You’ve probably noticed that you don’t see too many insects flying or crawling around during the winter. We don’t often think about where these little critters scurry off to as we’re just glad that they’re gone and not infesting our homes.

Unique Ways That Insects Survive Winter

However, it’s good to be curious! In this article, we’re going to discuss how insects survive the winter. Different species have adapted so well that they have incredibly clever ways to live through the cold months and fly around again in the spring and summer.

So, let’s dive into what happens to insects during the winter.

Do All Insects Die During the Winter?

If you aren’t aware of the unique methods insects use to survive the cold months, you may assume that they just all die out.

If you’re someone who gets squeamish around bugs, this would be the best news ever, right?

Unfortunately, this isn’t what happens. Millions of insects survive the winter. However, there are hundreds of thousands that do not survive. The winter is truly a test for the survival of the fittest for these insect species.

When an insect does die, they usually leave eggs or larvae behind. Therefore, they have created an entirely new generation to come out during the spring.

So, now that we’re clear that insects can survive the winter let’s dive into what they do to make it possible.

Migration

You see geese fly in a V-shape formation to fly down south to warmer weather as the temperature starts to drop. This is known as migration, and some insects do it as well.

The most famous insect to migrate during the winter is the monarch butterfly. They will travel all the way to Mexico from the northeast United States to get to warmer weather.

When winter starts to end, they then fly back to the United States and make a home for themselves again. Unfortunately, many of the butterflies that migrated down to Mexico don’t make it back to the US. However, the next generation of butterflies carries on the journey.

Diapause

Some insects go into diapause, which is a physiological state of dormancy. As they notice and feel the weather become colder and the days get shorter, their bodies go into this state automatically. It can also happen at any stage of the insect’s life.

During diapause, the insect’s metabolism slows down, and sometimes their development actually pauses. In some insects, they can even decrease their freezing point in order to survive.

While diapause sounds very similar to hibernation, it’s very different. As we mentioned above, this state of being is brought on by environmental changes. When the body notices these changes, diapause will set in.

Hibernation

You’ve heard of bears hibernating for the winter, but did you know that many insects do it too? They will find a warm spot to hibernate for the winter, such as underground, under a rock, between a tree’s bark, and even between cracks in your home.

There are actually two types of hibernation certain insects use to survive the winter.

1. Traditional Hibernation

With traditional hibernation, insects will eat as much as they can and fatten their bodies. During hibernation, their metabolism slows down to help them survive the winter. They also flood their bodies with glycerol, which acts as an antifreeze to keep their bodies from freezing.

2. Dry Hibernation

A dry hibernation is almost the opposite of traditional hibernation. Instead of eating as much food as they can and gaining mass, these insects will try to get rid of the food and liquids from their bodies.

Doing this also prevents them from freezing. This is because water needs these particles to turn into ice. So, without these particles, water has an even lower freezing point, and insects are less likely to freeze to death.

Find a Warm Space

Some insects don’t do any of the above and simply find a warm space within your home. You’ll start noticing these bugs during the autumn months inside your home. The most common include cockroaches, ladybugs, spiders, and stink bugs.

If you catch them early enough, you won’t have to deal with them throughout the winter.

Do Freezing Temperatures Affect How Many Bugs Appear in the Spring?

You may be wondering if the winter months influence how many bugs come out during the spring. If so, many bugs die during the winter, there won’t be as many in the spring, right?

While this sounds like it would be right, you’re missing one little detail. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of bugs, are still in their development stages during the winter. Eggs, pupa, and larvae are still hidden and growing in these winter months.

So, even though the mature insects may not survive the winter, there will always be more as the eggs develop and go through the life stages of each insect.

Just think about the cicadas that live underground for 17 years! They grow and grow, and then one year, they finally emerge and wreak havoc during the summer months.

Dealing with a Winter Infestation? Call Brody Brothers Pest Control

It isn’t uncommon to find an insect infestation in your home during the winter months. If the insect doesn’t hibernate, go into diapause, or migrate, then they will search for a warm place to stay until the weather warms up again. Your house is the perfect place for that.

If you notice an infestation in your home, don’t hesitate to call Brody Brothers Pest Control. As the area’s leading pest control company, we will take care of your infestation safely and effectively.

Our trained and highly professional team members will treat your home as if it were our own. With our innovative methods and powerful tools, your infestation will be cleared up in no time!

