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.

Summer is quickly approaching as the weather grows warmer and the sun sets later. Naturally, you want to be outside soaking up the sun and breathing in the fresh air. However, there are two things you should be wary of – tick and mosquito bites.

As you go on nature hikes, picnic with your friends and family, or simply sit in your backyard sipping on some fresh squeezed lemonade, you run the risk of getting these pesky and potentially dangerous bites.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent tick and mosquito bites. You can prevent them naturally or with certified bug repellants. By the end of this article, you’ll know the risks and dangers of being bitten, how to treat them, and how to prevent them from happening in the first place.

Risks of Tick Bites in Pasadena

Maryland is full of beautiful forests and hiking trails. With gorgeous scenery comes the danger of tick bites, though. Typically found in the woods living in trees, ticks are very common in Pasadena during summer.

Ticks, while tiny, pose a great threat of life-threatening and altering diseases. In the northeastern states, deer ticks tend to carry Lyme disease, an autoimmune disease that can change your life forever in unfavorable ways.

When you have a tick bite, you’ll notice that the tick is actually attached to your skin. They will bite through and burrow their heads in order to drink your blood. This is how the diseases are transferred.

Don’t fret if you see a tick on your skin, though. It’s fairly simple to remove.

Removing Ticks

If you notice a black round thing with little legs sticking out of your skin, it’s most likely a tick. They’re easy to remove, but you do have to make sure to remove the whole tick from your skin.

First, wash the area with soap and warm water. Then take some tweezers and pinch the tick’s head. Pull gently, and it will release your skin. Be careful not to twist or rock it because it could detach and leave some behind.

Once removed, sanitize the area with alcohol. If you’re having trouble removing the tick, pour alcohol over it. This can help ease their grip.

Prevent Tick Bites

Now that you’re aware of what ticks are, the dangers they pose, and how to remove them, it’s time to talk about how to prevent them from latching onto your skin. You can do a few things to ensure you’re careful not to attract ticks to your body.

Wear the Right Clothing

When you’re out for a hike or jog in the woods around Pasadena, try to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. It might be uncomfortable during the warmer months, but it is essential to preventing tick bites.

Cover the parts of your body that ticks are most attracted to. These include the head and underarms.

You can also wear tight clothing to prevent tick bites. This makes it more difficult for the ticks to access your skin.

Watch Where You Walk

When you’re venturing out in the woods, try to stay in the middle of the paths. Keep away from the trees and tall grasses where ticks like to hide out.

Also, be conscious of what you touch and lean against. A tick could easily latch onto your clothing and crawl right to an exposed part of your skin.

Use Tick Repellant

You can find tick repellant sprays on the market to chemically prevent the little critters from attaching to your skin. We recommend finding a repellant with at least 20% DEET, the chemical that actually repels the ticks.

Check for Ticks

While this isn’t necessarily a prevention tip, it’s still a very important one. After being in a wooded area, check your body for ticks.

Run your fingers along your scalp to check for them in your hair. Do a complete body check, too. This includes the neck, underarms, groin, and behind the ears. It’s also a good idea to take a shower.

Remember to check your pets as well. Ticks love to latch on to your furry friend. Once they’re finished with your dog or cat, they could move on to you in your own home.

Risks of Mosquito Bites

You’ve probably had your fair share of mosquito bites in your lifetime. These bites become itchy and swollen and are definitely a nuisance during the summer months.

However, these bites aren’t just annoying; they can also be dangerous. Mosquitoes, just like ticks, carry viruses and transmit them when they bite. The most common viruses are Zika, West Nile, and Dengue.

Almost anyone is at risk of getting a mosquito bite, especially during the summer or in tropical climates. The best way to avoid these nasty little bites is through prevention methods.

Treating Mosquito Bites

Having a bunch of mosquito bites can genuinely be unbearable. The constant itching and scratching can cause bleeding and, eventually scars. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to ease the irritation.

First, wash the area with soap and water. Place an icepack on the bites for about ten minutes. You can do this as often as you’d like.

Another treatment method is baking soda and water. Mix the two and place it on the bites. This should take away some of the itchiness.

Lastly, you can use antihistamine creams or bug bite topicals to ease the need to scratch.

Prevent Mosquito Bites

Avoid the constant itching sensation and prevent it altogether with these effective tips.

Get Rid of the Source

The first thing you should do is get rid of whatever attracts mosquitoes to your area. Mosquitoes love water, and they only need about half an inch to be attracted to it.

If you notice settling water on your property, in your garage, or in your home during the summer, get rid of it as soon as possible. When you get rid of the source, you get rid of the mosquitoes.

