At Brody Brothers Pest Control, we celebrate Earth Day every year and National Pest Management Month every April. Both are the perfect opportunity to recognize the beauty of nature around us and the marvels that the environment is filled with. It’s also a great time to recognize the importance of an environmentally responsible approach to pest management. We practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to care for your home and the environment at the same time.

What Is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Integrated Pest Management takes the most successful pest prevention techniques and combines them with an environmentally responsible approach to make a well-rounded and effective program. IPM covers every step of pest management, from identifying pest problems to prevention. Brody Brothers Pest Control utilizes IPM throughout the year, not just on Earth Day and during National Pest Management Month, to identify, monitor, manage and prevent pests. As with any pest management program, the primary goal of IPM is to keep pests out of every home and business that we visit.

How is IPM Different?

Unlike traditional methods of pest control that take a reactive approach by treating the problem after an infestation, IPM uses a proactive approach that centers around preventing infestations. Integrated Pest Management is a multi-layered solution that starts by identifying potential areas for pests to enter the home. We also monitor current pest populations to adjust treatment and preventative measures as necessary.

IPM prioritizes using the least toxic treatments first to address pest issues instead of starting with harsh and potentially hazardous methods. Traditional pest management methods are a temporary solution to ongoing problems. In contrast, IPM is an effective way to manage pest populations at your home or business in the long term.

Integrated Pest Management Makes Every Day Earth Day

By prioritizing proactive actions that remove the things that attract pests in the first place (water, food, material to build nests, etc.), it’s easy to radically reduce the chances of infestation without relying on harsh chemicals.

When you choose to rely on Brody Brothers Pest Control to keep your property pest-free while keeping IPM in mind, we don’t take the environmental responsibility you put on our shoulders lightly. It’s our mission to use the latest, most environmentally conscious methods to address pest problems of any size.

Happy Earth Day from Brody Brothers Pest Control!

Join the thousands of Maryland homeowners who trust Brody Brothers Pest Control to keep their properties safe and free from harmful insects, animals, and pests. Contact us today to learn more about our home pest control services and pest inspections

Brody Brothers Pest Control works with thousands of Maryland homeowners yearly to keep properties safe and free from harmful insects, animals, and pests. If you’re looking for home pest control in Maryland or if you have questions about pest inspections for your home (which we offer for no charge!), give us a call or contact us online.

Let’s work together to make every day Earth Day!

The post Happy Earth Day! Why Eco-Conscious Pest Control Matters appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.

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.

While cockroaches are common in Baltimore households and dare, we say – restaurants – you don’t have to live with these nasty little pests. Fortunately, there are effective methods to get rid of cockroaches from your home.

In this article, we’ll discuss both store-bought and home remedies you can use to get rid of cockroaches and keep them out for good.

Identifying a Cockroach

Before you get started on expelling these creatures from your home, it’s important to correctly identify them as cockroaches. While there are thousands of different cockroach species, there are three common types that crawl around Maryland.

American Cockroach

Even though the American cockroach originated in Africa, it is easily identifiable due to its size and color. These insects are about two inches long and are brown or reddish-brown. You can also identify these because you’ll see them scurrying around your home, especially when turning on the lights in the kitchen.

German Cockroach

The German cockroach is smaller, with its length ranging from half to 5/8 of an inch. Their coloring is a light brown to olive green. They also like the feeling of pressure on their bodies; you can often find them in tight spaces.

Oriental Cockroach

The Oriental cockroach is about an inch in length, and its color ranges from a shiny black to reddish-brown. Its body is also a little rounder looking than the American and German cockroach.

Cockroach Traps

Now that you know you’re dealing with different species of cockroaches here in Baltimore, it’s time to get down to business. Our first option to getting rid of cockroaches is with traps. You can find these in most hardware stores and even your local supermarket.

These traps contain bait or emit a scent that attracts cockroaches to them. Once inside, they can’t escape. One example of a cockroach trap is a Roach Motel. Simply open the box and place it where you see cockroaches the most. When they’re inside, just throw out the trap!