Are you tired of seeing critters scurrying through your home? Call us to schedule a consultation to discuss how Brody Brothers can solve your pest problem.

The post How Do Insects Survive the Winter appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.

There are 27 different snake species that live in Maryland, but two of them are significantly more venomous than the others. There’s little to fear, though. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only five of the 7,000 to 8,000 people who are bitten by venomous snakes in the US die.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent a snake bite or ever encountering one of the venomous snakes in Annapolis. In this article, we’re sharing essential information about these snakes, how to identify them and how to protect yourself and loved ones.

The Most Venomous Snakes in Annapolis

There are two very venomous snakes in Annapolis: the copperhead and timber rattlesnake. They are both pit vipers and come from the crotalinae subfamily.

If you are bitten by one of these snakes, the venom could show adverse effects that need immediate medical attention.

This venom isn’t all bad, though. Some studies have shown that the venom from copperheads and timber rattlesnakes has medical benefits. For example, copperhead venom has shown that it attacks breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.

Identifying Venomous Snakes

Luckily for us, there are some telling physical signs that a snake could be dangerously venomous. It’s important to learn how to identify nonvenomous from venomous snakes, especially when it comes to protecting ourselves from them.

The two critical characteristics to look for to identify a venomous snake in Annapolis are a triangular head that bulges on the sides and elliptical pupils. Do not approach snakes with these qualities as they could be dangerous.

What to Do if You See a Snake

There are two types of people when it comes to snakes. The first freeze in fear at the sight of one. The second type is curious and wants to get closer and even touch the snake. If you see a snake in the woods or your backyard, leave it alone.

Do not pick the snake up and try to move it – even if you have a long stick or a rake. They will move along eventually.

Most bites happen when people try to get a closer look or move the snake because it feels threatened and scared. Simply leave it alone and admire it from afar.

How to Handle a Snake Bite

Now, if you follow the tips in this article, hopefully, you’ll never have to handle a snake bite. But, just in case, we’re going to share with you exactly what to do and what not to do in this situation.

Do Not

• Pack the bite with ice
• Suck the venom out
• Cut around the bite
• Apply a tourniquet

Do

• Stay calm
• Get to an emergency room or call 911
• Let professionals take care of it

Protecting Yourself from Snakes While Hiking or Camping

During the summer months, many people come to Annapolis to hike and camp around our beautiful state. Of course, one of the risks of being out in nature and in a snake’s habitat is seeing them.

There are a few ways to protect yourself from snake bites and reduce the chance of coming in contact with one.

The first thing you should do is consider your clothing. If you’re hiking through tall grass, wear long pants and heavy boots. Make sure to stay on hiking trails with foot traffic, as snakes will likely stay away.

Avoid touching or digging through piles of rocks or wood. Snakes often hide in these piles, thanks to the cool temperature and darkness.

If you’re camping in the woods, be conscious of where you place your sleeping bag or where you sit. Stay away from rock and woodpiles and check the area before setting up your tent.

Keeping Snakes Away from Your Home

Snakes aren’t only found in the woods. They can be right in your backyard too!

The best way to protect yourself from snakes in your yard is to prevent them from being there in the first place.

Make sure to keep your grass cut short so you can see if a snake is slithering through your yard. Also, don’t overwater your lawn. Snakes are attracted to moisture, and this is an open invitation for all the snakes in Annapolis to come and join.

Don’t pile rocks or wood near the house as snakes like to crawl inside of them and stay. Instead, move them away from the house and along the perimeter of your yard.

Lastly, eliminate rodents and pests from your home or property. Since snakes feast on mice, rats, and other pests, these will attract venomous snakes in Annapolis to your property and possibly into your home.

If you do happen to have some snakes on your property, make sure to protect yourself while out in the yard. This includes wearing heavy-duty gloves while gardening or doing any type of yard work where your hands are on or near the ground. This will protect you from a surprised snake going in for a bite.

Annapolis’s Number One Solution to Preventing Snakes

Brody Brothers Pest Control is here to help you prevent snakes from coming onto your property. As the leading Annapolis pest exterminator, we get right to the source to keep venomous snakes away from your home.

We will come and exterminate any type of rodent or pest you may have scurrying around your property. These mice and rats are just calling for snakes to come in and enjoy their next meal. These unwanted dinner guests will stay away from your home when we get rid of these critters once and for all.

