Renting an apartment can come with several perks, from partial utility coverage to not having to pay for broken equipment within the unit. While most people expect a certain level of cleanliness and sanitation living inside an apartment, this can often not be the case due to unclean neighbors or an apathetic landlord.
Unfortunately, responsibility for pest control inside an apartment complex can be complicated, though landlords are largely responsible for eradicating ongoing infestations.
With that said, pests can travel easily from unit to unit in apartment buildings, making them more vulnerable to infestations. It can also be tough to control an infestation in such a large space.
If you’re living in an apartment building in Maryland and want to know how you can protect yourself from pests, read this guide to help identify common apartment pests and strategies to contain them.
Common Pests Found in Apartments in Maryland
Apartment pests are arguably the hardest to contain, as they can infest shared spaces very quickly and overwhelm tenants. Here are some of the most common Maryland tenants encounter:
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are known to be expert travelers and can easily make their way from one unit to another by hitching a ride on furniture, clothing, or luggage. Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to get rid of and should always be handled by a trusted pest control professional.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are another type of pest commonly found in apartment buildings. Like bed bugs, cockroaches can be extremely tough to get rid of and can easily travel from one apartment to the next due to their ability to squeeze through even the tiniest cracks and crevices. Cockroaches are attracted to dirty spaces with lots of moisture so that an unkempt complex can be the perfect breeding grounds.
Ants
Many people don’t think of ants as household pests, but they can infest in large numbers if not dealt with promptly. Some of the most commonly found ants in Maryland include carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and pavement ants.
Termites
Termites are among some of the most destructive household pests, costing billions of dollars in damage in the U.S. each year. Termites are commonly confused with ants due to their physical appearance, though termites tend to be much more destructive.
Spiders
Spiders can also be a problem for people living in apartments in Maryland, though these pests tend to be more shy than other types of pests. Some of the most common types of spiders found in Maryland include wolf spiders, jumping spiders, cobweb spiders, and orb weavers.
Mice and Rats
Rodents such as mice and rats are also commonly found in apartment complexes in Maryland, especially since these pests like to travel from unit to unit in search of food, water, and shelter. If you see a mouse or rat in your apartment, be sure to notify your landlord immediately, as rodents can spread diseases that can be harmful to humans. While some mouse traps are effective, you may have to contact a professional pest control expert when these traps don’t work.
Fleas
Fleas are another type of pest that can easily spread from one unit to the next in an apartment building. These pests are so tiny that many people don’t even know they have them until they notice itchy bites on their feet and ankles, making fleas a type of pest to be on the lookout for in your apartment.
Silverfish
Silverfish are commonly found in areas with moisture and humidity, such as basements and bathrooms. Silverfish are generally harmless but can cause damage to books, wallpaper, and fabrics, so you’ll want to notify your landlord if you notice them in your apartment.
Why Pests Are Attracted to Apartments
Many types of pests tend to thrive in apartment buildings, as they are able to easily travel from one unit to another in search of food and water. Even if the units in an apartment building don’t share any walls, pests can still travel through pipes and make their way from unit to unit.
This is why even if you keep your apartment perfectly clean, there is still a chance you may encounter a pest infestation if another unit in your building has a pest problem.
Signs of a Pest Infestation in an Apartment
There are several telltale signs of a pest infestation inside an apartment building you may be dealing with. Some of the most common include:
- Pest Droppings: One of the most obvious indicators of a pest problem is finding droppings. These can vary in size and shape depending on the type of pest. Rodent droppings are small, dark, and pellet-shaped, while cockroach droppings look more like ground coffee or black pepper. Finding droppings around your kitchen, pantry, or baseboards is a strong sign that pests are present and actively nesting nearby.
- Scratching or Scurrying Noises in the Walls: If you hear unusual noises coming from inside your walls, ceiling, or floors—especially at night—it may be a sign of rodents like mice or rats. These pests are nocturnal and tend to become more active after dark, scratching as they build nests or scavenge for food.
- Gnaw Marks on Furniture or Food Packaging: Rodents have sharp teeth that never stop growing, which is why they gnaw on various surfaces to keep them filed down. You might notice chewed corners on furniture, bite marks on food packaging, or damaged wiring (which can pose an electrical hazard).
- Shed Skins or Discarded Wings: As some pests grow, they molt and shed their outer skins. For example, bed bugs leave behind exoskeletons as they develop. Flying insects like termites or ants may also leave behind discarded wings near windows, doors, or light fixtures. If you spot these remnants, it could indicate that pests are breeding inside your apartment.
- Grease Marks or Tracks: Rodents tend to follow the same paths as they move through your apartment, leaving behind grease marks, dirt smudges, or even visible tracks along walls and floorboards. These marks result from the oils in their fur rubbing against surfaces as they scurry by.
- Seeing Live or Dead Pests: Perhaps the most obvious sign of an infestation is spotting live pests in your living space. Whether it’s ants marching across your kitchen counters, cockroaches scuttling under the refrigerator, or mice darting along baseboards, seeing live pests typically means the problem has progressed. Even finding dead pests can be a warning sign, as it suggests there may be more lurking out of sight.
What to Do If You Discover Pests in an Apartment
If you discover pests in your apartment, the first thing you should do is try to determine what kind of pest you’re dealing with. Your next move should be to contact a pest control professional to inspect your home and treat the problem. A trusted pest control expert will be able to inspect your property and determine the type of pest you’re dealing with, as well as execute a targeted treatment plan to get rid of the pests.
FAQs
How do I differentiate between bed bugs and fleas?
While it can be easy to confuse bed bugs and fleas, the two have some key differences. Bed bugs are flat and seed-shaped, while fleas are long and thin. Bed bugs are also typically lighter in color compared to fleas but can turn a reddish-brown color, especially after feeding.
Can I get rid of pests on my own, or should I call a professional?
Trying to get rid of a pest infestation on your own can be tempting, especially if you’re on a tight budget. However, it is important to note that certain types of pests, such as cockroaches and bed bugs, can be extremely difficult to get rid of. It is always wise to enlist the help of a pest control professional to ensure the pest population in your home is being dealt with safely and effectively.
Can pests spread diseases to humans?
Yes, certain pests such as cockroaches, rodents, and ticks can spread diseases like malaria, hantavirus, and salmonella to humans.