Bed bugs: Threat to layers, breeders, workers
Bed bugs are one of the most challenging parasitic infestations to treat
5 May 2025
2 minute read
By: Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are blood-feeding insects that can affect poultry and people. The prevalence of bed bug infestations has risen sharply in the last two decades with infestations reported in all 50 U.S. states. Bed bugs are one of the most challenging parasitic infestations to treat due to insecticide resistance and their rapid reproduction.
A study was done to understand the extent of bed bug infestations in poultry houses, their severity, and impact on health, production and workers. The study was done by Rocio Crespo and colleagues at North Carolina State University and the University of Georgia. The results of the study were presented at the 2025 International Poultry Scientific Forum.
In 2023, an anonymous survey was released through the University of Georgia. The survey links were shared with leaders in the poultry industry and disseminated from these individuals to veterinarians and producers. Each survey had three sections: General information, pest management and bed bug-specific questions. A total of 52 veterinarians and 46 growers responded to the survey.
Broiler breeder (39.2%) and table-egg layer (31.1%) flocks were significantly more affected than broiler flocks. The flock size did not significantly affect the infestation with bed bugs. Bed bugs were significantly less common than other pests, but the frequency and severity of bed bug infestations in poultry farms have increased in the past five years and were difficult to control. Growers ranked the cost of bed bug control significantly higher than veterinarians did (25.6% vs 15.8% respectively).
Both growers and veterinarians ranked bed bugs as having strong adverse effects on bird welfare and worker morale. They also recognized the importance of bed bug dispersal between farms and workers’ homes, although 42.7% of responders indicated that workers’ homes are not treated for bed bugs, while 55.1% didn’t know.
Bed bugs are a re-emerging threat for poultry and people. Bed bugs are more commonly found in poultry houses with long-lived birds (breeders and layers) and infestations are difficult to control. A holistic approach to control these bugs is needed as they can easily move between the poultry houses and the workers’ homes.
