It’s a valid question, but it’s a very difficult one to answer in a straight manner. Unfortunately, it all depends on the type of infestation you experienced and the severity of it to determine how long it will take for pest control to work.

You did the right thing by calling a trained and licensed exterminator to perform the pest control, though. This guarantees an effective and quick solution so you can take control of your home again without dangerous bugs or critters crawling around.

In this article, we’ll discuss what you can expect during a pest control treatment and how long it takes to work for the most common infestations in the Chevy Chase, MD area.

What to Expect from a Pest Control Company

Once you have determined there is an unwanted infestation in your home, you may wonder what you can expect after calling an exterminator.

Typically, they will send a technician to your home to inspect the infestation and find the source of the problem. Sometimes they can treat the problem the same day.

However, if the infestation is larger than expected or there are obstacles to overcome, they may need to schedule another date to bring the right equipment and materials to perform the extermination.

Before your pest control expert begins the treatment, they should give a thorough explanation as to what they plan to do. You’ll want to choose a pest control company, like Brody Brothers Pest Control, that only uses safe and effective methods rather than harmful and risky chemicals. 

What Happens During Bug Extermination?

In some instances, you may have to leave your home completely for a few days if it needs to be fumigated. This is often a method of extermination used to get rid of termites that pose great dangers to the structure of your home.

There may be a situation where you have to block off a room for a day or two for the pest control treatment to work.

Some insects require a simple nest or hive removals, such as bees and wasps. Once the source of the infestation is removed, you can expect the insects to slowly disappear. 

When you choose Brody Brothers Pest Control as your exterminator, you can expect the utmost professionalism and safe pest control methods to protect you and your family.

When Will I See Pest Control Results?

So, how long does it take for pest control to work? As we mentioned before, it all depends on the insect and the infestation.

For example, a german cockroach infestation may take one to two weeks to completely exterminate. While the exterminator will set down the poison, it will take some time for the entire colony to disappear from your home.

However, if you’re dealing with bed bugs, it may take just a couple of hours to get rid of them if they are only affecting your mattress.

When the infestation is complicated and requires the extermination of many pests, it can take a couple of weeks to be fully effective.

What to Do After Pest Control Treatment

During the time that you’re waiting for the pest control treatment to take its full effect, it’s important to keep your home clean and free of clutter. Be conscious of crumbs left on the counter or papers and cardboard boxes piling up.

Also, be aware of sitting water, as this can reattract insects like mosquitoes. Check for leaking faucets and pipes and fix any issues that may arise.

Is It Worth Hiring a Professional Exterminator?

Absolutely!

If you’re tired of seeing unwanted, dirty pests roaming freely around your home or yard and want a fast and safe solution, a professional pest control company is your solution.

While you may consider DIY pest control methods, they are largely ineffective and do not get the root of the problem. They can also pose extreme dangers to your family and pets if not used properly.

Hiring a professional exterminator in Chevy Chase, MD, guarantees high-quality treatment with high-grade chemicals and methods along with safety measures and compliance to keep you and your family healthy and safe.

How to Prevent Future Infestations

The key to a great pest control company is the prevention methods they take to ensure your home is safe from infestations throughout the year.

As part of our Home Protection Plan, Brody Brothers Pest Control offers routine services to prevent potential infestations and exterminate any critters that may somehow bypass our prevention methods.

With four inspections per year and free extermination services, you can count on having a home free from unwanted pests and insects. We’ll scout for potential areas in your home where pests can crawl through and lay down treatments to keep them away.

With our permanent pest solution, you won’t ever have to worry about how long pest control takes to work again!

Protect Your Home and Family from Pests in Maryland

Bugs and rodents that enter your home can pose great health risks to you, your family, and your pets and could cause damage to the structure of your home.

If you suspect you have an infestation and require pest control, give Brody Brothers Pest Control a call for a free pest control inspection.

With over 30 years of experience serving Baltimore area residences and exterminating unwanted pests, we guarantee efficient, safe, and effective pest control services using the most recent extermination methods and technology.

Schedule your free consultation and begin protecting your home and family from pests today!

The post How Long Does Pest Control Take to Work? appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.

Unfortunately, by the time you realize your home has been invaded by these unwanted and potentially dangerous guests, it might already be too late to avoid a pest infestation. 

What can you do to prevent rats, ants, flies, cockroaches, and other creepy crawlies from entering your home in the first place? 

The answer is quarterly pest control service in the Baltimore area from Brody Brothers Pest Control. 

Dangers of Pest Infestations

Aside from having to witness a monstrous insect or hairy rodent crawling through your home, infestations can cause danger to you, your family members, and your home’s structure.