With state-of-the-art technology and methods, we will remove unwelcomed pests quickly and effectively. As a result, your home and property will be snake-free.

Contact us to learn more about our extermination services and how we can help protect you from venomous snakes in Annapolis today!

The post How to Protect Yourself From Venomous Snakes in Annapolis appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.

You may not think there’s a difference; an ant is just an ant, right? Wrong!

Some ants are only found outside, while others are only found indoors. Plus, there are different methods on how to get rid of them.

By the end of this article, you’ll know how to deal with both indoor and outdoor ants and how to prevent them from infesting your property in the future.

The Only Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Ants

There is only one significant difference between indoor and outdoor ants – location.

While some ants may prefer to be in your home while others enjoy the outdoors, they’re essentially the same. However, the location of your ants will determine how you get rid of them.

If your ants are inside the house, you’ll want to use safe chemicals and sprays, especially if you have children and pets around. For outdoor ants, you can use harsher chemicals.

Prevention methods also vary depending on whether you’ve seen them indoors or outdoors.

There really isn’t a difference between indoor and outdoor ants, though. The only difference is the location and how to get rid of them.

Types of Ants

There are over 12,000 different types of ants in the world. That’s quite a lot of species to be on the lookout for. It’s important to identify which type of ant you’re dealing with when you notice an infestation in your house or on your property. This will help you decide how to handle them.

Fortunately, there are only about five different ant species you need to look for in Pasadena and the Greater Baltimore area.

Acrobat Ants

The acrobat ant is known to scurry around kitchens and live in small spaces like cracks in the walls, floors, and counters. When threatened, they will sting you.

You can identify this type of ant by their heart-shaped light brown bodies.

Odorous House Ants

If you think stinkbugs are a problem, just wait until you come in contact with an odorous house ant colony. When smushed, they release a foul odor comparable to rotten coconuts.

This species particularly enjoys sugary foods and likes to live in piles of firewood.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are red and black colored and have wings to fly. They usually create their nests in moist wood. So, if you have a pile of wood lying around or leaks in the house, you can expect a colony of carpenter ants to arrive fairly quickly.

Pavement Ants

Pavement ants are tiny in size compared to other species. As their name implies, they prefer to live in pavement cracks. Their colors range from light brown to black and can be particularly pesky.

Thief Ants

These ants are some of the tiniest ants in the world. You may not notice them in your home for weeks; they’re that tiny. However, they do have a habit of contaminating your food. This is particularly dangerous because they feed on dead rodents, which carry harmful diseases.

Prevent Indoor Ant Infestations

Nobody wants to deal with an indoor ant infestation, so it’s essential to take precautions to prevent them from entering your home. There are quite a few easy ways you can do this. The primary prevention tip to take away from this article is to simply keep your home clean.

Don’t Leave Food Out

Ants love to munch on your leftover food sitting on the counters or crumbs left on the floor. One of the most critical prevention tips is to make sure food is sealed in containers and cleaned up if spilled.

The less food left out, the lower the risk of attracting ants into your home.

Seal Cracks and Openings

We’ve already determined that ants like to build their nests in tight spaces like cracks. To keep indoor ants from infesting your home, seal cracks in the floor, windows, and doorways. This can be done with caulking materials.

Use Garbage Cans with Lids

Garbage cans with lids will also prevent ants from entering your home. Since they can’t reach the food and moisture inside, they’ll be deterred and find food elsewhere.

A closed garbage can goes for both indoor and outdoor ant prevention. All trash cans that may have food in them should be sealed shut.

Prevent Outdoor Ant Infestations

An outdoor ant infestation may not be as noticeable as an indoor one, but you’ll still want to take preventative measures. If ants start gathering and colonizing close to your Pasadena home outdoors, it’s only a matter of time until they’re inside.

Here are some practical prevention tips to keep outdoor ants from infesting your yard.

Trim Back Trees and Bushes

If there’s a tree with branches near a window of your house, you’ll want to trim it back a bit. Ants can easily crawl from the tree to the window and through any cracks.

The same goes for bushes. Keep them away from your home, and you shouldn’t have issues.

Get Rid of Leaf Piles

Another fact we’ve established about ants is that they like to colonize in moist places. If you have a pile of leaves raked up and sitting in your yard, it’s an invitation for ants to come and make it home.

After raking those autumn leaves, make sure to dispose of them quickly and adequately.

