When temperatures drop in Maryland, you’re not the only one looking to stay warm—mice are too. At Brody Brothers Pest Control, we’ve seen it time and again—mice entering homes throughout Maryland and the Baltimore Metro Area in search of shelter. But how do mice get in your house, and how can you stop them? Here’s what you need to know to keep them out this winter.

For a more comprehensive guide on mice identification and control, visit our Mice Pest Identifier page.

How Do Mice Get Into Your House?

Mice are resourceful, squeezing through gaps as small as 1/4 inch. How do mice get in your house? They commonly enter through:

• Cracks in the Foundation: Small cracks are enough for mice to slip inside.
• Utility Line Openings: Gaps around water pipes, electrical wiring, and gas lines are perfect entry points.
• Attic and Roof Vents: Mice can climb and enter through roof vents, chimneys, or other small openings.

It’s crucial to inspect your home for any cracks or gaps and seal them before winter. For more about how mice behave and enter homes, read our Mice Pest Identifier.

Signs You Have Mice in Your House

Mice leave behind signs that they’ve made their way into your home. Here are the key indicators:

1. Mouse Droppings

Small, dark brown droppings near food sources, cabinets, or baseboards are a strong sign of mice in your house. Not sure if it’s mice or rats? Learn how to differentiate the two with our article on Mice vs. Rat Droppings.

2. Scratching Noises

If you hear scratching or scurrying noises at night, especially in walls or ceilings, mice are likely moving around in your home.

3. Nests

Mice create nests from materials like paper, fabric, or insulation. You’ll often find these hidden in attics, garages, or basements. Curious about how mice can damage your home? Check out our article on What Damage Mice Can Cause to Your House.

Why Do Mice Enter Homes in the Winter?

Mice don’t hibernate, so when it gets cold, they actively seek warm, sheltered spaces to nest. Why do mice come into your house every winter? Your home provides them with warmth, food, and protection from predators. Homes in Maryland are especially vulnerable during winter because of these conditions.

Once mice are inside, they tend to stay, breed, and look for food throughout the season. Without prevention, a few mice can quickly turn into a full infestation.

Want to learn more about how to get rid of rodents? Read our guide on The Best Way to Get Rid of Rodents.

How to Prevent Mice from Getting in Your House

Once you know how mice get in your house, you can take steps to prevent them. At Brody Brothers, we recommend the following:

1. Seal Entry Points

Check for cracks, gaps, or holes around your foundation, doors, windows, and attic. Use steel wool and caulk to seal them. Mice can chew through softer materials, but steel wool deters them. For more detailed prevention tips, check out our Ways to Prevent Mice from Entering Your Home.

2. Store Food Properly

Mice are always on the hunt for food. Store all food, including pet food, in sealed glass or metal containers to keep them out. Clean up crumbs and spills immediately, especially before bed.

3. Reduce Clutter

Cluttered spaces like attics and garages provide mice with excellent hiding spots. Keeping these areas organized makes your home less inviting.

4. Fix Water Leaks

Mice are attracted to water sources. Repair any leaky pipes or faucets, especially in winter when outdoor water is scarce.

What to Do If Mice Get in Your House

If you notice signs of mice in your home, here’s what you can do:

• Set Traps: Place traps where you’ve seen signs of activity, such as along walls or near food storage. If you prefer to release them, consider humane traps.
• Call a Professional: If you’re dealing with a larger infestation or need help, call the experts. At Brody Brothers Pest Control, we’ve been removing mice from homes across Maryland for years, and we can keep them from coming back.

Need help with rodent removal? Learn more about our Mouse Removal Services.

Conclusion

Understanding how mice get in your house is the first step to preventing an infestation. By sealing entry points, organizing your home, and properly storing food, you make it less attractive for mice. But if they do find a way in, Brody Brothers Pest Control is here to help with our proven methods and years of expertise. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a mouse-free home.

For a more comprehensive guide on mice prevention and control, visit our Mice Pest Identifier.

The post How Do Mice Get in Your House? Important Steps to Take in the Winter appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.