For example, rats and mice can carry multiple harmful diseases that could have long-lasting health effects. Or, if there is a wasp nest on your property, you could potentially deal with a painful sting, or worse a swarm, while trying to enjoy the summer weather in your Baltimore area backyard.

In the case of termites, you’ll have to worry about the integrity of your home. These insects may be tiny, but they sure are mighty. Their little jaws can cause serious damage to the structure of your most valuable financial asset.

Common Pest Infestations in the Baltimore Area

Maryland’s landscape is a mixture of metropolitan cities, wooded forests, and large open fields. All three of these settings create perfect opportunities for critters to find their way into your Owings Mills home year-round.

Just a few of the most common pests Maryland residents must watch for include:

• Bees and Wasps
• Rodents
• Ants
• Mosquitos and Ticks
• Termites

From simply causing a disturbance to your routine to posing potentially harmful situations to you and your family, you don’t want these pests to invade your beloved home. 

Benefits of Quarterly Pest Control Services

Now that you’re thinking about the dangers and anxiety of having a pest control issue in your home, you’re probably wondering what the best solution is to prevent bug infestations from posing a health risk to your family. 

The Home Protection Plan from Brody Brothers Pest Control in Owings Mills, MD, is your worry-free and affordable year-round pest control solution. 

1. Prevention Methods

The first and most important benefit of quarterly pest control service from Brody Brothers Pest Control is to prevent infestations from happening in your home.

Our prevention methods include inspecting your home for potential entry points and resolving any issues that might encourage pests to enter your home. Our expert pest control technicians will closely inspect your property to identify any existing pest control problems and take care of them using powerful, effective, and environmentally-friendly methods. 

2. Catch Infestations Early

Those little critters can sometimes get by even the most advanced pest prevention methods. Fortunately, with quarterly pest control, we will catch these issues early – most likely before you even notice you have one.

When caught early, it takes much less time and effort to deal with any sort of bug or rodent problem. So, you can save yourself the headache of dealing with a full-blown infestation.

3. Year-Round Inspections

There are certain times of the year that specific insects and critters tend to invite themselves into residential homes in the Baltimore area. When you have a quarterly pest control service, you can rest assured that your home wards off even the most ambitious pests at that time of the year.

Our trained pest control technicians are aware of what pests are more likely to come into your home during specific seasons. Therefore, we already know the necessary precautions to take to prevent them from invading your living space.

4. Free Extermination Services

If on the rare occasion you do have an infestation problem despite our quarterly pest control services, you’ll have free extermination services to correct the problem.

Avoid DIY pest control at home and let the professionals handle it. Simply give us a call (410-653-2121) and schedule a time for us to solve the issue.

From ants to spiders to rodents to wasps, we will take care of any pests that may have slipped through our prevention methods. Using the latest technology and safest chemicals, you can say good riddance to these dangerous, unwanted guests.

5. Peace of Mind

Simply knowing that your home and family are being protected by a professional extermination company in Owings Mills, MD, with expert pest control technicians will give you peace of mind.

When it comes to protecting your family and your home, it’s important to get ahead of the problem. Once you notice critters and bugs in your home, it’s too late. The damage may already be done!

The last thing you want to think or worry about in your busy life is bug infestations in your home. With quarterly pest control services, it’s one less thing to think about.

Award-Winning Pest Control Services in Owings Mills, MD

Are you ready to get ahead of your infestation issues and work with Maryland’s top-rated and most trusted exterminators?

Brody Brothers Pest Control has served the area for over three decades and has helped hundreds of families exterminate harmful insects and critters. Our quarterly pest control service is one of the most popular and beneficial services that we offer.

You can have ultimate peace of mind knowing our professional pest control technicians are taking care of the problem before you even know it’s there. 

Learn more about our Home Protection Plan quarterly pest control service to see if it’s right for you.

The post 5 Awesome Benefits of Quarterly Pest Control in Owings Mills, MD appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.

Now, your first thoughts are probably something along the lines of not wanting to spend too much money or wait around for a technician to show up. Fortunately, with Brody Brothers Pest Control, you don’t have to. We show up on time and offer great value and service to our customers. 

Before we get to your all-in-one solution to pest control in the Rockville, MD area, let’s take a deep dive into why you should avoid relying on DIY pest control solutions. 

Why DIY Pest Control Doesn’t Work

Before heading off to your local hardware store in search of DIY pest control products, it’s important to consider some important reasons why this isn’t always the best option.

