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.

As the weather grows colder during Baltimore’s fall season, small critters and pests search for someplace warm – especially ladybugs and spiders. Your home, which is insulated and heated, is the perfect place for them to nestle in and survive the cold months.

This fall, be on the lookout for ladybugs and spiders invading your home. Don’t be alarmed, though. In this article, we’ll cover how to identify these bugs, the dangers they bring, and how to prevent them from coming into your house.

Ladybugs

Ladybugs – or ladybirds as they are called in Great Britain and other parts of the English-speaking world – are often seen as cute and harmless beetle bugs. This doesn’t mean they aren’t annoying when they infest your home, though.

These adorable little bugs were first introduced to the United States in 1916 from Asia. They were brought in to help kill bugs that were endangering our crops. Unfortunately, the ladybug population became too large, and they soon became seen as a common pest.

How to Identify Ladybugs

You probably already know what a ladybug looks like. They have round, hard bodies with black spots. But, did you know they come in different colors? Ladybugs can be black, brown, orange, or red with black spots.

They like to crawl on windows and walls, but you will see them flying around sometimes. They aren’t very fast creatures, so you can definitely catch on and even have it walk on your hand for a bit.

Dangers of Ladybugs

There is nothing to worry about when you see a ladybug in your Baltimore home. These bugs bring little to no danger to humans.

Scientists have found that some people can be allergic to ladybugs thanks to the two proteins they carry. Those allergic to them may experience congestion and sneezing.

Ladybugs may leave bites, but they are not something to worry about. It may leave a small mark and nothing more.

If pets, specifically dogs, eat ladybugs, they can experience digestion issues, changes in behavior, and drowsiness.

Why Ladybugs Invade Your Home

When the weather starts to get cooler, ladybugs begin their search for a warmer place to live. If your home contains light colors, has food such as fruit and grains, or flowers with pollen, ladybugs are more likely to invade.

You may have noticed swarms of ladybugs invading your home. This is because when one ladybug finds a suitable place to live during the fall and winter, she will attract others.

How to Prevent a Ladybug Infestation

The best way to prevent ladybugs from infesting your home is to seal any cracks in your windows, doors, or foundation. They are tiny pests that will crawl through narrow spaces to get to a warmer environment.

It’s also a good idea to install screens on your windows, especially if you enjoy keeping them open during the fall months. These screens will prevent ladybugs from flying inside.

Spiders

At least one person you know, if not yourself, is afraid of spiders. They tense up and freeze when they see one, especially if it’s in the house. Unfortunately, spiders are another common fall invader for homes in Baltimore.

How to Identify Spiders

Most of us know what a spider looks like, but there are three important types of cold weather spiders to be aware of when we start to enter the autumnal weather in Maryland.

The first is a Yellow Sac spider. They can be about 1/4 of an inch in length, with their front legs longer than the rest. Their pale, yellowish color makes it difficult to notice them at first, but they are one of the most common spiders to invade homes during the fall.

Next, we have the Wolf spider. These tend to be a bit bigger, ranging from ½ of an inch to two inches. They are black with white or neutral-colored splotches on their bodies and have eight eyes, two of them larger than the rest.

Lastly, the Black Widow spider, which is native to Maryland, is another common spider you may find in your home. She can be between 1 1/2 inch to 1 3/8 inches long. Her body is an hourglass shape with a shiny black coat and an orange marking on her back.

Another way to identify if you have a spider infestation is by noticing webs around the house.

Dangers of Spiders

There are a variety of dangers when it comes to spiders and their bites. However, it all depends on the spider and where you are. For example, the only really poisonous spider you should look out for in Baltimore is a black widow.

The black widow’s venom is 15 times more poisonous than a rattlesnake’s venom. However, only about 5% of victims, usually children or the elderly, find these bites fatal. If a black widow spider does bite you, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Diaphragm paralysis

For the most part, you don’t have to worry too much about other spider bites unless you’re allergic to them. They will often be uncomfortable but hardly fatal.

Why Spiders Invade Your Home

Just like other pests, spiders simply search for the things they need to survive. In this case, it’s warmth, moisture, and food. If your home has ants, flies, or other insects spiders like to feast on, then it’s an open invitation for an infestation.

How to Prevent Spider Infestations

The most common way spiders enter your home is through cracks in the house. So, to prevent this from happening, seal any cracks in windows, doors, or the foundation with caulking. Also, add screens to windows.

You can also repel spiders naturally with vinegar, citrus, and mint. Simply keep these scents around the house or even spray them near entrances.

It’s also important to keep a clean house with minimal dust. Spiders are attracted to dust and other cobwebs if they’re present.

Get Rid of Ladybugs and Spiders This Fall with Brody Brothers Pest Control

You don’t have to live with these pests invading your Baltimore home this fall. If you notice spiders or ladybugs crawling around, Brody Brothers Pest Control can help you eliminate them once and for all.

With state-of-the-art methods and eco-friendly techniques, our professional team will make your home pest-free in no time at all.

Call us to schedule a consultation today!

The post It’s Fall… and That Means More Ladybugs and Spiders 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.

Cool breezes and falling leaves show signs that autumn is near. While we prepare for cool weather, you might say “Eek! I have spiders in my house!” as they search for a warm place to stay. If you have spider problems lurking around every corner, you don’t have to accept these pests in your house for long.

Your search to get rid of spiders in your house ends here for Baltimore homeowners. We’ll show you how you can get spiders out of your home and keep them at bay through autumn and beyond.