When it comes to unwelcome guests, few are as stealthy and unwelcome as mice. These tiny rodents can quietly infiltrate your living space, causing more than a startle. Recognizing the subtle signs of mice in your house is crucial for promptly addressing the infestation and preventing health risks and property damage.

7 Signs of a Mouse Infestation in Your House

1. Droppings Everywhere

One of the most obvious signs to tell if you have mice running around is if you notice droppings. Mouse droppings look like tiny, rod-shaped black pellets and are about the size of a grain of rice. Homeowners usually find them near food sources, in closets, cabinets, along baseboards, and other dark places. Inspect these areas in your home to see if you notice any droppings.

It’s essential to exercise caution and avoid direct contact, as mouse droppings can harbor harmful bacteria.

2. Foul Odor Lingering

You may smell a foul odor if there is a heavy mouse infestation or a nesting sight nearby. In addition to mice leaving little black droppings around the house, you may smell their urine. A mouse’s urine can be difficult to spot, but you’ll likely smell it. The urine’s smell can be pretty foul—almost like Ammonia. The source of an unexplained bad smell in your home could be several things, but one cause you should seriously consider is mice.

3. Scratching Sounds in the Night

House mice are nocturnal creatures, which means they’re most active at night. Pay attention to any scratching, scuffling, or pitter-patter sounds from the walls or ceilings once you turn off the lights. While mice are usually extremely quiet, this is one of the few instances you can hear them. These sounds could indicate mice are moving through your home, looking for food or nesting materials.

4. Grease Marks

Mice travel alongside walls, and because of this, they can leave marks on them. Mice become dirty due to how they travel. They have natural oils on their skin and fur, and they easily pick up grease on their fur. This grease that mice carry can then get on your wall as they run alongside it. A grease mark found on your wall from mice is usually small and black.

5. Nests

If you start to notice a collection of soft, various materials, you may have mice in your home. A mouse’s nest usually consists of what resources are available to them in your home. Mice seek out soft materials to make their nests, such as fabric, paper, string, or insulation. Their nests are often hidden in secluded places, such as behind appliances, within wall cavities, crawl spaces, or in attics.

6. Gnaw Marks

House mice have strong teeth and gnaw on various materials to keep them sharp. Mice love to nibble on human food, so if you find bags of cereal, pet food, or other pantry items with chew marks or tears, it’s a good indication that you have unwanted guests.

Look for gnaw marks on food packaging, furniture, wood, cardboard, plastic, or even electrical wires like phone chargers. These gnaw marks can damage your property and pose a fire hazard.

7. Odd Pet Behavior

Your pets are often the first to sense there’s something amiss in their territory. If your cat or dog is suddenly more alert, paws or sniffs at unusual places, or seems fixated on a particular area in your house, they might be onto the little critters. Trust your furry friend’s instincts; they could indicate signs of mice in your house that you haven’t detected yet.

Taking Action Against Rodent Intruders

If you notice any of these signs in your home and suspect a potential mouse infestation, don’t wait! Our professional mouse extermination services in Maryland are here to help. Our experienced team offers free inspections to assess the situation and provide quick, effective treatment.

Finding signs of mice in your house can be disheartening. Still, you can reclaim your space from these tiny intruders with vigilance and action. Watch for these sneaky signs and take appropriate measures to ensure your home remains mouse-free!

Remember, if you think you’ve got mice, never underestimate the problem—ensure you handle it promptly and humanely!

Don’t let mice take over your home – call us today at 410-653-2121 to schedule a tech visit. Take control of your home and ensure a pest-free environment.

The post 7 Sneaky Signs of Mice in Your Home appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.

Most Common Types of Rodents in Maryland 

Although the term “rodent” can refer to several common Maryland animals, including squirrels, voles, and chipmunks, mice are the most common type of rodent that Fallston residents have to deal with — they’re small, quick, and can hide in tiny spaces. They’re also known to be very messy, leaving their droppings all over your home.

Rats are larger than mice and can be more difficult to get rid of. They are also known to be very destructive and can cause a lot of damage to your home, including chewing through wood and insulation. They also often chew through wires which can lead to the danger of fire in your home. 

