Dealing with Bed Bug Infestations in Baltimore: Identification and Eradication

As much as we’d all like to turn a blind eye, bed bugs are, unfortunately, a common problem in Baltimore. These pesky little parasites are small, hard to detect, and reproduce very quickly, which means that a small infestation can become a big problem in a matter of weeks. 

If you’re dealing with bed bugs in Baltimore, you’re not alone. Here are some ways to identify an infestation – and how to get rid of your bed bug problem once and for all. 

How Common Are Bed Bugs in Baltimore?

Picture this: you’re lying in bed, ready to drift off to sleep and forget the worries of the day. But something’s itching. You scratch and shift, but the sensation only intensifies. Then you spot it: a minuscule, rust-colored bug scuttling across your pillow. The terror sets in: you’ve got bed bugs.

Unfortunately, if you live in Baltimore, this scenario may be all too likely. For several years running, Charm City has topped the list of the most bed bug-infested cities in the United States. 

So why is Baltimore such a hotbed for these tiny terrors? Experts peg a number of factors, including the city’s high rates of poverty and transience, as well as its older housing stock. But regardless of the cause, the reality is that if you live in Baltimore, you’re at a higher risk of encountering bed bugs than residents of most other cities.

Bed Bugs Identification Tips

Bed bugs’ identification can sometimes be tricky because these pests are so small, but the good news is that it’s not impossible.

So, what should you look for if you suspect you’ve got bed bugs in your home? First, keep an eye out for bites. Bed bug bites often appear in clusters or lines, and can be itchy and painful. 

You may also notice blood stains on your sheets or pillowcases, or see the bugs themselves (which resemble tiny apple seeds). If you do have bed bugs, it’s important to act quickly. These pests reproduce rapidly, and a small infestation can quickly spiral out of control.

Bed bugs are nocturnal, so they’re more active at night. Use a flashlight to search for them during the daytime. Flip your mattress over, inspect your headboard and footboard, and check the seams and folds of your bedding. You might be surprised at what you find.

If you’re still uncertain about whether you have bed bugs or not, don’t hesitate to reach out to a pest control professional. They can provide a thorough inspection and identify any signs of bed bugs. They can also help you come up with a plan to get rid of the bugs for good.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Baltimore

Discovering bed bugs in your home can be a nightmare, and it is even worse when they start spreading. Bed bugs are small, blood-sucking pests that can infest your bedding and upholstery and can spread quickly. If you live in Baltimore and have a bed bug infestation in your home, the good news is that you can get rid of them.  

Here are some tips. 

1. Identify the Source

Before you start treating bed bugs, you need to identify the source of their entry into your home. Check your luggage, bedding, and clothing for signs of bed bugs. You are likely to detect bed bugs’ fecal matter, blood stains, or even the actual bugs themselves.  

Once you have identified the source, you can start by vacuuming the area thoroughly to remove visible bugs and their exoskeletons.

2. Use Heat

Heat treatment can be effective in killing bed bugs in all stages: eggs, nymphs, and adults. Encase your beddings in protective covers that can withstand high temperatures (120°F) and leave them in a closed vehicle under the sun, or put them in a clothes dryer set on high for at least 30 minutes to ensure all the bugs and eggs are killed. 

You can also opt for professional heat treatment services to eliminate the bed bugs in your home, 

3. Implement Chemical Treatment Methods

If you choose to use chemical treatments, you’ll need to use insecticides that are labeled for bed-bug control and registered by the EPA. These chemicals should be applied according to the label instructions, focusing on the infested areas, bedding, and furniture in your home. 

4. Call Professional Pest Control Services

If you’ve tried the above remedies and still have a bed bug infestation, it’s time to call professional pest control services. Professional pest control companies have access to powerful chemicals and heat treatment methods, making them better equipped to handle extensive infestations. 

They will inspect your home, identify the hiding places of the bed bugs, and use the most suitable solution to get rid of them. 

5. Don’t Let Bed Bugs Return

After eliminating the bed bugs from your home, you need to implement preventive measures to prevent re-infestations. Clean and vacuum your home regularly and launder all bedding and clothing in hot water.  Avoid buying used furniture or clothing and inspect all the luggage and used items before bringing them home to avoid new bed bug infestations.

Dealing with Bed Bugs in Baltimore? Contact Hawx

Bed bugs can cause a tremendous amount of anxiety and discomfort, but with the right treatment plan and preventive measures, you can eliminate them from your home. 

Remember that identifying and eradicating bed bugs is a big task – and it’s a job for a professional pest control company like Hawx Pest Control. We have the experience, knowledge, and tools needed to eliminate bed bugs from your home and prevent future infestations. 

Contact us today and join our growing family of satisfied customers.