Liquid Deterrent

If you don’t want to kill the cockroaches and would prefer simply keeping them away, you may want to use a liquid deterrent. You can also find these at your local hardware or grocery store.

Spray the liquid along the perimeter of the room, in cracks or holes in the wall, and mop it on the floor. The smell will keep the cockroaches from coming into the room.

Insecticide Bait

There are some cockroach baits you can buy that will kill the entire nest. These insecticide baits are disguised as food, which the cockroach will carry back to the best for its colony to feast upon.

However, this will be their last meal due to the chemicals the bait contains. With just a few pieces of this bait, you can successfully exterminate an entire colony of cockroaches in your Baltimore home without ever seeing or touching one of them.

Seal Cracks and Holes

Cockroaches can be pretty sneaky getting into your home. Oftentimes, they come through cracks and holes in the walls. If you notice cockroaches in your home, prevent more from entering by sealing these cracks with caulking.

It’s especially important to search for these openings in your kitchen as it’s the food and water that attract these pests.

Clean Your Home

One of the most common reasons cockroaches find their way into a household is due to their uncleanliness. Whether you have dirty dishes sitting in the sink for too long, food crumbs on the counter or floor, or sitting dirty water, cockroaches are attracted to homes with these qualities.

Give your home a thorough routine cleaning. Avoid letting dishes sit in the sink for more than a few hours, and be conscious of any food dropping, or that’s left out on the counters.

Boric Acid

A home remedy you can use to get rid of cockroaches is a mixture of boric acid, flour, and sugar. When equal parts of these ingredients are mixed together, it forms a dough-like substance.

Break off pieces of the dough and leave it around the area where you see cockroaches roam. They’ll eat the dough because they’re attracted by the sugar, but the boric acid will kill them quickly.

Baking Soda

Another easy way to get rid of cockroaches is with baking soda, which you probably already have in your pantry. Chop up an onion and sprinkle some baking soda on it. Place it in a dish and wait for the cockroaches to come searching for their next meal.

Ingesting the baking soda will cause the cockroaches’ stomachs to expand and eventually burst due to the chemical reaction.

Lemon Juice

While we humans love a great citrus fruit smell, cockroaches are absolutely repulsed by it. This is excellent news for those who want to get rid of cockroaches.

Simply mix lemon juice and water and spray it around your home. You can also add lemon juice to your cleaning product when mopping the floor to be even more effective. It’s also safe and chemical-free!

Call Brody Brothers Pest Control

The most effective way to get rid of cockroaches in Baltimore is to call a professional exterminator to come and solve your problem.

Brody Brothers Pest Control is Baltimore’s leading exterminator, and we’re ready to help get rid of any cockroaches that may have entered your home.

With our state-of-the-art technology and extermination methods, we promise to keep our clients and their families safe while repelling pests from their homes as we take the necessary precautions.

If you have a cockroach problem, contact us to schedule your first consultation so we can create a game plan to get these roaches out of your home.

The post Got Cockroaches? These 9 Hacks Really Do the Trick 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.

If you don’t take care of the roach you find in your house, you could end up with a whole infestation. Cockroaches have the ability to multiply quickly. And the truth is cockroaches, specifically German cockroaches, do not just appear in unsanitary homes.

If you want to learn about why you have a roach in your house, and how to get rid of them, keep reading. We’ve got all the best information you could need when it comes to fighting back against this pesky pest.

What Causes Cockroaches in Your House?

Whether you have ants, termites, rodents, or cockroaches in your house, one thing is for sure – common bugs in your home are looking for food and water. So, it makes sense that even the cleanest of homes will have a few roaches.

In addition, here are the top things that the cockroach in your house is after:

• Dirty dishes on the countertops or in the sink
• Crumbs on the floor, furniture, or counters
• Garbage
• Pet food on the floor
• Leftover food in containers or cans
• Standing water spots in your yard such as puddles, birdbaths, and flowerpots

Lastly, cockroaches are attracted to humid weather. They love the excess moisture that a Bethesda summer brings. Plus, if you have leaky pipes and faucets in your bathrooms, kitchen, or laundry room, you’re likely to spot a cockroach at some point.