As a local pest control company since 1984, we’ve seen first-hand the damage rodents can cause – and it’s not pretty. 

Your Fallston, MD, Home Is Attractive to Rodents 

As winter approaches, small animals like mice and rats will be forced to seek shelter from the cold. While some rodents build nests and burrows on their own, others may see your home as the perfect place to spend the winter. 

In order to prevent rodents from choosing to move in with you, here are some suggestions on how you can keep rodents out of your home in Fallston, MD: 

1. Inspect your home for gaps or holes that could serve as entry points for rodents, and seal them up with caulk or steel wool. 

2. Keep food stored in airtight containers and dispose of garbage, including cardboard boxes, regularly to avoid attracting rodents. 

3. Set traps baited with peanut butter, cheese, or other food items near where you’ve seen evidence of rodents.

4. Use poison to get rid of mice and rats, but be extremely careful about which products you buy and how you use and store them. 

If you have any questions about using poisons or over-the-counter DIY pest control solutions, contact Brody Brothers Pest Control. We’re always happy to help. 

5. Know when it’s time to call a Fallston pest control company to help get rid of rodents and keep them out of your home. 

Rodents Can Carry Dangerous Diseases 

If you have rodents in your Fallston home, it’s important to get rid of them as quickly as possible. Beyond making you feel uneasy knowing they’re around, they can also carry and transmit many harmful diseases. 

For example, simply coming into contact with tiny pebbles of rat feces can cause Salmonella. This can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, and can be fatal in some cases. 

Another common disease carried by rats and mice is Hantavirus. This virus affects your lungs and can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. It’s transmitted through the feces, urine, and saliva of rodents. 

So even if you never actually see a rodent in your home, what they leave behind can be very dangerous and make your family sick. 

Tips on How to Get Rid of Rodents

There are different ways to get rid of rodents, and the best method will vary depending on the type of problem you’re having. For example, if you have an infestation of mice, you may want to try using traps or poison baits. If you’re just dealing with a few rats in your attic or garage, however, sealing up entry points may be enough to keep them away. 

Identify Where the Rodents Are Entering Your Home

Believe it or not, mice can enter your home through a hole the size of a dime, and rats can enter through a hole the size of a quarter! That’s why it is important to seal any cracks and crevices around your home that provide access.

Once you identify them, you can use either caulk or steel wool to fill in any gaps that might be an entry point for rodents. If you’re searching for entry points during the winter, a good idea is to feel around doors and windows for cold air entering your home. 

Keep Food Stored in Airtight Containers

Rats and mice are attracted by smells and can chew through almost anything, including the boxes of food in your pantry, like cereal and crackers. Plus, they can slip through tiny holes (or chew their way in) to get into bags of birdseed or dog food. 

If you want to get rid of rodents and keep them away, it’s important to cut off their food supply. Storing food in airtight containers is one of the best ways to do this. It’s also important to keep your counters and floors free of crumbs. 

Another tip, especially during the holidays, is to not let those cardboard delivery boxes pile up around your home or in the garage. They provide a great nesting area for rodents. 

Set Traps With Food That Attracts Rodents

While you want to store food properly to keep rodents out of your kitchen, you can also use food to attract them to where you want them to go. One way to do this is by setting traps baited with food items like peanut butter or cheese near where you’ve seen evidence of rodent activity. 

The only downside to this method is that you have to deal with the results. Be sure to check the mice or rat traps regularly and take care of any caught rodents immediately. 

Using Poison to Get Rid of Rodents

There are a number of ways to use poison to get rid of rodents. One way is to purchase poison bait that is specifically designed to kill rats and mice. These baits are available at most hardware and home improvement stores. 

Another way to use poison to kill rats is to make your own poison bait. This can be done by mixing together equal parts of flour, sugar, and borax. The rats will be attracted to the sweet taste of the bait and will ingest the poison when they eat it.

However, anytime you use poisons you need to be extremely careful about where you use them and how you store them. Especially if you have small children or pets. 