1. You Likely Won’t Solve the Problem

Many of the retail sprays, poisons, and traps you can get at the store merely put a temporary bandage on a larger pest control problem. While they may get rid of the critters you see at the moment, it doesn’t guarantee they won’t come back in more significant numbers.

It’s no fun to repeatedly “fix” the same pest problem over and over. If you’re searching for a long-lasting solution, you’ll need more than DIY pest control products.

2. You’re Dealing with Hazardous Chemicals

If you aren’t setting traps (and then having to deal with the results yourself), you’re most likely spraying strong and hazardous chemicals around that will only temporarily get rid of pests in and around your home. This isn’t always safe for your family. 

The EPA published a study showing the impact of using pesticides on the air quality when used indoors. You could breathe in or ingest dangerous chemicals if you do not use the right substance or methods.

3. Dangerous Accidents

Now that we’ve discussed the harmful chemicals that are found in these DIY pest control products, we have to talk about the reality of dangerous accidents.

When you are not sure how to use a product or handle insect extermination properly, you expose yourself to the risk of an accident or getting hurt.

It isn’t just the product you have to beware of, though. It’s the pests themselves, sometimes.

For example, if you’re trying to get rid of a wasp or yellow jacket nest on your own there’s a possibility you could get stung or chased by a swarm. If this is the case, we highly recommend you look at our article about what to do when a wasp chases you. 

4. Risk of Using the Wrong Product

If this is your first experience with an infestation, you may find yourself standing in a store aisle staring at shelves of different products, all claiming to do the same thing. You read the boxes and hold two products in your hands, comparing them.

Unfortunately, since you do not have the expertise and training of a professional exterminator, you aren’t sure what is truly the best product. You’re at the hands of a product’s advertising right now!

If you use the wrong product, you could risk harm to yourself or your family, or it may not be effective in solving the problem at all. Therefore, you’ll find yourself back at the store searching for yet another solution.

5. Leaving the Root Problem Untreated

The issue with using DIY pest control is the root of the problem is often left untreated. These products and methods will likely only take care of the pest problems you can see. Lingering issues can still be lurking in your walls, attic, or underneath your house.  

Professional pest control services can identify and get to the underlying causes of your pest control problem to fix the issue and prevent it from happening again. 

6. Spending More Time and Money

One of the most common reasons people don’t want to call a professional exterminator is because they are afraid to spend a lot of money. But what if we told you that DIY pest control could actually cost you more in the long run?

Imagine buying products every few months or so to temporarily solve your problem. Add in the time you spend driving back and forth to the store, researching products and solutions, and the time it takes to apply the pesticide (and hope it works) – it’s quite a lot of time, money, and energy spent.

7. Potential Harm to Family, Pets, and the Environment

We’ve discussed how DIY pest control products contain harmful chemicals and the possibility of personal injury, but there is a great risk of harming your family, pets, and the environment.

If the product is not administered correctly or stored properly, you could be putting your family in danger. Another study (referenced in the EPA study link above) by the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported that 79,000 children were involved in common household pesticide poisonings or exposures.

Keep Your Family Safe With Brody Brothers Pest Control

To ensure the safety of yourself and your family and to get effective extermination, you’ll want to call Brody Brothers Pest Control. We’ve served Rockville, MD, and the surrounding area for almost three decades, keeping residents and their homes safe from pests. 

With our environmentally safe and effective pest control solutions, you can rest assured your family and home are protected. We also prioritize customer satisfaction, which is why our technicians are prompt and on time for appointments.

But why not prevent a pest control problem before it even starts? Learn more about our Home Protection Plan with routine inspections and seasonal pest control treatments.

The post 7 Reasons DIY Pest Control Can Be a Bad Idea and What to Do Instead appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.

You’re minding your own business enjoying the beautiful weather outdoors when you notice a wasp or yellow jacket flying around. Your first instinct is to run away from it, but it starts flying after you!

Why do wasps and yellow jackets chase you?

The answer is simple: they feel threatened and are protecting their nests.

Wasps aren’t particularly cruel creatures who want to chase or sting you. However, if they feel that they are in danger, they will do anything to protect themselves.

Yellow jackets, on the other hand, are more aggressive than wasps and will definitely chase you if they feel threatened.

So, what should you do if a wasp or yellow jacket chases you, and how do you avoid them? We’ll tell you everything you need to know below.

Why Do Wasps and Yellow Jackets Chase You?

Wasps and yellow jackets will chase you when they feel their nests are in danger. They step up their defense and will do anything necessary to remove the threat from the vicinity of the nest or to escape – including stinging you.