Use Screen Doors and Windows

Who doesn’t love the breeze of fresh air in your home? If you don’t have screens on your windows or doors, though, you are inviting mosquitoes into your home.

Simply install these screens, and you’ll have a mosquito-free home when you leave your doors and windows open for the fresh air.

Use Mosquito Repellent

You can use store brand mosquito repellent that is approved by the EPA or organic home remedies. If you choose the spray from the store, make sure DEET is an active ingredient.

One home remedy you can use is lemon eucalyptus oil. Rub this on your wrists, ankles, and neck, and mosquitoes won’t dare come your way.

When sitting outside in the evening, you can also light citronella candles to repel them from the area. The smoke and scent will deter them from coming towards you.

Get a Professional Opinion

Bugs and critters are definitely not one of the most fun things to deal with during the summer. Luckily, you don’t have to deal with them. Leave it to the professionals, Brody Brothers Pest Control.

As Pasadena’s leading pest exterminators, we are happy to help you get rid of any bug, pest or rodent infestation that may be taking over your home or property.

Give us a call today and see how we can help you get rid of unwanted (and potentially harmful) pests.

The post The Secret to Preventing Tick and Mosquito Bites This Summer 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.

Spring is here in Baltimore and many of us, including our pets, want to spend time outside. Whether it’s in your backyard or on a hike in the woods, people are concerned about ticks.

Unfortunately, it’s tough to get away from ticks entirely if you are spending time outdoors. They hide in grass, leaf piles that can gather around your home, shrubs, and trees.

At the approximate size of a sesame seed, you might ask yourself are ticks dangerous? We’re showing you the potential dangers and why you need to keep yourself (and your pets) protected.

Why Are Ticks Dangerous?

At a very basic level, a tick is an external parasite. It feeds on the blood of animals and humans. They find their host by their sense of smell and they cannot jump or fly, so they wait for a host to come close so they can latch on with their arms. The tick burrows into the skin of people or animals to draw blood. It leaves its head under the skin with the back parts sticking out.

As if biting and burrowing into the skin isn’t bad enough, they can carry an array of infectious diseases. Tick-borne illnesses can make both people and pets quite sick.

Are Ticks Dangerous for Humans?

According to the Maryland Health Department, symptoms of tick-borne illnesses in humans include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Rash
• Muscle and joint pain
• Stiffness and swelling

Lyme disease is perhaps the most well-known tick-borne illness. In 2019, there were 1,194 confirmed cases in Maryland and 697 probable cases.

Other tick-borne illnesses in humans include:

• Alpha-gal Allergy​
• Babesiosis
• Ehr​lichiosis and Anaplasmosis
• Powassan Virus​
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
• Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI)
• Tularemia​​

Furthermore, although rare, ticks can cause paralysis in people — especially children. This happens through toxins in the tick’s saliva.

Are Ticks Dangerous for Dogs?

Tick prevention is important for our furry friends all times of the year. Since adult ticks are active all year long and they are not killed by freezing temperatures, they can latch onto dogs whenever they go outside.

But are ticks dangerous for dogs? They can be, and here is why.

Just like ticks do with humans, they will latch onto your dog’s skin and feed on their blood. Some species attach will immediately latch on while others will look for thinner areas of the skin such as the ears. You might find red and irritated areas where the tick feeds.

While this irritation is uncomfortable, the key consideration is the transfer of infectious diseases. Dogs can also catch Lyme disease from ticks.

Beyond infectious diseases, some female ticks from specific species can cause paralysis in dogs. While this is rare, it’s caused by a toxin that is produced by the tick when it feeds. Symptoms from this that you will find with your dog include change or loss of voice, lack of coordination in the back legs, coughing, gagging, and changes in breathing.

Although frightening, most dogs will recover within 24 hours once the tick is located and removed. Additional treatment by a veterinarian may be necessary. There is no vaccine to prevent this tick toxin.

Are Ticks Dangerous for Cats?

In addition to dogs, cats can also attract ticks. Since cats groom themselves, they may only have one or two ticks at a time on them.

However, the dangers for ticks on cats is the same as humans and dogs. They spread infectious diseases including Lyme disease. Another disease that cats can catch from ticks is called Q Fever.

If a cat contracts Q Fever from ticks, they might show symptoms such as high fever, anorexia, depression, miscarriages, and sometimes seizures.

Please note that you should never apply preventative dog flea and tick formulas to cats. This can be very dangerous to the cat and result in seizures.

What Types of Ticks Are in Maryland?