Call Professional Pest Control Experts in Fallston, MD 

If you’ve already tried the above methods, or simply don’t want to mess with poisons and traps, it might be time to bring in professional pest control experts. And if you want to make sure you hire the best, Brody Brothers Pest Control is the #1 trusted local pest control company in Fallston, MD.

We’ve been serving the area for over 35 years and are experts in pest and rodent control. Having seen it all and fixed it all, our pest control services are proven effective and will solve your rat or mice problem in no time. Call us today at (410) 653-2121 for a free estimate on giving you back the peace of mind of knowing your family is safe and your home is rodent-free.

About Brody Brothers Pest Control in Fallston, MD 

Since 1984, Brody Brothers Pest Control has been one of the top pest control companies serving the Harford County area, including Fallston, MD. Our quality pest control services are performed by licensed pest control technicians. We can expertly take care of common pests, including termite control, ant control, extermination of bed bugs, prevention of mosquitoes, rodent control service, stinging insects, and cockroaches.   

For over three decades, local homeowners have trusted us to protect their families by providing pest control service that takes care of pest problems, including complex pest infestations. If you’re searching for Fallston pest control companies, Brody Brothers is the right pest control company to offer affordable pest solutions that simply work. We offer free estimates and same-day pest control service. Contact us today.  

The post The Best Way to Get Rid of Rodents appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.

Unfortunately, there are more unwanted pests to come in the fall and winter that you should look out for.

With the dropping temperatures, critters and insects are in search of warm shelter where they can survive the fall and winter months. So, what does this mean for Montgomery County homeowners?

You should take preventative pest control measures to ensure your home is safe from these common fall and winter pests in Montgomery County, MD.

By the end of this article, you’ll know the most common pests to keep an eye out for during the winter and how to prevent them from entering your home. If they do pass your prevention methods, Brody Brothers has a guaranteed 100% effective pest control solution for you.

Rodents

Having mice or rats crawling in your walls is not only scary but can pose a threat to the health of you and your family. Often carrying contagious diseases, wild rodents should never be welcome in your home.

During the Maryland winter, mice and rats will come into your home to nibble on food on your counters and embrace the warmth from your heating.

To identify if you have rodents in your home, you may notice droppings on the counters, hear scratching within the walls, and even smell ammonia.

How to Prevent Rodents

Rodents, especially mice, can squeeze into very small cracks to enter your home. Before the weather becomes too cold, inspect your home for any potential openings.

Food and scraps also attract rodents, so you’ll want to store food properly in covered containers. This includes pet food.

Spiders

These eight-legged arachnids usually are not harmful to humans, but they definitely are not pretty to look at in your home. Just like rats and mice, spiders need a warm place to live through the winter months.

So, they crawl into your home and build a spiderweb in the corner of your basement or garage, and await other insects to feast on. While spiders do assist in getting rid of some pests, it doesn’t mean you want them as a roommate. 

How to Prevent Spiders

The best way to prevent spiders is to seal up cracks in windows and doors and get rid of any pests that they may prey on that are living in your home. However, if you already find spiders in your home, clean up any cobwebs and make sure they don’t feel comfortable. 

Stink Bugs

A very common fall and winter pest in Montgomery County are stink bugs. 

Originating in Asia, the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) invaded North America in the 1990s when it hopped on board a shipping container.

The good news is that stink bugs are harmless. The bad news is that they carry an odor and move in large swarms.

If you see one in your home, then there’s a likely chance there are many others crawling around.

How to Prevent Stink Bugs

The easiest way to prevent stink bugs from entering your home during the fall and winter is to ensure there are no spaces or cracks between your doors and windows. Keep screens on your windows if you tend to leave them open during the sunnier days, too.

It’s also important to keep the plants in and around your house trimmed, as stink bugs are attracted to the sap.

Cockroaches

Unfortunately, cockroaches aren’t solely confined to infesting apartments in large cities. They are also common fall and winter pests in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Cockroaches aren’t just ugly to see, but they can also carry harmful diseases. Children are also prone to asthma attacks and allergies when cockroaches are infesting the area.