Grow Ant Repelling Plants

Nature is a beautiful thing. There are a handful of plants that actually repel ants. These plants include peppermint, spearmint, sage, and catnip.

Simply grow them along your property and feel better knowing ants aren’t likely to infest your yard.

Managing Indoor Ant Infestations

If your prevention tips don’t work as expected and you have an indoor ant infestation, you can still do some things to get rid of them.

First, you’ll want to prepare your home. This means putting away any food that may have been left out, cleaning the areas thoroughly, and getting rid of anything else that may attract ants.

Next, you’ll have to decide which extermination method is suitable for your situation. You can use ant sprays, baits, or simply vacuuming them up with some cornstarch.

It’s important to do your research about the products you want to use. Avoid using sprays and harsh chemicals near sinks, cabinets, and other places where you place food.

Managing Outdoor Ant Infestations

Just like with indoor ants, you should prepare your yard to get rid of outdoor ants. This means getting rid of things that attract ants, such as woodpiles, leaf piles, and anywhere that collects moisture.

With an outdoor ant infestation, you can use harsher chemicals and sprays to eliminate the ants. Extermination sprays and repellents are widely available. Ant baits also work well to get rid of an outdoor ant problem.

An important note to mention when managing ant infestations is to find the colony. If you simply get rid of the ants you see, more and more may come. You have to go right to the source to fully solve your problem.

Don’t Get Antsy, Call Brody Brothers Pest Control

Some ant infestations call for a professional exterminator to come in and take care of the problem. Brody Brothers Pest Control is Pasadena’s leading pest control service.

We take pride in the safety and effectiveness of our extermination treatments. You’ll have an ant-free home in almost no time at all when you let us handle the situation.

Call us for a free estimate today!

The post The Major Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Ant Infestations 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.

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Mice are rodents known for their small appearance, their ability to frighten people, and spreading harmful diseases.

Depending on where you are in North America, you may encounter a different mouse species that you might not be familiar with. Many mice species have altered appearances and abilities based on the environment they live in so that they can survive, just like many other animals.

Discover the common mouse species in North America, and learn about their different habitats, appearances, diets, and more important information.

1. Deer Mouse

Peromyscus maniculatus are commonly referred to as deer mice, and they’re one of the most prevalent rodent species found all over the continent. You can identify deer mice by their brown back and white belly. Deer mice also have large eyes and ears. Like many mice, they’re fairly small—they usually reach approximately five to eight inches in length, which includes their tail. A deer mice’s diet consists of seeds, grains, berries, nuts, spiders, and caterpillars. Some diseases deer mice carry include Hantavirus and Lyme disease bacteria. Cats, snakes, foxes, and birds of prey are all threats to deer mice.

2. House Mouse

Another widely common mouse species found everywhere in the U.S. are house mice. You can easily identify a house mouse by its dark grey fur and it’s much smaller appearance compared to deer mice. A house mouse will consume seeds, crumbs, and anything you leave on your table, which is why its vital that you clean up after yourself to keep them away. House mice are known to contaminate food in addition to spreading fleas, lice, mites, and ticks throughout your home. Like deer mice, house mice must also worry about snakes, cats, foxes, and birds of prey.

3. Western Harvest Mouse

The reithrodontomys megalotis, otherwise known as the western harvest mouse, is commonly found on the western side of the United States and in central Mexico. A western harvest mouse resides in open areas like marshes, meadows, and grasslands. This mouse species can also exist in deserts, dunes, and shrublands. A western harvest mouse sports gray and brownish fur with a white and gray belly. Western harvest mice also have much longer tails, which can get as long as their body. This mouse species is just slightly smaller in size than deer mice, and it ranges from four to six inches in length. Western harvest mice have natural predators such as snakes, owls, hawks, scorpions, and coyotes.

4. White-Footed Mouse

Peromyscus leucopus, also known as white-footed mice or field mice live mostly around the eastern United States, up in Nova Scotia, Canada, and in eastern and southern Mexico. However, the white-footed mouse doesn’t live south of Virginia on the east coast or west of the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Madre. Not unlike many mice species, a white-footed mouse has a brownish to reddish back fur, a white stomach, and they have white feet, hence their namesake. The white-footed mouse can be as small as five inches long to as big as eight. A white-footed mouse will consume insets, leaves, nuts, fruit, flowers, grains, and more to survive. White-footed mice fear the same types of predators most other species do, which includes various birds, snakes, and foxes, but they must also deal with weasels.