How to Get Rid of Roaches in Your Bethesda, MD Home

1. Keep Your Home Clean

It may seem obvious but keeping a clean home will eliminate a lot of the pests that come into your home. This is because the less food and water you have readily available, the less likely any type of pest, cockroach included, will want to stick around.

Of course, German cockroaches typically hide in kitchens since there is lots of water and food to be found there. But in general, roaches will go anywhere in your house they can find sustenance.

Here are some housekeeping best practices to follow:

• Take out the garbage as soon as it’s full
• Clean up crumbs and spills right away
• Remove grease and other food spots from the counters and stove
• Wash dishes and put them away after every meal
• Vacuum, sweep, and mop regularly
• Seal all food in airtight containers

2. Get Rid of Excess Clutter

In addition to keeping your house free of food and water that will attract cockroaches, it’s a good idea to declutter too. The more clutter you have in your home, the more places cockroaches have to hide. If you make it hard for the roach in your house to be safe while seeking out food and water, you’ll find them leaving sooner than later.

3. Close Gaps That Are Easy Entryways

One of the best ways to keep the roaches out of your house is to close up any entryways they have into your home. To prevent cockroaches on the outside from breaking in, fill all points of entry with caulk. For example, gaps between walls or tile, entry holes, and small crevices should be closed up.

If the gaps are large, you can always use something like steel wool and foam to fill them up. This is especially helpful around pipes, which is an easy way for roaches to get inside unnoticed. If you find cockroaches getting in through your chimney or attic vents, one option is to create a barrier using wire mesh.

Lastly, keep the weatherstripping on your doors and windows free of cracks and holes to keep pesky roaches out.

4. Fix Leaks Right Away

Although fixing a water leak should already be a priority for you (water damage is no fun!), it’s important you fix these things to prevent pests too.

Remember, it’s not just the humid summer that attracts cockroaches inside. Roaches are great at finding all sources of water without people even realizing it. For instance, a roach can find a refrigerator, sink, faucet, or washing machine leak very quickly. And once other cockroaches realize the source of water is consistent, there will be an infestation before you know it.

5. Don’t Hoard Boxes or Newspapers

Cockroaches love cardboard boxes and newspapers. They love to hide in them and worse yet, breed in them. If you have a bunch of newspapers or boxes laying around inside your house, in your backyard shed, or in the garage, it’s time to clean up.

Don’t wait until spring cleaning to get a jump on cleaning up this kind of clutter. That is unless you want to have a cockroach infestation on your hands.

6. Keep It Natural with Soapy Water

Eco-conscious pest control is something all people should get on board with.

Luckily, sometimes all you need to stop a cockroach in your home is a mixture of liquid soap and water in a spray bottle. When you see the roach appear, give it a little spray and trust that within about a minute it will be dead.

Though the cockroach will run away once you squirt it with the soapy water, it will die because the soapy mixture creates a film over its breathing pores. The end result is a suffocated cockroach. Just make sure to nab the roach and toss it once it’s incapacitated. There is always a chance the soapy mixture will wear off and the cockroach will recover. After all, there’s a reason people believe cockroaches will be the last living thing on earth should everything else perish.

7. Use Store Bought Solutions

If you find the soapy water mixture isn’t cutting it, or the infestation is becoming more than you can easily handle, it’s time to buy some professional products to help.

Here are some of your best options:

• Store Bought Traps: the reason these work so well is because cockroaches love the appeal of a small, dark place. Once they enter, the cockroach will become trapped and won’t be able to leave.
• Glue Strips: if you don’t want to deal with the small cockroach traps, you might try glue boards instead. This solution will allow you to capture more cockroaches at once. However, it can be kind of unsightly to see a bunch of roaches stuck to a glue strip.
• Boric Acid Powder: boric acid is found in things like toothpaste and laundry detergent. Plus, it happens to be one of the best ways to kill a roach in your house. The problem is, if you’re not careful, the powder can blow around your house and come into contact with vulnerable people and pets. Though generally low in toxicity, boric acid powder might not be something you want floating around your house unseen.

Final Thoughts

Are you in need of professional extermination services because of a cockroach infestation you can’t or don’t want to handle yourself? If so, contact us today for help with your pest problem.