Get Rid of Spiders in My House: A Super Brief Spider Guide

What Are the Types of Spiders in Maryland?

In the Baltimore area, there are about a dozen common spiders you might find in your house. However, there are hundreds of spider species in Maryland and over 40,000 species worldwide.

If you find spiders in your house, you’ll likely encounter the following:

• Common house spiders, which usually build messy and tangled webs near windows
• Black widow spiders, which have the classic black body and a red patch on the abdomen
• Crab spiders, typically viewed as useful as they eat other insect pests
• Jumping spiders, mainly found in barns and sheds
• Nursery web spiders, hairy in appearance with a dark stripe running down the back of them
• Orb weavers, coming with a leg span of up to 2.5 inches. They create large circular webs that can span two feet across.

Are Maryland Spiders Venomous?

The truth is that a lot of spiders in Maryland have venom. The only spider native to Maryland that’s dangerous to humans is the black widow. The other venomous spiders don’t produce enough to harm humans, or their venom is designed to kill specific types of prey.

Furthermore, spider bites are a lot rarer than you think. In fact, some previously diagnosed brown recluse spider bites were later found to be a staph infection or MRSA.

If a spider does bite, it’s normally for self-defense.

How Do Spiders Get in My House?

Now that you know the common types of spiders that get into your home, let’s talk about how they get inside Baltimore homes.

Spiders are crafty creatures that can get into your home in several areas. This includes foundational cracks, pipes, plumbing, and small gaps around pipes.

They can also gain entrance by way of open windows as you enjoy the fresh breeze. Doors and air vents are two other common entry points for spiders.

Once spiders are in your home, where they like to hide depends on the species. You’ll find some spiders in basements in bathtubs because they are attracted to moisture. Other spiders prefer hiding in light fixtures or high corners of rooms.

How to Get Rid of Spiders in My House

Once you spot a spider, your first instinct is most likely to get rid of it. There are several effective (and not so effective) approaches to removing spiders from your home.

First, beware of wives’ tales when it comes to getting rid of spiders. For example, an old wives’ tale is using walnuts and chestnuts to get rid of spiders. This is a myth debunked by The Burke Museum in Seattle, Washington.

Another myth is using Osage oranges, also known as hedge apples or spider balls. Green, round, and lumpy in appearance, these fruits are touted as a natural spider repellent. The Burke Museum also claims this is unproven, although studies show there is a slight cockroach repellent with these fruits.

Now that the wives’ tales are out of the way, let’s talk about how to get rid of the spiders effectively.

DIY Spider Treatment for Inside Your House

Getting rid of spiders in your home is a process that takes place both inside and outside the home. This is how to approach the removal of spiders inside the home.

Clear Out Clutter

Cleaning up clutter can help get rid of spiders. This is because clutter gives spiders the perfect place to hide, whether it’s in your basement, attic, or in a spare room.

Vacuum

Once the clutter is clear from your home, get out your vacuum. You’ll want to sweep the floors, but also use the attachment to reach the ceiling. Spiders will hide up in the corners of rooms and you will likely find cobwebs as well.

Set Spider Traps

Spider traps are a temporary fix to cutting down on an indoor population of spiders. There are many different traps to consider.

Some are entirely non-poisonous and use glue to trap spiders inside. Others contain toxic chemicals to kill the spiders.

Either way, you are required to dispose of the spider whether it’s dead or alive. You’ll also have to keep checking the traps to see if spiders are inside. The other downside is that it will not affect spider eggs if there is a nest in your house. You’ll have to wait until they hatch to enter the traps.

DIY Spider Treatment Outside Your Home

Now that you addressed the inside of your home, let’s move to the exterior. Spider-proofing the outside of your house can help ensure that the inside remains spider free.

Change Your Exterior Light Bulbs

What do light bulbs have to do with spiders? Outdoor lighting attracts prey that spiders like to eat. This is why you might see an influx of spider webs outside your exterior doors.

The worst type of light bulbs to use outside are traditional incandescent bulbs. The best for repelling insects are warm-colored LED lights that produce a yellow or orange hue.

Clean Out Your Gutters

Gutters full of debris will ultimately clog and pool with water. This water can attract a variety of insects that ultimately attracts spiders. Tend to your gutters this autumn season and ensure there are no blockages.

Fill Cracks and Crevices

Spiders can find the smallest cracks to gain entrance into your home. This might involve patching cracks in your concrete foundation. Make sure all pipe holes are properly filled and there are no holes in your window screens.

What About Spider Repellents?

Spider repellents are available to spray on plants as well as contact sprays for webs. It is possible to use these products to kill spiders, but you must consider the safety of children and pets.

Get Rid of Spiders Inside My House: Spider Extermination

If you’re serious about getting rid of spiders in your house, professional pest control for spiders is the best approach. Brody Brothers Pest Control can help you identify the types of spiders inside your home.

From there, we can take the best and most effective course of action to get rid of spiders. This includes getting rid of spiders without compromising the health and safety of kids or pets.

When you’re ready eliminate spiders in your home for good, contact Brody Brother’s Pest Control and protect your home.

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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.

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

A Study of the Average American Home

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

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

Unusual Infestations

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

Don’t Suffer From Pests Without Help

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

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

Looking to the Past

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

New Diseases Are Still Emerging

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

Pest Control Is Important

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

Keep Your Family Happy and Healthy

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

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

Raccoons and Squirrels

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

Stink Bugs, Yellow Jackets and Ladybugs

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

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

Protect Your Chimney This Fall

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

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