5. Cotton Mouse

Peromyscus gossypinus, also called cotton mice, scurry around the southeastern part of the United States in habitats such as swamplands, dunes, forests, and grasslands. A cotton mouse’s appearance consists of dark brown fur and a short tail, which differs from most mice species. A cotton mouse size is similar to a white-footed mouse; it’ll grow around five to eight inches. Cotton mice also eat the same foods as others such as insects, fungus, seeds, and fruit. They face the same predators as other mice species, but cotton mice must also contend with bobcats and striped skunks.

6. Cactus Mouse

The cactus mouse, or the peromyscus eremicus, lives in desert environments with cliffs and rocky foothills found in the western part of the United States. A cactus mouse’s fur can range from dark to light with gray, black, and even yellowish colors. Cactus mice are omnivores, which means they feast on all different kinds of plants and animals. Given their limited food selection in their environment, they will usually resort to seeds, and they can survive without a lot of water when temperatures rise. The desert comes with unique predators, such as rattlesnakes, owls, and foxes, they have to avoid.

7. California Mouse

Peromyscus californicus earns its common name, California mouse, because you can find them across the golden state. California mice are quite large for mice species in North America, and they fluctuate in size from eight to 11 inches in length. You can identify a California mouse by its multiple fur colors like gray, yellow brown, and it’s common white belly and feet. California mice are herbivores, frugivores, and granivores, so their diet mostly consists of nuts, fruits, plants, and animal parts.

8. Woodland Jumping Mouse

The final mouse species in North America lives around the northeastern portion of the continent, and it’s known as the woodland jumping mouse (napaeozapus insignis). The woodland jumping mouse may be the most strange-looking mouse species on this list with its fur composed of yellow, orange, and black hairs. Woodland jumping mice are omnivores, and they have to worry about a wide range of predators from cats to wolves. Woodland jumping mice get their name from their ability to jump away from these predators, but one can always jump on a human.

The two mice species you must worry about in the Baltimore area are deer and house mice. These two types mice will enter your home more often than any other mice species, and they can potentially cause infestations, damage, and will spread diseases. Since winter and the colder weather is beginning to take shape, these mice will seek shelter in your home. Many people tend to deal with mice by setting up mousetraps, but this tactic is not effective. Instead, contact Brody Brothers for professional pest control services. We can perform a proper inspection and keep mice away year-round with our proven methods.

The post 8 Common Mouse Species in the U.S. appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.

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

A Study of the Average American Home

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

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

Unusual Infestations

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

Don’t Suffer From Pests Without Help

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

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

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.

In Maryland, poisonous snakes are rarely near or inside of residences. However, these pests can be spotted on hiking trails and in parks around the state. While your initial reaction might be to panic if you come across one on your property, you should call pest control immediately and leave the snake alone.

Some of these species are endangered and should not be harmed on sight. Once we arrive at your property, we can ensure that your house is properly sealed and snakes are not getting inside. Our pest control professionals can also give advice on habit modification to keep snakes away. If you spot a snake on a hike or in the woods, you should simply leave it alone!

An Uptick in Snakebites

Whenever people (especially children) cross paths with snakes, one of the most feared creatures in the area, bad things can happen. In the summer of 2017, snakebite numbers were up from previous years, and some of the snakes were poisonous.

Copperhead snakes often make headlines for biting local hikers and beachgoers. These snakes are common in the greater Baltimore area and Calvert County. Many people kill copperheads on sight, but these snakes are essential predators for mice. It’s easy to think that venomous snakes are all bad because the bites can harm humans, but copperheads are an integral part of our ecosystem.

What to Do If You’re Bitten

If you are bitten by any snake, poisonous or not, you should first remain calm. Wash the area as soon as you can and call a poison control center for more guidance. The majority of snakebites are completely harmless, but venomous snakes will leave bites that result in pain, swelling and a severe reaction.

Avoiding Snakebites

Are you spending time in the great outdoors this summer?

• If you’re hiking, stay on the trail and don’t walk through areas of brush or high grass
• Hike with a walking stick to jostle the area around you and warn snakes you’re coming
• Always keep your distance if you encounter a snake
• Wear thick gloves when gardening
• If you need to reach into a place outdoors that you can’t see, like a bush, rustle the plant beforehand

Watch Out for Endangered Snakes

Only a couple of years ago, campers in the Green Ridge State Forest in Western Maryland made headlines for killing and grilling an endangered timber rattlesnake. Because the snake is endangered, it is a crime to kill it. If you encounter a timber rattlesnake in the wild, you should not bother it or attempt to harm it. While the bite could hurt you, staying far away will prevent you from a bite and allow the snake to engage in rodent control.