At Brody Brothers Pest Control, we strive to take the most proactive and effective approach to getting rid of cockroaches in your home. Not only can we get rid of the roaches in your house right away, but we can also provide the type of long-lasting pest control results you expect from a top-notch Bethesda pest control company.

The post What Causes Cockroaches in Your House & How to Get Rid of Them appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.

There are approximately 91, 000 described bugs in the United States, many of which can easily find their way into your home. No matter where you live, you’re bound to come across an insect or two in your residence. Bugs of any kind are disturbing, however, some can be dangerous, destroy your food, and even damage your house. The good news is, there are many preventative measures you can take so it doesn’t get to the point of infestation.

Before the entire cast of A Bug’s Life makes themselves comfortable, take a look at our guide about common bugs that you may find in your home. With our help, you’ll know the signs of unwanted critters and how to ward them off.

Ants

Ants are perhaps the most common bug that you may find in your home. The reason for this: crumbs. Food morsels and a reliable water source are sure to attract ants. Luckily, more harmful ant species, such as the Red Imported Fire Ant, are not as prone to enter your home and take advantage of these resources. Nonetheless, those that do find their way into your house can create an unappealing mess if it gets out of hand. To keep ants out of your home, regularly vacuum so there aren’t crumbs on the floor and remember to clean up any spills as soon as they occur.

Spiders

The majority of spiders are harmless, but this still doesn’t make them a welcomed house guest. Typically, spiders prefer to be outdoors, but if your home has high moisture, they’ll likely try to find their way inside. There must also be plenty of other bugs in your home for the spiders to eat. In the fall, when insect populations are low and outside resources dry up, it’s common for hunter types, like the wolf spider, to enter your home. Spiders tend to enter the home via gaps around utilities in the foundation. Poor weather stripping on the doors and windows act as another access point for the web-making spiders. Once inside, spiders will slowly become a nuisance, as you’ll notice their webs around the house. However, one good thing about spiders and their Webs is that they can catch other bugs in your home that may have caused further issues.

Flies

There are several types of flies that can infiltrate and exploit your humble abode. Not only are they an annoyance, but flies spread diseases and can even cause food poisoning. Typically, old garbage, fruit, and any old food that people leave out attract flies. Therefore, a great way to combat flies is to take out the garbage when its full and to never leave any food out for long periods.

Stink Bugs

If you’ve never seen one, stink bugs are brown and shaped like a shield. And while they may look like any old insect, you cannot dispose of these bugs by smashing them. If you smash a stink bug, they will release a less than pleasant odor—hence the name, stink bug. Normally, stink bugs find their way into your home during the fall months to seek out warmth. Any easy way to remove stink bugs is to grab a paper towel and force them onto it.

Crickets

Many of us know crickets for the annoying sounds they make. Although they typically reside outdoors, sometimes you’ll hear their chirping from within your home. While they aren’t necessarily harmful, crickets’ sound can serve as a source of irritation. To ensure you aren’t attracting these singing insects, avoid leaving doors open and seal any gaps in your foundation. Furthermore, light attracts crickets, so try to not keep a lot of lights on—especially at night.

Bees and Wasps

Bees and wasps not only make annoying buzzing noises, but they can be quite harmful if they were to sting you. Bees and wasps love sugary drinks, yellow and white colors, and rotting fruit—all of which they may find in the typical home. However, bees and wasps live outdoors, which is where nests are located. To reduce stinging pests around your property, keep your yard clean of debris, keep your trash clean and covered with a lid, and clean up any food if you eat outside. If you notice a hive in your home, enlist the services of a professional who can safely remove it for you.

Mosquitoes

Mosquito bites are irritating and itchy, and they can even carry some serious diseases with them, such as Zika and West Nile. Plus, mosquitoes are not only a threat to you and your family—they will also bother your pets. Unfortunately, no matter if we’re inside or outside, humans entice mosquitoes. The carbon dioxide we breathe out draws them in, and they thrive on sucking our blood. Thankfully, there are several ways to prevent mosquito bites, from professional services like Brody Brothers Yard defense to some natural repellents.

