Tacoma has a lively mix of historic apartment buildings, college housing at the University of Puget Sound and the University of Washington Tacoma, military families connected to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, cruise and port visitors, and hotels downtown and near the Tacoma Dome. Wherever people sleep and travel, bed bugs follow. If you are discovering itchy welts or dark spots on a mattress, an early inspection can prevent a bigger problem.
What to look for
- Tiny rust-colored or black spots on sheets, mattress piping and the box spring.
- Translucent shed skins and pale eggs in seams and crevices.
- Live bugs the size of an apple seed along headboards, bed frames or behind wall decor.
- Bites in rows or clusters on exposed skin after sleeping.
Where infestations start in Tacoma
Old apartment buildings in Hilltop, the Stadium District and downtown, with their shared walls and original wood trim, offer countless hiding places. Military moves, which involve transferring furniture and boxes between homes and storage, can bring bugs along. Student turnover at the end of terms is another factor, as is the habit of picking up used couches and mattresses. Port workers and travelers may bring bugs home in gear bags. Even in the gray, damp Pacific Northwest, indoor temperatures are ideal, so weather offers no protection.
A typical professional treatment plan
- Detailed inspection of sleeping and sitting areas, often using flashlights, mirrors and sometimes a detection dog.
- Instructions for preparing the room: laundering fabrics, removing clutter, and avoiding moving belongings out of the room.
- Application of heat, steam or residual products to cracks, frames, baseboards and furniture.
- Installation of encasements for mattresses and box springs.
- Follow-up inspection and possible retreatment two to three weeks later.
Wet-weather laundry and storage tips
In the rainy months it is tempting to hang laundry indoors, but wet clothes are not a substitute for the dryer. High heat is what kills bed bugs, so use the dryer on hot for at least thirty minutes after washing. Store treated items in sealed plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes, which are porous and hard to inspect. If you use a laundromat, carry clothes in a sealed bag and fold them at home. Avoid using damp basements for storage of luggage or bedding, because mold and moisture create additional problems.
Renters and landlords
Washington tenants should report bed bugs to the landlord in writing and keep copies. Landlords generally need to address the issue, and treatment often requires cooperation from neighboring units. Document photos, bite dates and communications. Do not attempt to remove your own furniture without a plan, since carrying infested items through hallways can spread the problem.
Getting a pro involved
PestMinistry is a referral service that does not treat homes itself. Call (844) 725-1661 and we will connect you with an independent licensed bed bug provider serving Tacoma who can inspect and discuss options.
Can I use diatomaceous earth?
It is sometimes used by professionals, but spreading it yourself is rarely enough to resolve an infestation.
Do bed bugs spread diseases?
They are not known to transmit disease, but bites can itch and become infected if scratched.
Will cold weather in Washington kill them?
Not in heated buildings. Brief cold exposure does not eliminate an infestation.
What if I live in a dorm?
Report it to housing staff right away so the building can arrange inspection and treatment.