Bed bugs aren’t just a summer nuisance they’re seasonal hitchhikers, with peak activity in late summer and fall. As travel increases and temperatures shift, infestations quietly rise in hotels, laundromats, and multi-unit housing. Joplin, Missouri, like many mid-sized communities, is seeing a resurgence one that’s underreported but deeply felt.
This updated post builds on my original January 2025 article, which
documented the rise of bed bug cases across Missouri and offered firsthand
accounts, treatment strategies, and natural repellents. The issue hasn’t faded its
cyclical, and it’s back.
The Bigger Picture: Nationwide Activity June 2025 spike: Industry reports show a national uptick in infestations, tied to the return of pre-pandemic travel, hotel stays, and public gatherings. No immunity for small towns: Bed bugs are equal-opportunity hitchhikers, thriving in laundromats, hotels, and multi-unit housing
A Local Account: When Clean Isn’t Safe
“When our washing machine broke, we had to use a public laundromat. It
looked clean a worker was mopping and wiping tables. My husband and I thought,
‘This one won’t have problems.’ Wrong. Within days, we had bed bugs.”
This firsthand account highlights a common misconception: cleanliness doesn’t guarantee safety. Bed bugs don’t discriminate. They hitch rides on clothing, laundry baskets, and even folding tables.
What Happened Next
- Diatomaceous
Earth (food grade) applied to floors and bedding areas
- Mattress
encased in a plastic dust mite cover
- All bedding,
drapes, and floor coverings laundered on high heat
- DE allowed to
sit for one hour before vacuuming
“We’re not sure if the bugs came from the washer or dryer, but since the
laundromat was very busy, with doors opening and closing they could’ve hitched a ride while we were folding
clothes.”
Natural Defense: Peppermint Oil Spray
For those avoiding harsh chemicals, this DIY spray offers a gentle way to
repel bed bugs in laundry baskets, hotel rooms, and home bedding zones.
Ingredients
10 drops peppermint essential oil (100% pure)
1 cup distilled water
1 tbsp witch hazel or white vinegar (optional)
Spray bottle (glass or BPA-free plastic)
Instructions
1.
Add water and witch hazel/vinegar to the bottle
2.
Drop in peppermint oil and shake gently
3.
Spray lightly around laundry baskets, mattress seams, luggage, and
baseboards
4.
Reapply every few hours or after laundering
“We used this spray around our laundry basket and folding area after our
bed bug scare. It gave us peace of mind without the chemical fog.”
⚠️ Note: This spray repels but
doesn’t kill eggs or deeply hidden bugs. Always test on fabric before full use.
What Travelers Can Do
Whether you're staying in a hotel or using public laundry services,
here’s how to protect yourself:
- Inspect
mattresses and headboards for rust-colored stains or live bugs
- Use hard-sided
luggage and avoid placing bags on upholstered furniture
- Pack a
travel-size bed bug spray (EPA-approved)
- Launder clothes
immediately after returning home—hot water and high heat only
- Consider
mattress encasements for long-term stays or high-risk areas
Hotels and
Hospitality: 2025 Red Flags
As bed bug activity rises, so do concerns about hotel hygiene and pest
control. Travelers should:
- Check recent
reviews for mentions of pests
- Avoid hotels
with deferred maintenance or staffing shortages
- Report any
sightings immediately and document with photos
Author's Notes: August 2025 while there’s no official registry of bed bug cases
in Joplin, pest control companies and local accounts confirm the issue is
real and rising.
A January 2025 article titled “Insect Invasion: 5 Missouri Cities
Combating Bed Bug Onslaught” confirms that Joplin is actively addressing
infestations through community workshops and pest control partnerships. The
piece highlights Joplin alongside St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield,
noting a statewide rise in bed bug activity due to travel and public exposure.
🔗 Read the full article here
