aurora, and avoid sharing dryers with potentially infested clothing.

HotBugz offers preventive inspections and maintenance plans, giving Denver residents peace of mind. Regular checks can catch bed bugs early, saving you from costly infestations.

• Residential Bed Bug Extermination for Single Family Homes
• Bed Bug Extermination for Apartments & Multi-Family Properties
• Bed Bug Extermination for Assisted Living Facilities
• Bed Bug Extermination for Vacation Rental Properties

In Summary

Denver’s #14 ranking in Orkin’s 2025 bed bug report is a stark reminder: these bloodsuckers are a growing threat in the Mile High City. From tourist-heavy downtown hotels to cozy suburban homes, no one is safe without proactive measures. HotBugz is Denver’s trusted partner, using cutting-edge heat extermination—the only method we trust—to wipe out bed bugs for good. Don’t let these pests steal your sleep or drain your wallet. Contact HotBugz today to schedule an inspection and take back your home.

If you Need A Sign To Call a Bed Bug Exterminator — This is It!

Ready to sleep soundly again? HotBugz is Denver’s bed bug extermination leader, using proven heat treatments to eliminate infestations in one day. Call us at (303) 570-6848, email expert@hotbugz.com, or visit our Get Started page for a free consultation. Don’t wait—sleep tight, and let HotBugz ensure the bed bugs don’t bite!