However, if you encounter a wasp and start to run away, it is more inclined to chase you because you’re creating more movement. Yellow jackets will instinctively chase you if you’re near their nest.

How to Identify a Wasp Nest

One way to avoid being chased by a wasp is to know how to identify their nests. A wasp nest’s size can range from a golf ball to the size of a small vehicle. They are dull gray or brownish in color and often tucked in trees or corners of homes.

You can identify a wasp nest because it’s open. Oftentimes, you can see the combs exposed.

Never bother or touch a wasp nest. This will definitely result in a chase and potentially a swarm of wasps coming after you.

How to Identify a Yellow Jacket Nest

Yellow jacket nests look different compared to a wasp nest. They are often hidden either between walls or in the nooks of houses. However, a yellow jacket nest can also be hidden underground.

You can identify yellow jacket nests underground due to the large hole it creates in the dirt. Be very careful not to step on or near this hole. Vibrations from lawnmowers can also disturb the yellow jackets inside.

The physical features of a yellow jacket nest include a gray or brown color. The exterior also has a wavy texture to it.

What to Do if a Wasp Chases You

If you see a wasp flying near you, do not start running away or swatting at it!

It’s probably your first reaction to getting away from the wasp as fast as possible, but this just makes the situation worse. In fact, when you start running from the wasp, that’s when it will start to chase you.

So, if you see a wasp, simply stand as still as possible. Wasps are known for going on their way without bothering humans if they don’t bother them.

If you are chased by a wasp or even a swarm of wasps, the best thing to do is to run in a straight line about 50 to 100 feet. They don’t often venture farther than that from their nest to protect it.

What to Do if a Yellow Jacket Chases You

Yellow jackets are known to be much more aggressive than wasps. They will pick a fight with you for no reason. Therefore, standing still when a yellow jacket is getting feisty is not your best option.

Instead, run as fast as you can away from the yellow jacket. The average person can definitely outrun a yellow jacket, but you may need to run a fair distance. Some yellow jackets have chased people up to a mile.

Do not run inside your home or a business. The yellow jackets will most definitely follow you into buildings.

Do not jump in water with hopes that the yellow jackets will lose interest. They will hover above the surface and wait patiently for you to come up for air.

How to Avoid Attracting Wasps and Yellow Jackets

The best way to avoid being chased by wasps and yellow jackets is to avoid attracting them in the first place. There are quite a few ways you can do this.

Don’t Leave Food Out

Bugs, especially wasps and yellow jackets, are attracted to food left out. They love the smell of rotting food, particularly if it’s sweet and sticky.

Make sure to cover any food or drinks you have outside or in your home if you tend to leave your doors and windows open.

Seal Trash Cans

Your trash cans outside should have a lid that seals tightly around the opening. Since there is old and rotting food in there, it’s a feasting ground for wasps and yellow jackets. A tight lid will keep them from entering the trash can and giving you a surprise when you take it out.

Don’t Wear Bright Colors or Perfume

When you’re sitting outside in your yard or a park, avoid wearing bright colors and sweet perfume. Wasps, bees, and yellow jackets are drawn to both of these.

Stay Away from Nests

If you see a wasp or yellow jacket nest, do not approach it. When they feel their habitat is threatened, they will chase you away to protect it. It’s only natural!

Grow Certain Plants

There are some plants that have proven to keep wasps and yellow jackets away. Grow them in your garden or around your yard to ward off these stinging insects.

Plants that keep wasps and yellow jackets away include:

• Wormwood
• Spearmint
• Thyme
• Lemongrass
• Pennyroyal
• Eucalyptus

You can also use peppermint oil to keep yellow jackets away from certain parts of your home or yard.

What to Do When You See a Wasp or Yellow Jacket Nest

If you see a wasp or yellow jacket nest in your home or yard, call a professional exterminator to come and get rid of it. While a wasp sting may be an annoyance, yellow jackets are known to sting you repeatedly and even send some people into anaphylactic shock.

Brody Brothers Pest Control is Baltimore’s leading exterminator. We use professional equipment and proven tactics to remove wasp and yellow jacket nests safely and effectively from your property.

Contact us to schedule a consultation to get rid of nests on your property and avoid being chased by wasps and yellow jackets once and for all.

The post What to Do When a Wasp or Yellow Jacket Chases You appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.

You’ll notice them during the summer months as they die when winter starts, except for the queen of the nest. They are never alone, always with their colonies, so if you see one on your Arnold property, you can expect hundreds – maybe even thousands – more.

If you suspect or know that you have yellow jackets on your property, your first instinct is probably to get rid of them. If they aren’t bothering you, we suggest leaving them alone. However, if it’s necessary to remove them, here are some ways to do it safely.