You will often find them in places where water and food are available, such as garages, basements, kitchens, and bathrooms.

How to Prevent Cockroaches

Preventing cockroaches from coming into your home is simple, but not always easy. The key is to keep your home free from open sources of food, water buildup from leaking faucets or clogged drains, and take out the trash often.

Box Elder Bugs

Box elder bugs are more of an unsightly annoyance than anything else. These pests will crawl into your home and take advantage of its warmth, but they are harmless and do not carry diseases.

You will mostly notice them gathering in your garage or laying in the sun either on the side of your house or in your home to keep warm.

We recommend not squishing them as they also have a strong odor that can attract other box elder bugs into your home.

How to Prevent Box Elder Bugs

The most effective way to prevent box elder bugs from entering your home is by sealing cracks in your windows, doors, or screens. Avoiding female boxelder trees is also a good idea because they attract these bugs to the area.

Ladybugs

While cute and harmless to humans, ladybugs often travel in swarms and can be a nuisance when they infest your home. You’ll notice them mostly on your walls or window screens.

Ladybugs are also poisonous to small animals and pets. They will leave behind a yellow secretion if frightened, which can be harmful if ingested by other animals.

How to Prevent Ladybugs

To keep ladybugs from entering your home this winter, try placing cloves and bay leaves around the premises. These herbs tend to repulse ladybugs and keep them away.

However, ladybugs are attracted to the pollen from plants like cilantro, dill, angelica, and scented geraniums. So, if you have these growing close to your home, they may attract more ladybugs. 

The Ultimate Fall and Winter Pest Prevention Solution

If you are concerned about pests like mice and rats entering your Montgomery County home this fall and winter, then you may want to call in professional Montgomery County pest control experts.

Brody Brothers Pest Control has served the area for more than 30 years with expert local knowledge and integrated pest control management solutions in Montgomery County. 

With our popular quarterly Home Protection Plan, you can make sure your home stays pest-free all year round. If a critter does bypass our methods, we’ll come out and fix the problem for free. 

Request a quote and see how you can keep your home pest-free this fall and winter!

The post Rats, Spiders, and Roaches: Common Fall Winter Pests in Montgomery County, MD appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.

Having rodents in your home can cause you to feel dirty and frightened. You want to protect yourself and your family at all costs, which includes keeping them safe from dangerous rats and mice.

Fortunately, there are multiple ways that you can keep your home rodent-free this winter. By the end of this article, you’ll know the best expert pest control tips to keep mice and rats from invading your home.

The Dangers and Risks of Rodents in the House

While people may choose to keep mice and rats as house pets, when found in the wild, they can pose many dangers and risks to you and your family. As they live in dirty conditions and are prone to carrying diseases, they can be dangerous to have in your home.

From contaminating your food to leaving waste in your pantry, having rodents in your home increases the chance of contracting a dangerous disease. In fact, it was rats that caused the fatal Black Plague in the Middle Ages.

Some of the most common diseases rodents carry nowadays include:

• Monkeypox
• Rat-Bite Fever
• Salmonellosis
• Sylvatic Typhus
• Lassa Fever
• Leptospirosis
• Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM)

One of the best ways to keep your family safe from these diseases is by preventing rodents from getting into your home.

How to Keep Your Home Rodent-Free

Fortunately, keeping your home rodent-free can be fairly easy! There aren’t a ton of special treatments or major lifestyle changes that you need to make to do so.

Clean Up the Crumbs to Avoid Rodents

The number one thing mice and rats search for is food. If you have crumbs or food left uncovered on your counter, it’s an open invitation to finding rat or mouse droppings in your kitchen the next day.

After dinner, make sure to wash the counters well and get rid of any crumbs that may have been left behind. Avoid keeping plates or bowls containing food, especially baked goods, uncovered too. Always put them in a container or cover them with tin foil or plastic wrap.

Cover the Pet Food from Rats and Mice 

Human food or dog food, it makes no difference to a rodent. Food is food!

