In the aftermath of the COVID‑19 pandemic, travel resumed—and so did bed bugs. Pest control experts report a sharp increase in infestations tied to the uptick in hotel stays, apartment turnovers, and public activity. Terminix, referencing its 2024 service data, confirms that as Americans travel more, so do these blood‑sucking insects. In Maryland, several cities have become hotspots, prompting local officials and residents to raise the alarm.
Hotspots: Which Maryland Cities Are on High Alert?
Of the five cities profiled, three are consistently flagged in national surveys. According to Terminix’s 2024 ranking of U.S. bed‑bug hot zones, Hagerstown and Washington, D.C. share 8th place, while Baltimore comes in at 20th nationwide. Another Maryland city, Salisbury, ranks 47th. Additionally, Baltimore has previously been deemed the worst in the state per 2024 analysis by Pest Gnome, with cities like Columbia and Frederick also flagged.
Hagerstown: Tactical Response and Community Outreach
Hagerstown’s designation (shared with D.C.) in the top 10 reflects consistent service demand. Local health officials report increasing calls to pest control agencies. Authorities recommend a three‑tiered response: inspect sleeping areas, heat‑treat luggage on return from travel, and vacuum or steam clean entire rooms. Several multi‑housing complexes in the city have begun mandatory inspection protocols between tenant turnovers—mirroring Precautionary Tips from Terminix.
4. Baltimore: Battling an Old Infestation in Modern Times
Once again ranked worst in Maryland and 51st in the U.S. by Pest Gnome, Baltimore has a long history of bed bug issues. The city’s older housing stock—with abundant cracks and crevices—makes pest control especially challenging. Municipal efforts include coordinated campaigns between landlords and health inspectors: when one unit is found infested, adjacent apartments are also inspected and treated. Landlord‑tenant mediation services report rising claims over infestations, prompting legal mandates for regular preventive sanitation measures.
Salisbury: A Growing Concern in the Eastern Shore
Salisbury, ranked 47th overall by Terminix, now finds itself in the crosshairs of a growing epidemic . Local hotels and dormitories report case surges, particularly during peak season. In response, the city has launched an educational campaign—“Sleep Safe Salisbury”—distributing multilingual brochures on bed‑bug detection, and urging travelers to use luggage racks and prompt reporting of bite symptoms.
Columbia and Frederick: Rising Risks in the Suburbs
Columbia (218th) and Frederick (358th on the Pest Gnome list) might seem safer, yet suburban expansion and dense apartment living expose them to threats. Pest control agencies serving these areas say infestations often originate in rented units or shared facilities. Property managers now implement regular inspections and encourage proactive tenant reporting.
What’s Being Done: Prevention and Treatment Strategies
Across all five cities, the fight against bed bugs relies on a multipronged approach:
- Inspection protocols: Tenants, hotel staff, and travelers are urged to check mattresses, headboards, and furniture for the tell‑tale rust stains, live insects, or shed skins.
- Education: Public health campaigns spread best practices: using luggage racks, vacuuming upon arrival home, and heat‑treating belongings. Terminix recommends 30 minutes in a high‑heat dryer to eliminate any hitchhikers.
- Heat treatments: In severe cases, entire rooms or furniture undergo professional heat treatments—raising temperatures above 120 °F to kill bugs and eggs.
- Chemical treatments: When needed, EPA‑registered pesticides are carefully applied by licensed exterminators in multiple stages for maximum effect.
- Community coordination: Especially in multi‑unit dwellings, synchronized treatment across all affected units helps prevent rapid re‑infestation.
- Legal enforcement: Some local housing authorities are piloting mandatory bed‑bug disclosure at lease signing. Tenants may also pursue legal remedies if landlords fail to act, as seen in high‑profile cases in Maryland—some reaching settlements or awards over $100,000.
Economic and Human Toll
Infestations bring more than discomfort—they carry heavy costs. Eliminating bed bugs can run from hundreds to thousands of dollars per incident, depending on treatment measures. Salisbury hotels, for instance, reported decreased bookings after news of outbreaks, prompting urgent remediation. Additional psychological and health stresses include anxiety, sleep disturbances, and allergic reactions to bites.
The Road Ahead: Sustaining the Battle
The resurgence of bed bugs in Maryland illustrates the broader challenge in urban/suburban America. With high-ranking cities like New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Baltimore, and Dallas leading in bed‑bug related searches, experts warn that infestations are less about cleanliness and more about population density, tourism levels, and human mobility. Effective control requires ongoing vigilance—inspections, education, improved coordination between landlords and public health officials, and regular community outreach. Public awareness must remain high, especially as warmer weather fuels breeding cycles.
Conclusion
Maryland’s bed‑bug epidemic is far from contained. From the urban core of Baltimore to travel‑orientated Hagerstown and tourist hubs like Salisbury, the crisis is widespread—but not insurmountable. Through collaborative inspection protocols, informed treatment strategies, and persistent education, these five cities—plus Frederick and Columbia—are forging a unified front. This battle isn’t just about eradicating pests; it’s about protecting public health, upholding housing standards, and ensuring peace of mind for thousands of Maryland families.