Why Bed Bugs Are Becoming More Resistant—and What Kansas City Residents Should Know

Carley Norton • August 18, 2025

Bed bugs have been a persistent problem for years, but lately, they’ve become even more difficult to eliminate. That’s because these pests are developing resistance to many common pesticides, making traditional treatments less effective.


According to a TIME article, bed bugs have been a persistent problem for years, but lately, they’ve become even more difficult to eliminate. That’s because these pests are developing resistance to many common pesticides, making traditional treatments less effective.


So how does pesticide resistance happen? Bed bugs can naturally develop genetic changes that help them survive exposure to insecticides. When pesticides are used repeatedly, the strongest bed bugs survive and reproduce, passing on this resistance to future generations. Additionally, their tough exoskeleton and behaviors like avoiding treated areas make chemical treatments less reliable.


According to FOX4 Kansas City, Kansas City has experienced a noticeable increase in bed bug cases. Factors like increased travel, warm weather, and high-density living environments contribute to their spread. Bed bugs easily hitch rides on luggage, clothing, and furniture, allowing them to move quickly between homes, hotels, and apartments.


What can you do to protect yourself?


1. When traveling, inspect hotel rooms carefully for signs of bed bugs and keep luggage off beds and floors.


2. Wash and dry clothing on high heat after trips.


3. Be vigilant for signs of infestation and contact a professional promptly if you suspect bed bugs.


At SOS Pest Control, we recognize the challenges posed by pesticide-resistant bed bugs. That’s why we offer advanced heat treatment solutions that eliminate bed bugs at all life stages without relying on chemicals. Our same-day heat treatments are safe, effective, and discreet, conducted with unmarked vehicles to minimize disruption.


If you’re in the Kansas City area and concerned about bed bugs, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Contact SOS Pest Control at 816-237-5342 or visit www.soskc.com to schedule a free inspection today!


Protect your home and family with expert help you can trust.


Links:

https://lnkd.in/grUyHJnq

https://lnkd.in/gExtd5_A

https://lnkd.in/gCSBuxNB

Hotels Face Growing Bed Bug Risks Amid Peak Travel Season

By Carley Norton • July 18, 2025
Even the cleanest hotels are vulnerable to bed bugs—especially during the summer rush of travelers crisscrossing the country. With suitcases coming and going, and guests checking in and out in rapid cycles, these pests are finding new homes in hotels both budget and luxury. According to a recent USA Today article titled “Any hotel can have bed bugs. How travelers can avoid bringing them home,” experts emphasize that bed bugs aren’t tied to cleanliness but to human activity. “Bed bugs aren’t a reflection of cleanliness—they’re a reality of travel,” the article states. Bed bugs travel by hitching rides on luggage, clothing, or personal items. Once inside a hotel room, they can hide in mattress seams, behind headboards, or in upholstered furniture—waiting for their next host. This makes high-traffic hotels especially susceptible. The surge in summer travel has brought renewed attention to the risk of infestations. With the influx of summer travelers in full swing, bed bugs are hitching rides on luggage, clothing, and personal items, moving from guest to guest and room to room. For hotel operators, this means proactive action is more important than ever. Hotels should implement early detection protocols, such as routine inspections and discreet monitoring tools. Rapid-response treatment options that don’t disrupt guests are critical. SOS Pest Control's approach includes same-day heat treatments that are non-toxic and discreet, conducted with unmarked vehicles to avoid alarming guests. Because your guests should leave with memories, not bed bugs. According to the USA Today report, travelers can protect themselves by: Placing suitcases on luggage racks instead of beds or carpets Inspecting the bed, headboard, and surrounding furniture for small reddish-brown bugs or black dots (droppings) Washing and drying clothes on high heat after travel Even if hotels take all the right steps, prevention is a shared responsibility between guests and management. “Wherever there are people, there’s potential for bed bugs,” said Dr. Brittany Campbell, entomologist with the National Pest Management Association, in the USA Today article. SOS Pest Control warns that bed bugs can follow guests home and remain hidden for long periods. We recommend travelers inspect luggage before reentering their homes and seek professional help at the first sign of an infestation. If you’re a hotel manager in the Kansas City area, you can contact SOS Pest Control at www.soskc.com or call 816-237-5342. Article link: USA TODAY
image of Las Vegas at night with lights on

Bed Bugs Back In Las Vegas

By Matt Unrein • June 25, 2025
New lawsuits against two Las Vegas Hotels and Casino about guests getting bitten by bed bugs have been made known to the public.
More Posts