The number of reports of bed bugs in several counties in northern North Dakota has been on the rise, so we decided to take a look back at places in the state that have had prior infestations, and we have also included locals in Montana as well.

According to the First District Health Unit, Burke, Bottineau, McHenry, McLean, Renville, Sheridan, and Ward have seen an increase in pests.

Since it feeds on blood, leaves itchy bites, and generally irritates its human hosts, the common bed bug has long been a problem, even in North Dakota and Montana.

Here are the cities in the states that have recorded infestations, according to Bed Bug Pest Control.

North Dakota

Medora-AAmericInn.

Bismarck: private residence.

Jamestown, Days Inn.

Rugby: Econo Lodge Rugby.

Minot: Two recorded infestations—Vegas Motel and a private residence.

Grand Forks: two recorded infestations at Quality Inn and a private residence.

Fargo (including West Fargo): 13 total infestations: Sunset Motel, Red River Lodge, Grand Inn, Motel 6, Super 8 Fargo, and 8 private residences.

Montana

Dillon, Super 8

Missoula apartment building

Helena - Hampton Inn

West Yellowstone Clubhouse Inn

Big Sky Resort

Bozeman: 3 total infestations: Hampton Inn, Wingate by Wyndham, private residence

Kalispel: 2 total infestations; Averills Flathead Lake Lodge, private residence

Great Falls: 4 total infestations: Quality Inn Ponderosa, Best Western Heritage Inn, Super 8 Great Falls, private residences

Billings: 9 total infestations; Days Inn, 8 private residences

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) all consider bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) to be a public health concern. Contrary to the majority of public health pests, bed bugs don't often spread or transfer disease.

However, they have the potential to impact other aspects of public health; therefore, it's critical to focus on avoiding and managing bed bugs.

According to experts, the recent rise in bed bug infestations in the United States may be related to increased travel, a lack of awareness about how to prevent infestations, an increase in bed bug chemical resistance, and poor pest control methods.

The good news is that bed bugs can be managed. The first stage in both prevention and control is obtaining accurate, reliable information. There are effective bed bug management solutions that combine chemical and non-chemical techniques, despite the fact that there is no quick chemical fix.

Due to their small size and propensity to remain hidden, bed bugs can be challenging to discover and identify. Since they can take on different shapes depending on the stage of life, it helps to know what they look like.

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Gallery Credit: Eddie Davis

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