If you have a cat or dog, make sure to properly store their dry food, so it doesn’t attract rats or mice. Instead of keeping it in the paper packaging you purchase it in, store it in a sealed plastic container. Paper is easy for rodents to chew through and doesn’t mask the smell.

In the case your pet doesn’t finish their food and leaves some in the bowl, avoid letting it sit there overnight. Instead, cover it or put it back into the container.

Keep Trash in Bins to Keep Rodents Away

When you take out the trash, make sure to put the bag in a large sealed bin. Leaving trash bags on the ground piling up is just asking for rodents to come and infest your home.

If you’re throwing out food scraps, rodents will surely sniff it out and tear through the plastic bags without hesitation if left outside.

Check for Rodent Entry Points

Mice can compress their bodies to be extremely flat so that they can slide through small cracks and crevices. These include holes in your windows, doors, siding, and other entryways into your home.

Before the cold weather sets in, do a routine check of your home for these potential rodent entry points and seal them accordingly, especially if they measure ¼ of an inch or larger.

You can use caulking, steel wool, perforated metal, cement mortar, and weather stripping to securely seal these entry points.

Reduce Clutter

One of the best and easiest ways to keep your home rodent-free is to reduce clutter and keep your home clean. If you have piles of paper, cardboard boxes, or even wood piles in the backyard, these can attract rodents to use as shelter.

Avoid Storing Items in Cardboard

Mice and rats are attracted to paper and cardboard, mostly because it’s easy for them to chew through. They can make a home for themselves here.

So, when you’re packing away holiday decorations or seasonal clothing, try to use plastic containers and bins and avoid cardboard. Not only will this prevent rodents, but you’ll better protect your belongings while they’re in storage.

Quarterly Pest Control Services

It’s always a good idea to have routine pest control inspections of your home throughout the year. With each season, you should have a professional exterminator come out and examine your property for potential infestations.

Brody Brothers Pest Control offers quarterly pest control with their Home Protection Plan for residents in Maryland.

Our team of certified pest control professionals will inspect your home for current infestations and prevent possible infestations. If we see entry points where rodents can squeeze through (maybe some you overlooked), we’ll seal them up quickly.

If for any reason these critters get by our firm prevention, you’ll get our pest control services absolutely free. With Brody Brother’s Home Protection Plan, we guarantee your home is rodent-free.

Get Rid of Rodents with Brody Brothers Pest Control

Don’t worry if you’re too late with your preventative efforts and already have some rats or mice scurrying in your walls or on your countertops. Brody Brothers Pest Control can take care of your rodent problem in no time with safe and effective extermination methods.

Protect your home and family, and get rid of those unwanted furry guests once and for all.

Call Brody Brothers for a free price estimate today!

The post Expert Tips to Keep Your Home Rodent-Free This Winter appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.

Now you go into full panic mode with your rubber cleaning gloves, disinfectant, and a wad of paper towels in hand, ready to dispose of these droppings and claim your kitchen counters from these tiny invaders.

You’re left thinking, though, are those mice or rat droppings in my kitchen?

It’s essential to know the difference between which species are infesting your beloved home. By the end of this article, you’ll have the tools and knowledge to help you determine which rodent has been scurrying across your counters and gnawing at your food.

Why It’s Important to Tell the Difference Between Mice and Rats

After discovering these droppings, your job is now to determine whether or not they came from a rat or a mouse.

Before you even think about how you will go about exterminating these rodents to get them out of your home, you must identify which one you’re dealing with.

While mice and rats are from the same order, Rodentia, they are very different, especially when it comes to tactics for getting rid of them.

Mice vs. Rats

To effectively get rid of rodents from your home, you must first determine whether you are targeting mice or rats.

Below are five main differences you can use to identify whether you have mice or rats roaming freely in your home.

1. Appearance

Mice are small in size, weighing between 0.5 ounces and 3 ounces. They have round bodies with triangle-shaped noses and large ears. They may also have black beady eyes.

Their fur is smooth and either brown or gray in color. One distinguishing feature of mice is their tail. They are thin and covered in fur.