Identifying a Yellow Jacket

During the summer months, you’ll see many different types of insects flying around your yard. Before you start planning to get rid of an insect, it’s important to identify them first. This will help you determine the best way to exterminate them.

Yellow jackets are most often confused with bees. While both insects fly around, are known to sting, and are yellow and black, they are completely different. Bees tend to be plumper and have hair on their abdomens. Yellow jackets are thinner in the abdomen.

Another notable difference is that yellow jackets don’t intentionally pollen plants as bees do. If you notice a bee hovering over your flowers, leave it alone. They’re actually helping us grow the fruits and vegetables we need to survive!

What Attracts Yellow Jackets?

Yellow jackets don’t just show up on your property in Arnold without something attracting them to it. Oftentimes, these harmful insects are attracted to sugary foods and scents like soda and sweet drinks. They also love carbs, especially fruit. They can also be attracted to perfume or hair products.

You’ll usually see yellow jackets swarming around picnics or barbecue parties during the summer because they’re attracted to the food. They also like to frequent trash bins, especially if they’re left uncovered outside.

Finding Their Nest

If you see one yellow jacket flying around your property, you can expect to find a nest too. They usually don’t stray more than 1,000 feet from their homes. To locate a nest, discreetly follow a yellow jacket; it will surely lead you to it.

Yellow jackets usually make their nests in structural voids such as walls, ceilings, or in cement blocks. You can also find them in trees or in the corners of your house’s exterior and underground.

What to Do After Locating a Nest

Now that you’ve found the nest, what do you do?

The most important thing to remember is to wear protective clothing before approaching the nest. This means covering your skin with long pants and long-sleeved shirts. If possible, wear gloves too.

Examine the nest and identify the exit and entry points. This is crucial for when you go to exterminate the yellow jackets inside.

Yellow jackets are usually out of their nest during the day. So, the best time to exterminate them is at dusk or during the night. They will be there, off guard.

There are a couple of different methods of extermination you can do yourself, which we’ll talk about in the next section.

Using the Right Treatment Method

Your local hardware store will have plenty of options when it comes to getting rid of yellow jackets.

You can choose from an aerosol spray, foam spray, or dust if you want to fully exterminate the nest. You’ll put these treatments into the nest directly and seal the entry and exit points.

If you don’t want to touch the nest, you can hang an insect zapper above it. This will attract the yellow jackets and kill them when they come in contact with it.

Lastly, you can set bait and traps. This will lure the yellow jackets out of their nests and trap them. This helps you avoid coming in contact with the nest and simply killing the yellow jackets inside before getting rid of the nest.

Natural, Chemical-Free Methods

Some people prefer to get rid of yellow jackets without using chemicals. Fortunately, there are easy natural ways to do it.

One way is to cover the entry and exit points of the nest with bowls. This traps the yellow jackets inside and, in a few days, they’ll starve and die. Afterward, you can safely remove the nest.

You can also use dry ice to kill a swarm of yellow jackets. Simply fill the nest with dry ice and close the entry and exit points. It will exterminate the hive instantly.

Prevent Yellow Jackets on Your Property

The best way to get rid of yellow jackets is to keep them away from your Arnold property in the first place. While it may be impossible to keep them away fully, there are some things you can do to prevent them from being attracted to your property.

Make sure your trash bins have lids and are closed at all times. Since yellow jackets are attracted to sweet food, your trash is like an open invitation. If possible, keep your bins inside like in the garage.

To prevent yellow jacket stings and attacks, check the property before doing any yard work or mowing the lawn. The vibrations from lawnmowers can upset the yellow jackets and make them aggressive.

Brody Brothers Will Professionally Get Rid of Yellow Jackets

In some cases, the yellow jacket nests are difficult to reach or you may not feel comfortable getting rid of them yourself. This is when you get Brody Brothers Quality Pest Control to come in and take care of it for you!

With decades of experience, we’re a family-run business who are experts in removing unwanted pests and insects from your property. We’ll investigate your Arnold property, plan a course of action, and effectively remove those aggressive yellow jackets.

Call us today to schedule your appointment to get rid of yellow jackets!

The post Effective Ways to Get Rid of Yellow Jackets on Your Arnold Property appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.

So, why would you hire a professional?

It’s a fair question to ask. And the answer that comes to mind might be because you want to save money. You may also be relying on information you found online if the problem pertains to getting rid of the mouse in your house.

If you’re on the fence between DIY and professional pest control, these are the key considerations to keep in mind.

