Five New Hampshire cities that have been prominently cited as grappling with a recent surge in bed bug infestations are Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Portsmouth, and Dover.
These communities are seeing increased calls to pest‑control providers, public‑health notices, and legal‑aid inquiries as landlords and tenants navigate the state’s bed‑bug‑control framework.
1. Manchester
Manchester has long been a focal point for bed bug activity in New Hampshire, with a dedicated “Bed Bug Action Committee” formed years ago to coordinate landlords, housing advocates, and public‑health officials.
Recent reports note renewed spikes in apartment‑building infestations, especially in older housing stock and high‑turnover rentals.
2. Nashua
Nashua is highlighted for heavy demand on pest‑control services and frequent tenant complaints about slow remediation.
Local providers and legal‑aid groups emphasize that the statewide law now requires landlords to respond within seven days of a reported infestation, but enforcement gaps remain a concern.
3. Concord
As the state capital, Concord has seen a rise in bed bug complaints tied to tightly packed rental units and state‑worker housing. Advocates point to the same seven‑day investigation rule and the need for better tenant education about how to prepare units for treatment and avoid reinfestation.
4. Portsmouth
Portsmouth’s combination of tourism, short‑term rentals, and older buildings makes it particularly vulnerable to bed bug spread. Hotel managers and landlords there have ramped up use of inspections and thermal treatments, and some property‑management firms have adopted regular monitoring protocols.
5. Dover
Dover experiences frequent residential and small‑business service calls for bed bug control, reflecting dense multi‑unit housing and shared laundry spaces.
Municipal outreach has focused on clarifying landlord responsibilities under the law and encouraging early reporting to limit building‑wide outbreaks.
How New Hampshire is responding
State law now treats bed bug infestations as a minimum‑housing‑quality issue, requiring landlords to investigate and act within seven days of a report, and allowing tenants to seek court intervention if landlords fail.
Educational campaigns by UNH Extension and legal‑aid groups stress proactive steps such as inspecting second‑hand furniture, sealing mattresses, and cooperating with professional treatments.
SOURCES:
- https://www.pctonline.com/news/new-hampsire-bed-bug-law/
- https://kpyn.net/bed-bug-crisis-5-new-hampshire-cities-battling-major-infestation/