Rats are larger in size, weighing between 12 ounces and 1.5 pounds. They have large heads, small ears, and round eyes. Their fur is coarse and either gray, white, or brown.

Their tails are much longer and thicker than mice, with a scaly texture and no fur on them.

2. Habitat

Mice are more likely to live in rural areas in the eastern and midwest regions of the United States. They prefer to find shelter in warm houses, under decks, garages, and sometimes under trees in the yard.

Rats are more often found in urban areas in the eastern and mid-west regions of the country. You’ll likely find them living in attics, basements, within walls, and even in sewers when they can’t find a house or building to infest.

3. Droppings

Now we have the answer to your initial question after finding droppings on your kitchen counter. 

Mouse droppings are short, measuring about 1/4^th of an inch. They look like small black grains of rice, and you’ll often find around a hundred droppings at a time.

Rat droppings are shaped like elongated ovals and measure about 3/4^th of an inch. There won’t be as many droppings, maybe between 20 and 50, at a time compared to mice.

4. Diet

The reason rats and mice invade your Takoma Park home is to find shelter and food to eat for survival. However, their diets do have some differences between them.

Mice prefer specific types of food, including bread, crumbs, seeds, fruit, meat, and plants. So, if you notice little nibbles in these types of food, you may have a mouse in your house.

Rats are known to eat just about anything. You can probably picture a rat scurrying through dumpsters in search of rotting food to munch on.

5. Hazards

Both rodents pose a hazard to you and your family when they infest your home. However, there are other concerns beyond diseases that rodents carry, such as Hantavirus, West Nile virus, and Lassa Fever.

Rats tend to be more aggressive than mice. When agitated, they could bite humans and cause Rat Bite Fever. They are so aggressive that mice are often afraid of rats. This is mostly due to the fact that rats have been known to kill and eat mice.

The fur from mice and rats may also cause allergic reactions and make it difficult to breathe in your home too.

If you suspect you have mice or rats hiding in your Takoma Park, MD home, it’s important to act quickly and get rid of them as soon as you can.

How to Prevent Mice and Rats in Your Home

The number one way to prevent mice or rats from coming into your home is to ensure you keep your space clean. Don’t leave open garbage cans or trash bags around. Avoid leaving uncovered food on the counters, and wipe away any crumbs that may be left in the kitchen.

Piles of paper or cardboard boxes are also known to attract mice and rats. In the autumn, clean up any piles of leaves you may have in your yard too.

It’s always a good idea to have routine inspections of your home by professional exterminators to check for potential infestations you weren’t aware of or cracks and openings these rodents may fit through.

Mice or Rats in Your Home? Call Brody Brothers Pest Control

Do you suspect that you are sheltering an infestation of mice or rats in your beloved home in Takoma Park, Maryland? Then call the extermination company known for their effective rodent raids, Brody Brothers Pest Control.

Serving the area for over three decades, Brody Brothers’ professionally licensed and trained pest exterminators are ready to help you reclaim your home once and for all. Using the most modern and safest extermination methods, we guarantee a pest-free home.

Schedule your no-obligation consultation and see how we can help you get rid of unwanted mice and rats today!

The post Are Those Mice or Rat Droppings in My Kitchen? 5 Important Differences Between the Rodents 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.

Rats are attracted to what’s already inside your home. So how do you keep rats away this winter? We have tips to prevent a festering rodent problem. 

As the weather gets colder and we start yet another winter season in Montgomery County, it’s time to consider what kinds of critters may be coming inside your home for some warmth and shelter. Rats are one of the most common pests you’ll find in your home during the winter.

Dealing with an unwanted rat infestation in your Montgomery County home is difficult and dangerous. These rodents carry life-threatening diseases and can contaminate your food if you don’t take the proper precautions.

By the end of this article, you’ll know what attracts rats into your home and how you can keep rats away this winter.

What Are Rats Attracted To?

The first step on how to prevent rats from getting into your home this winter is to identify what may be attracting them. Some of these things may surprise you.