Keep Your Home Pest-Free this Summer

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. Schedule a property inspection with Brody Brothers Quality Pest Control. Give us a call at 410-653-2121 .

The post Watch Out for Poisonous Snakes This Summer appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.

Over the course of seven months last year in Maryland, over 112 animals were diagnosed with rabies, including raccoons, bats, foxes, and groundhogs. Anne Arundel County has launched a new project aimed at tackling the high number of rabies cases in the county using the Raccoon Oral Rabies Vaccination (ORV). The baits are designed to vaccinate raccoons when they bite into the packet containing the vaccine and prevent the spread of rabies throughout the area.

The Dangers of Rabies

Rabies is a huge health risk to both humans and pets. Rabid animals infected with the rabies virus can come into contact with pets or people and, through a bite, transmit the rabies virus. Pets can be vaccinated against rabies, but people are typically not until there is a reason to believe they have been exposed. Whenever a human has been exposed, they need to undergo an expensive and painful series of shots to protect them from the ill effects of the virus.

The Rabies Virus Baits

The baits contain a liquid form of the rabies vaccine and have been distributed by Department of Health staff in neighborhoods throughout Anne Arundel County. They were also dropped from a low-flying helicopter in less-populated and wooded areas. The packets are small and designed to vaccinate raccoons whenever they are bitten.

The Rabies Vaccine for Animals

This fast-acting rabies vaccine cannot cause rabies and is not harmful to any animals, including raccoons and pets. The vaccine packets and bait are a low health risk to humans as well, although you should avoid handling them if you see them in public. If you are out on a walk with your pet and they find bait, carefully remove it from the mouth. If you are particularly concerned, you can give your pet’s vet a call.

Schedule Pest Control in the Baltimore Area with Brody Brothers

At Brody Brothers, we work with hundreds of property owners every year to keep properties safe and free from harmful insects, animals, and pests. We can treat any problems and maintain your property to minimize risks. Schedule a property inspection with us now!

Are you an existing customer? Don’t be shy the next time your Brody Brothers technician is servicing your property! Ask us how you can work to reduce wildlife around your property.

To schedule your pest control services in the Baltimore area, give us a call at 410-653-2121 !

The post Anne Arundel County’s Solution to the Rabies Virus appeared first on Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore.

House sparrows are small, pretty birds that take up residence in and around commercial buildings and homes throughout North America. Despite their innocent appearance, they are anything but good for human health.

About the House Sparrow

The house sparrow was introduced to Central Park in New York City in 1850 by way of England. While the house sparrow is very beautiful to look at, this bird has displaced many other birds. House sparrows are very aggressive when defending their nesting places, which leaves fewer spots for songbirds. They are known carriers of over 29 diseases and ectoparasites, and their droppings deface buildings.

House sparrows only weigh one ounce, but they eat ¼ of their weight every day in grains, seeds, discarded food, and insects. They are most frequently found in cities during cold months, where they nest in buildings, vents, street signs, and awnings.

Keeping House Sparrows Out of Your Home

As with most pests, the best way to get house sparrows out of your home is preventing them from entering in the first place. Exclude any potential nesting spots from your structure and keep your eyes peeled for any nesting activity.

Are you worried about evicting baby birds and a nest? You don’t need to wait very long! House sparrows lay 5-6 eggs at a time that will hatch in only 10-17 days. After another 2 weeks, the baby birds will leave the nest. The best time to evict house sparrows is after babies leave the nest, as they can have up to 5 broods a year.

Protect Your Property from House Sparrows

To protect the songbirds on your property from house sparrows and prevent a flock from taking up residence in your yard, you should take the following steps:

• If you have nesting boxes in your yard and have had birds attacked in the past, relocate them to another area that is at least 100 yards away from any nests of house sparrows.
• Purchase or make a sparrow spooker. These are designed to protect bluebirds and tree swallows by hanging over nesting box lids to scare away house sparrows.
• Work with your pest control partner at Brody Brothers to determine how to best protect your birds. We have years of experience dealing with every type of pest, whether it has feathered wings or insect wings!

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