Beetles

Rumor has it, beetles are the most common bugs in the world, which only increase the chances of them entering your home. As with so many other insects, lights and debris around the exterior of the home will draw them in. On top of this, it can be easy to confuse beetles with other kinds of bugs. If you’re unsure you’re dealing with beetles, you can distinguish them by their fat body shape and hardened wings.

Termites

Termites are incredibly destructive and are sure to cause issues within your home. Termites can damage the structure of a house—as mosquitoes like to feed on blood, termites like to feed on wood, the most common building material for homes. Termites can be tough to spot as well. Telltale signs that you have termites include destroyed timber, tunnels in wood, and track marks below the paint.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are easily identifiable by their antenna-like ears. If cockroaches get into your home, they’ll likely destroy fabrics and spread disease via food contamination. They also quickly reproduce in large numbers, easily starting an infestation. Like many of the other bugs on this list, cockroaches are on the hunt for food crumbs. They also like moisture—they typically dwell in the kitchen under the sink and crevices near food and water.

Although our list is vast, there are plenty of other bugs that can find their way into your home. Whether they enter through small cracks in your home’s structure or open doors and windows, in all likelihood, bugs will make their way into your house. Thus, try to keep opening windows and doors to a minimum, especially at night. You should also have screens installed at every entrance. Plus, based on the content above, you may have noticed that the majority of bugs like the same things. That is why it’s so important to keep your home clean. By doing so, you can eliminate half the bugs on this list.

In most situations, you can easily get rid of insects yourself. However, sometimes it can get out of hand and you’re left with an infestation. If this happens, contact a commercial exterminators like Brody Brothers Quality Pest Control—we’re a leading Baltimore County exterminator who can get rid of the problem properly.

The post 11 Common Bugs That You May Find in Your Home appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.

Understanding the habits and needs of German roaches is key to preventing them from taking up residence in your home. German roaches enjoy hiding, and they often spend 75% of their time in small dark cracks and crevices. Because German roaches are thigmotactic, they enjoy feeling pressure on the surface of the skin. Did you know that young roaches need cracks as small as a dime and adults need spaces the depth of 4 dimes to thrive? German roaches also seek moisture and heat—both of which are common in the kitchen. Finally, remember that these roaches are nocturnal, so the odds of you catching one when you’re up during the day are very slim.

Where Do German Roaches Hide in the Kitchen?

Here’s Brody Brothers TOP 5 roach hiding Spots

The kitchen is typically the most attractive room of the home to many pests, including roaches. There is always food present, water is plentiful and activity is typically restricted to a few periods every day. The most common kitchen hiding spots for German roaches include:

Under your kitchen sink: Pull out everything from underneath the sink! Once you have all of the cleaning products pulled out, look inside and up. Many people miss examining this spot and miss German roaches hiding as a result.

Your counter backsplashes: In the average kitchen, there are many small gaps and seams around the top and bottom of the backsplashes. This gives German roaches easy access to countertops, food and water while lowering the chances of detection.

Your dishwasher: When you look behind your dishwasher door, you will probably see a small gap between the counter and the cabinets. This is a very hot area for German roaches to inhabit. You should also check for them behind or below the bottom plate of the dishwasher.

The back of your refrigerator: The heat from the motor and moisture from the refrigerator condensation pan make the back of the refrigerator a very attractive place for German roaches. Because this spot is often overlooked, roaches can rapidly re-infest after homeowners have killed roaches in the easier-to-find spots.

Stoves and ovens: Many homeowners are shocked when our technicians pull out the stove and see the German roaches lurking in the back of the appliance. Check the space between your countertop and stove. It’s usually filled with grease or other food debris that could be enticing to roaches, and there’s a good chance you might be hosting some.

Protect Your Home from German Roaches with Brody Brothers Pest Control

If you don’t want to get down on your knees and check around all of your cabinetry, we are here to help! Brody Brothers Pest Control works with thousands of property owners every year to keep properties safe and free from harmful insects, animals, 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).

The post The Most Common Areas German Roaches Hide in Your Kitchen appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.

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).

The post How Many Homes in the United States Suffer from Pests? appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.