Food of Any Kind

Of course, rats are most attracted to food. A home with easy access to food of any kind, including scraps and crumbs, virtually asks rodents to invade your home. This is especially true during the winter because rats need to eat twice as much compared to the warmer seasons.

Rats also eat just about anything, including garbage, which we’ll discuss a little later. The bottom line is that leaving food out on the counters or in unsealed containers is a surefire way to get a rat problem.

Shelter and Comfort

You probably turn on your heat during the winter months and make it nice and cozy. You and your family aren’t the only ones who enjoy this comfort; rats are also in search of it.

Since rats do not hibernate during the winter, they must find a place to survive and stay warm. A heated home with easy openings and access makes the perfect winter hideout for them. Our experts can come to inspect your home to find any possible ways rats can sneak inside. 

Compost

If you are environmentally friendly and have a compost pile in your yard or a container in your kitchen, you could be attracting rats into your home. Remember when we mentioned that rats eat just about anything? Compost is included!

These decomposing scraps of food are perfect for rats to feast upon during the winter. It’s even better than digging through garbage cans for them because everything is organic.

If you keep your compost outside on your property, rats will quickly realize the food deposited there comes from inside the home. Plus, the compost pile itself can provide warmth, so who knows how many could be living in there?  

Water

Another basic necessity that rats are on the lookout for is water. Leaking pipes in your walls create puddles that are a perfect setting for rats to come and quench their thirst.

Sinks or showers that are slow to drain or retain water may also attract rats since the water sits for them to drink. Whether inside or outside of your Montgomery County home, sitting water is an open invitation for a rat infestation.

Pet Waste

Rats eat just about anything – and we mean anything. Pet waste is yet another thing that attracts rats into your home or property. If you have a cat with a litter box in your home, rats may find their way to it. Or, if you don’t pick up after your dog, rats may come searching for it.

How to Keep Rats Out of Your Home

Now that you know what rats are attracted to, it’s time to take the necessary precautions to keep those pesky rodents out of your home once and for all.

Keep Food in Containers

Try not to leave food open and uncovered on your kitchen counters or tables, especially overnight. Always keep food in sealed containers or packages to avoid rats from smelling it and coming into your home.

Now, this isn’t to say that rats won’t eat through packaging like cardboard, plastic, and paper to get to the food, though. Keeping food sealed and put away is just a precaution you can take to avoid getting rats in your home.

Use Tight Lids on Garbage Cans

When you see a rat on the street, it’s probably scavenging through some trash bags waiting to be picked up. Now imagine that same rat hiding in the trash bins you have next to your garage at home.

Keeping trash cans with tight sealing lids on them is essential to deter rats from entering your home during the winter. Both the garbage bins you keep outside to bring to the street, and the one in your kitchen should have a lid to keep these rodents from finding their next meal.

Block Off Entry Points

Rats are sneaky little rodents who can find their way through the narrowest spaces. They are also known to chew through vents, walls, and doors to get inside homes. This isn’t too surprising since their little jaws have 6,000 pounds of pressure per square inch.

Examine your Montgomery County home for bite marks, open holes, or crawl spaces that rats may come through this winter for warmth and food. If you don’t want to crawl around under your house looking for rats, our highly-trained technicians can perform a thorough inspection.

Repair Leaky Pipes

One last examination of your home should be your plumbing. Ensure all of your pipes are secure and there aren’t any leaks. Check in the basement and underneath every sink in your home.

If you see a leak, it’s time to grab your toolbox and make some adjustments to make sure the puddles of water don’t attract rats.

Montgomery County’s #1 Solution to Getting Rid of Rats During the Winter

Even after all of your preventative efforts to keep rats out of your Montgomery County home, you may still find that one or two slipped through. If this is the case, then you need Brody Brothers Pest Control on the job.

As the area’s leading pest control company, we take pride in our effective and safe rodent extermination and prevention methods. Our team of trained experts will help you keep your family safe from unwanted rats carrying dangerous diseases this winter. Contact us to schedule a consultation to see how we can get those rats out of your home.

The post What Are Rats Attracted To: How Do I Keep Them Away This Winter? appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.