Bed bugs have become an increasingly troublesome pest across the United States, and Maryland is no exception. Known for their ability to multiply quickly and hide in the smallest of cracks, these pests cause itchy bites and major distress for residents and visitors alike. In 2025, five Maryland cities are notably battling significant bed bug infestations, prompting aggressive efforts to control and prevent their spread.
1. Baltimore: Maryland’s Bed Bug Epicenter
Baltimore ranks as the worst bed bug-infested city in Maryland and among the top 50 in the entire country. The city’s older housing stock, dense population, and high volume of travelers contribute to the ongoing bed bug problem. Health officials and pest control companies are focused on comprehensive treatments and public education campaigns to mitigate the infestations in Baltimore neighborhoods.
2. Hagerstown: Rising Bed Bug Concerns
Hagerstown has emerged as another hotspot for bed bugs in Maryland. Due to increased travel and multi-unit housing, the city faces challenges in controlling the insect population. Local pest management companies report steady increases in bed bug treatments and urge residents to be vigilant about inspection and early detection.
3. Salisbury: Persistent Bed Bug Battles
Salisbury continues to grapple with bed bug outbreaks, particularly within apartment complexes and hotels. The city actively collaborates with pest control experts to implement eradication protocols and raises awareness about prevention practices, especially for visitors and frequent travelers passing through the area.
4. Columbia: Growing Infestation Issues
Columbia is also on the list of Maryland cities experiencing bed bug problems. The city’s mixed residential and commercial zones provide ample opportunities for bed bugs to thrive. Officials recommend routine inspections for multi-family dwellings and proper sanitation to reduce infestation risks.
5. Annapolis: Tourism and Bed Bug Spread
Annapolis, popular for its waterfront attractions and historic sites, faces bed bug challenges driven partly by transient tourists and hotel stays. Hotel and property managers collaborate closely with pest control to protect visitors and residents, focusing on early detection and rapid response to any reported cases.
Combating the Bed Bug Onslaught: Strategies in Place
Maryland cities are employing a variety of strategies to battle bed bugs, including public education on identifying early signs, improved inspection routines in homes and hotels, and encouraging professional pest treatments. Health departments encourage residents to reduce clutter, launder bedding at high temperatures, and use mattress encasements to prevent bed bug infestations.
Why Vigilance Matters
Bed bugs are notoriously hard to eliminate and can spread quickly from infested to uninfested areas by hitching rides on clothing, luggage, and furniture. The recent surge in travel post-pandemic has exacerbated the problem. Early detection, treatment, and community cooperation remain vital to keeping infestations under control in Maryland’s most affected cities.
Maryland’s battle against bed bugs underscores the growing urban pest challenges faced by modern cities. Residents and visitors in Baltimore, Hagerstown, Salisbury, Columbia, and Annapolis are urged to stay informed and proactive to minimize the impact of these invasive pests.
Sources
(https://patch.com/maryland/annapolis/most-bed-bug-infested-cities-where-3-md-towns-rank)
(https://patch.com/maryland/baltimore/worst-md-cities-bed-bug-infestations-report)
(https://americanpest.net/about-us/resources/pest-guides-and-faqs/how-to-identify-exterminate-bed-bugs-in-maryland-va-dc/)
(https://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowTopic-g29494-i595-k15169642-Bedbugs_at_DoubleTree_in_Annapolis_Jan_2025-Annapolis_Maryland.html)
(https://extension.umd.edu/resource/bed-bugs)