Generally, there are two variations of ticks: hard ticks and soft ticks.

• Hard ticks have a hard outer shell which are the types found on dogs and cats. When a hard tick is unfed, it looks like a flat seed.
• Soft ticks typically feed on bats and birds. They are shaped like a raisin and do not have a hard shell.

The types of ticks that you will commonly find throughout Maryland and Baltimore are American dog ticks and deer ticks, coming from the hard ticks category.

American Dog Ticks are a chestnut color with white or brown streaks on its back. They are found all year long, but they are the most active during the spring.

Deer Ticks, also known as a black-legged tick, are a reddish-brown color with a black shield-like shape on its upper body. These ticks are the most common carrier of Lyme disease.

What to Do if You Find a Tick on You

If you find a tick on you or a pet, it’s important to remove it immediately to lessen the risk of contracting diseases.

According to the CDC, you should remove a tick by:

1. Taking a pair of small tweezers and grasping the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
2. Pulling upward with a steady and even movement. Do not twist or jerk the tick because pieces of the mouth may break off in the skin. If this happens, you can try to remove the mouth with your tweezers. If that’s not possible, leave it alone and allow the skin to heal.
3. When the tick is removed, clean the skin thoroughly with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
4. Do not crush the tick with your fingers. When it is out of your skin, put it in a container of rubbing alcohol or flush it down the toilet.

Below is the graphic demonstrating how to remove a tick with tweezers.

Image source: CDC

If you find a tick on your dog or cat, the steps are initially the same as you make sure your pet’s fur is out of the way. Make sure that you use fine-tip tweezers to get a close grip on the tick. If necessary, have a friend hold a magnifying glass so you can see better.

Protect Your Home from Ticks with Pest Control in Baltimore

Brody Brothers Pest Control provides free estimates to rid your yard of ticks. Our multi-step process uses key timing and product placement to stop ticks in their tracks in every stage, from larva to adult.

When you need pest control for ticks in your home throughout Baltimore and Montgomery County, contact us today for a free quote.

The post Are Ticks Dangerous to You & Your Pets? appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.

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

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

Ants

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

Spiders

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

Flies

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

Stink Bugs

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

Crickets

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

Bees and Wasps

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

Mosquitoes

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

Beetles

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

Termites

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

Cockroaches

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

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

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

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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).

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

One of the primary concerns every outdoors-loving Maryland resident has during the warm months is ticks. Beyond the 1,867 reported cases of Lyme disease in Maryland in 2016, there are many other diseases that ticks can carry and transmit to humans and furry friends.

The Most Common Ticks in Maryland

• American Dog Ticks: These ticks can lead to Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia and tick paralysis. Adults are most active from April-early August, and they are typically found in places with little to no tree cover.
• Black-Legged Ticks or Deer Ticks:These ticks are prevalent in areas where white-tailed deer dwell, including deciduous forests throughout the state. Deer ticks are well known for being the primary transmitter of Lyme disease in the state of Maryland, in addition to anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Powassan disease. Adult deer ticks are active all year long, but nymphs and larvae are typically found from May-August and July-September respectively.
• Brown Dog Ticks:These ticks prefer feeding on dogs, but can occasionally be found in homes. Dog ticks are active all year long in larvae, nymph and adult stages. These pests can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever, canine ehrlichiosis and canine babesiosis.
• Lone Star Ticks: Lone Star ticks are associated with an allergy to red meat, in addition to Southern tick-associated rash illness, tularemia and human ehrlichiosis. Adults are active from April-late August. Lone Star ticks are most commonly found in woodlands with dense undergrowth and near animal resting areas.
• Gulf Coast Ticks:These ticks are not very common in Maryland, but they have been discovered in grassy prairie areas and coastal uplands the past few years. Gulf Coast ticks can carry Rickettsia parkeri spotted fever.

How Should You Remove a Tick?

If you do find a tick on yourself, someone else or your pet, you shouldn’t panic, but you should remove it as quickly as possible. The safest and most effective way to remove a tick is using a pair of sharp tweezers. Firmly grasp the tick near the skin and pull the body away from the skin with a smooth, steady motion. Clean the area with soap and warm water and disinfect the area with rubbing alcohol. If you are concerned or having difficulty removing the tick, you can visit the doctor, an urgent care facility or the vet.

Protect Your Family from Maryland Ticks

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. If your looking for tick control services in Maryland contact us online or give us a call at (410) 653-2121 (Baltimore region) or (301) 637-0178 (Montgomery County).

The post All About Maryland Ticks appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.

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).

The post What Would a World Without Pest Control Look Like? appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.