Pest Professionals Can Identify and Remove Many Types of Pests

There are many types of critters that can invade a home or yard. People often try to remove these unwanted guests on their own with varying levels of success. A few of the most common pests that homeowners encounter include:

• Ants: acrobat ants, thief cants, carpenter ants, pavement ants, odorous ants
• Rodents: house mouse, deer mice, field mice, Norway rats
• Snakes: garden snakes, rat snacks, timber rattlesnakes
• Stinging pests: hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, cicada killer wasps
• Spiders: black widow, wolf spider, house spider, cellda spiders
• Flies, gnats, and moths
• Mosquitos, bedbugs and fleas
• Cockroaches
• Beetles and weevils

Such a wide range of pests require different approaches for successful removal or extermination. Turning to the wrong technique can backfire and end up in an uphill battle, leaving you with never-ending infestations.

A professional pest control company has specific guidelines for handling different species. Not only are we able to remove infestations, we can keep them from returning.

Professionals Protect You from Wasting Time and Money

There are over-the-counter pest control products that offer a band aid approach. You’ll sprinkle some powder or spray liquid hoping to make an infestation go away. Then you cross your fingers and wait.

It doesn’t take long to learn if the product is effective. Some products promise nearly instant results. Others may take days to work.

One of the downfalls of DIY pest control is that it’s a waste of time if the product doesn’t work. Meanwhile, the infestation can grow larger.

The other downfall is wasting money on poorly-performing or ineffective products.

Not surprisingly, there are options for DIY pest control that are a waste of both time and money. One of those is the ultrasonic pest repellant, which is only effective for specific species. This product showed some results for crickets, but did not work on other insects such as cockroaches.

Reading through Consumer Affairs will show some of the best and worst DIY pest repellents for your home. Riddex Plus Pest Repellent is one of the worst-rated with consumers claiming problems such as serious medical issues.

When choosing professional pest control company, you can be assured the job is done right the first time around. Even if the cost of professional pest control is more than a bottle of repellent spray, you can’t put a price on your peace of mind.

Pest Professionals Understand Proper Usage of Repellents and Chemicals

The United States Environmental Protection Agency promotes safe usage for pest control. These are recommended do’s and don’ts to follow when attempting your own pest control method:

Understanding Proper Disposal of Chemicals

Once you are finished with your choice of repellant, there is a right and wrong way to approach disposal. It’s important to read the label for each item and learn the protocol for proper disposal.

Keeping unwanted pesticides around the house can yield serious consequences. This is especially true if you have kids or pets.

When in doubt, you can reach out to a local hazardous waste collection company for guidance.

Use as Intended

One example of incorrect usage is spraying outdoor chemicals inside the home. Chemicals intended for outdoors will linger longer inside your home. This increases the chance of omitting toxic fumes that are harmful to yourself, kids, and pets.

Another usage example is applying the correct amount of repellent. Using twice as much won’t necessarily yield better results. Not only is it a waste, but it can be harmful to your family.

It’s also a bad idea to transfer pesticides to other containers. It must be stored in the original container and only mix as much as you need for one application.

Furthermore, never try to use an original pesticide container for another purpose. No matter how well you try to wash it out, there can always be remnants of pesticide left behind.

So, is pest control really necessary? Many times, yes. This is especially true if you don’t want to remember all the small details about pest control safety and usage.

Using chemicals for pest extermination is always a risk. It’s best to leave this process in the hands of a pest removal company.

When is Pest Control Really Necessary?

There is a lot to know about pest control. As Baltimore’s best pest exterminator since 1984, there are many reasons why pest control is really necessary. Here are just a few to consider:

You Don’t Know the Cause or Source of the Infestation

Simply seeing an infestation doesn’t tell the entire story. It’s critical to know why the infestation is occurring in the first place, no matter if it’s inside or outside your home.

There are countless scenarios that can cause rodent or insect infestation. The source can be unsuspected such as a leaky toilet serving as a pool of water for rats. Professional pest control companies can help you identify and remove the source.

You Want it Done Right the First Time

There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to get rid of pests and have them quickly return again. If you don’t want to deal with pests more than once, professionals help you get rid of the problem for good.

You Have Health and Safety Concerns

Infestations can cause serious health consequences ranging from salmonella to yellow fever and lyme disease. It doesn’t take many pests at all to bring disease into your home.

You’ve Exhausted Your Options

Maybe you already tried the DIY approach without results. Some infestations can be notoriously difficult to get rid of, such as fleas. This is because you have to exterminate every stage of the flea life cycle or the infestation will begin again.

Contact Brody Brothers Pest Control

Is pest control really necessary?

