03/17/2026
Travel
Bedbug nightmare spreading across South as cases surge in multiple states
Travel expert warns budget accommodations may pose higher risk for bedbug infestations
Spring break travelers heading to popular destinations in the United States may want to be extra cautious about what they bring home.
Pest control reports indicate that bedbug infestations linked to travel appear to be increasing in several Southern states.
A recent report from Terminix in Atlanta ranked Georgia sixth nationwide for bedbug service requests among the 50 most affected U.S. cities.
Other southern states such as Florida, Texas and Tennessee have also reported growing concerns tied to travel-related infestations.
New York-based travel expert Lee Abbamonte told Fox News Digital that travelers may face a higher risk of encountering bedbugs in certain types of accommodations.
Close-up of a reddish-brown bed bug crawling on light-colored fabric, highlighting the small parasitic insect commonly found in bedding and mattresses.
Spring break travelers should be cautious, as bedbug cases linked to travel are rising in some Southern states. (iStock)
"Bedbugs often arise in places frequented by younger, more budget-friendly tourists," Abbamonte said.
That includes "places like popular spring destinations for students or youth hostels."