We find that homeowners have better extermination success rates with our services than handling it alone. It also eliminates the clean-up process and saves you the trouble of trying to guess what kind of pest is causing you stress, worry and the whole nine yards.

In the long run, it can also help you save time and money.

For peace of mind and professional assistance, contact Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore and request a FREE estimate.

The post Is Professional Pest Control Really Necessary? appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.

When thinking about bees, many homeowners picture beehives with bees buzzing through the air. While ground bees in Maryland can fly, not all bees live in hives like honeybees do.

In fact, a staggering 70% of bee species in the U.S. nest underground.

When it comes to ground bees in Maryland, you might be surprised if you stumble upon a nest in your yard. Homeowners think they need help to deal with ground bees, but the truth is that there are steps you can take yourself to ward off these unwanted guests without the involvement of a professional.

What Are Ground Bees?

Also known as mining bees and digger bees, ground bees burrow into the ground to nest. Unlike honeybees, ground bees are solitary and do not live in colonies.

Female ground bees go underground to lay their eggs inside tunnels in the ground. You can easily identify a ground bee nest. It’s a small pile of dirt with a large hole in the center. This is where the female tunnels go inside to lay eggs.

These eggs hatch underground, and the hatched bees spend wintertime underground. In the summer, they come back out, in spring and the females begin digging tunnels again to lay eggs.

What Do Ground Bees Look Like?

Ground bees come in different sizes and shades of color. The largest species is about the size of a honeybee. The large variation is furry and darker than a honeybee. You may also see ground bees that are metallic green or have bright stripes.

The term “ground bee” is not coined to a single species of bee. Any bee variation that burrows underground can be considered a ground bee.

The Good Things About Ground Bees

While many homeowners want to get rid of ground bees, you should know that there are some benefits to keeping them around.

Do Ground Bees Sting?

First, unlike social bees and wasps, ground bees are not aggressive. They generally won’t bother you if you don’t bother them. Females have stingers but won’t sting you unless they feel threatened.

Male ground bees are often seen hovering around the underground nests. The males are not equipped to sting or hurt you. The worst they will do to you is chase you away.

Ground Bees Help Gardens Grow

Ground bees are also pollinators. Pollinators are an incredibly important part of the ecosystem here in Maryland.

Should I Kill Ground Bees?

It’s understandable if you don’t want ground bees living in your yard. Perhaps you have young children around or you might have an allergy to bees. Whatever the reason, there are ways to get rid of ground bees without killing them.

Ground bees are generally docile in comparison to honeybees. And killing them can be a threat to the ecosystem over time.

Instead of killing ground bees, try the following with caution.

How to Get Rid of Ground Bees

The Brody Brothers team does not recommend using any type of chemical to get rid of ground bees. This attempt can backfire and potentially cause harm to pets or children. There are safer ways to approach removal.

Safer ways to approach the removal of ground bees include:

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The average American home is crawling with pests, even if invisible to the naked eye, our pest experts are on the hunt in Baltimore, MD and surrounding areas! If you, like many other homeowners, suffer from pests, you don’t need to worry! With the help of Brody Brothers Pest Control, you can eliminate and prevent pest populations in and around your home.

A Study of the Average American Home

A recent study from a team of entomologists sought to determine how many arthropods (spiders, centipedes, insects, etc.) were in the average home. In the study, the entomologists found an amazing amount of diversity across residences. Out of the homes studied, every home had at least 32 species present, with the most populated home having 128! 

The good news is that the households that suffer from pests are not dealing with harmful ones. Just the annoying ones! April showers bring May flowers, but the rain also brings out the bugs! The most common insects discovered included cobweb spiders, carpet beetles, and ants. Some of the more harmful insects like cockroaches, and fleas were found overall in 10% of less of homes in the study.

Unusual Infestations

While you may be able to keep calm when you see a few spider webs around your home, there are some critters and crawlers you never want to see anywhere in or around your home!  If you suffer from rodents like rats, you should take the problem seriously. Rodents invade approximately 21 million homes in the United States every winter. 24% of them dwell in the attic and garage, 50% spend time in the kitchen and 27% live in the basement. Even more concerningly for Maryland residents, 35% of homes in the Northeast experience rat control problems. Brody Brothers Pest Control helps our Baltimore City residents the most when it comes to rodent control in Maryland! 

Don’t Suffer From Pests Without Help

Brody Brothers Pest Control works with thousands of property owners every year to keep properties safe and free from harmful insects, rodents, and pests. If you’re looking for home pest control in Maryland or if you have questions about pest inspections for your home, contact us online or give us a call at (410) 653-2121 (Baltimore area) or (301) 637-0178 (Montgomery County).

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Some people dream of a world without pest control, where bugs and pests are allowed to proliferate freely without human intervention. Other people just want the mosquitos and disease-carrying mice to stay away from their homes. While some people think that a world without pest control would be more environmentally-friendly, the past can show us that it wouldn’t be nearly as human-friendly.

Looking to the Past

Arthropods have been linked to disease and death throughout world history. Ancient Egypt had a high mortality rate not due to human causes like murder, but due to pests that transmitted cholera, typhus, yellow fever, and dysentery. Mosquitoes, lice, and flies swarmed civilizations and led to death. Years later, the Black Death plague swept through Asia, Africa, and Europe. This rat-transmitted disease killed over 25 million people in Europe alone, along with destroying entire cities and grinding trade routes to a halt.

New Diseases Are Still Emerging

While it’s clear that pest control has helped to cut down on the prevalence of diseases like the plague and cholera, there are contemporary diseases transmitted by the same bugs that are just as dangerous. Hantavirus, associated with deer mice, leads to flu-like symptoms that are hard to diagnose. Unfortunately, in many cases, this delayed diagnosis leads to death in about 60% of cases. The Zika virus is another recent example of the devastating consequences of unchecked mosquito populations. Other bugs, like bed bugs, are increasing in population and in need of aggressive treatment from pest control professionals. 15 years ago, only 25% of pest control professionals treated bed bugs. Last year, 99.6% of professionals treated for bed bugs at least once.

Pest Control Is Important

We are lucky to have effective pest control techniques today that are eco-friendly and pose little danger for humans and pets when used correctly. 97% of allergists believe that a pest-free home is vital to prevent allergy and asthma symptoms. Pest control is also part of why life expectancy has continued to rise over the past century. In 1900, life expectancy stood at only 49 years, while today it is 78.8 years. As pest control advances, we hope that the spread of scary and serious diseases will continue to decline.

Keep Your Family Happy and Healthy

Brody Brothers Pest Control works with hundreds of property owners every year to keep properties safe and free from harmful insects, animals, and pests. Brody Brothers Quality Pest Control can treat any problems and maintain your property to minimize risks. Contact us for a property inspection online or give us a call at (410) 653-2121 (Baltimore region) or (301) 637-0178 (Montgomery County).

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Over the course of the fall, the average homeowner can expect to see a wide variety of pests around their home, hoping to sneak in through the chimney and enjoy the warmth and comfort inside. While some pests are more obnoxious than others, it’s never good to have anyone living in your home that isn’t paying rent! Now is the time to prepare your chimney and home for the colder months ahead.

Raccoons and Squirrels

Small animals like raccoons and squirrels are known for sneaking into chimneys during the chilly months. For these animals, your chimney seems like a big, hollow tree that is perfect for a habitat. It might go without saying, but you should never start a fire if you know that there is a squirrel or raccoon living in your chimney. Instead, you should get the animal out first. Then, install a chimney cap to stop animals from gaining entry. You should also use a tight-sealing damper so that nothing can get in. Dampers also save energy by preventing cold air from sneaking in through the chimney while a fire isn’t burning.

Stink Bugs, Yellow Jackets and Ladybugs

Stink bugs have been annoying Maryland homeowners for years now, despite the fact that they don’t pose a direct risk to homes or people. In the fall, stink bugs become especially prevalent. Due to the small size of a stink bug, these pests can squeeze in through any opening. The heat coming out from your chimney is especially tempting to stink bugs on a cold night. If you have a gas chimney, you can use fine mesh over the opening to keep stink bugs out. If you have a wood fireplace, you should have a chimney cap damper installed so that no pests will sneak inside.

Yellow jackets, ladybugs and spiders will all try to enter chimneys in the fall as the weather gets colder. Swarms and individual bugs will look for a cozy place to overwinter and chimneys are appealing thanks to the warmth and shelter. Unfortunately, chimneys also lead directly into your home and can serve as a place for yellow jackets and spiders to get inside. If you can, install a tight-sealing chimney top damper to keep out bugs when you aren’t using your chimney. You should also have your regularly-scheduled pest control services to identify signs of pests around your home.

Protect Your Chimney This Fall

Brody Brothers Pest Control works with commercial and residential property owners every fall to keep chimneys free from harmful insects, animals and pests. Brody Brothers Quality Pest Control can treat any problems and maintain your property to minimize risks. Schedule a property inspection with Brody Brothers Quality Pest Control. Give us a call at 410-653-2121.

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