Living in an urban area has many positive aspects, from the walkability of many cities to the vast array of local cuisines and access to different cultures. However, there are a few downsides, most notably the possibility of encountering a pest problem.
Maryland boasts several beautiful cities, from Baltimore to Annapolis. However, pests, such as rodents, cockroaches, and bed bugs, can be a common occurrence in these areas due to the close proximity of their neighbors and the dense population.
Whether you live in an apartment or a townhouse, this guide will help you identify the ten most common pests you’re bound to encounter and provide strategies for prevention and elimination.
Most Common Urban Pests in Maryland
Certain types of pests are more common in urban areas of Maryland, and homeowners or renters in these areas may encounter these pests at some point. Some of the most common pests found in urban parts of Maryland include:
Rodents
Rodents are one of the most common types of urban pests found across the country, including Maryland. Unfortunately, places like Baltimore are notorious for rats, requiring city-wide contraceptives to help reduce rat populations in the city.
Rats and mice can be dangerous to humans, as they are known to carry diseases such as hantavirus, plague, and salmonellosis.
Rats and mice are often confused, but they differ in several ways, especially in appearance. Rats are typically larger than mice and have thick, hairless tails, whereas mice are smaller and have hairy tails.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are another household pest commonly found in urban areas of Maryland. It is estimated that over 63 percent of homes have cockroach allergens, an unsettling truth for homeowners everywhere. Like rodents, cockroaches can also be dangerous to humans, as they carry and spread bacteria and can even trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Ants
Ants are one of the most common pests in Maryland—so common that many homeowners don’t even think twice when they see one! However, ants can quickly infest homes, spreading disease and even damaging wooden furniture.
Some of the most common types of ants found in Maryland include big black carpenter ants, pavement ants, odorous house ants, and acrobat ants.
Termites
Termites are often mistaken for ants as they both have wings, but termites are far more destructive. Termites cost an estimated $5 billion in damages annually and homeowners have to spend $2 billion annually to prevent and fix any damage caused by termites in their homes.
Mosquitoes
Many people don’t consider mosquitoes a household pest, but they can become quite a nuisance during the summer months when people are spending more time outdoors. While most mosquito bites are harmless other than causing some itchiness, there is always a risk of contracting diseases like malaria, West Nile virus, and Zika.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are also commonly found in Maryland homes and can be a huge pain for many homeowners. Bed bugs are known to be expert travelers and can infest a home by hitching a ride on luggage, clothing, and used furniture. Once they infest a home, they often leave itchy red bumps on the people they bite and almost require a bed bug exterminator to eliminate.
Spiders
Spiders are good at hiding in the shadows, which is why many homeowners may not even know they’re there! Some of the most commonly found spiders in Maryland include wolf spiders, cellar spiders, jumping spiders, and cobweb spiders. While not necessarily dangerous, spiders can indicate a bigger pest infestation within your property.
Stink Bugs
Stink bugs are another type of pest commonly found in urban areas of Maryland. Despite their intimidating appearance and armor-shaped shells, stink bugs are typically harmless aside from the foul odor they emit when killed.
Silverfish
Like stink bugs, silverfish are another type of pest that looks creepier than it is. They can be identified by their striking silver color and many legs. Silverfish are usually found in bathrooms and basements. They don’t bite and are typically harmless to humans, but their presence may be a sign of leaking water in the home.
Fleas & Ticks
Fleas and ticks are other types of pests you may find in your Maryland home or apartment, but they are typically less common than other types of pests. Fleas and ticks can enter homes on the backs of pets that have spent time outdoors, or by latching onto humans after a day of hiking. This is why it is imperative to check you and your pet for fleas and ticks before coming inside after spending the day outdoors.
Signs of a Pest Infestation
When it comes to preventing a pest infestation from happening or getting worse, it is important to familiarize yourself with the signs to look out for. These include:
- Gnaw marks on furniture, walls, wires, and food packaging
- Pest droppings found in the home
- Strange or foul odors
- Rustling noises coming from inside the walls
- Rodent nests made of random materials
- Finding discarded insect wings
- Seeing live or dead pests
Of course, each different type of pest will leave its own signs of activity, so familiarizing yourself with these pests is important for future prevention.
How to Prevent Pest Infestations in Cities
Preventing pest infestations in cities can be difficult but not impossible! Here are few practical tips you can protect your urban property from a pest infestation:
- Regularly clean your home or apartment, including disinfecting surfaces and floors
- Remove garbage bags when they are full and ensure that garbage cans are taken to the curb regularly for pickup
- Properly seal and store all food and drinks in and around your home, including pantries and basements.
- Check for cracks and crevices in your home, including around the foundation and your windows.
- Keep windows and doors closed and add weatherstripping for added protection.
- Address any leaking pipes or faucets and remove any standing water with a dry vac immediately.
- Learn the signs of a pest infestation and act quickly to eliminate any problem.
If you are a property owner struggling with an ongoing pest infestation, call a qualified professional immediately. If you are a landlord or live in a shared space, it’s your responsibility to act quickly to eliminate pest problems before they affect your neighbors or other tenants.
FAQs
Why are pests more common in urban areas?
Pests are more common in urban areas due to the dense population of humans and the close proximity of buildings. This allows pests such as rodents and cockroaches to easily travel from one apartment to another, whereas this may be more difficult in suburban or rural areas where houses are more spread out.
How do I know if I have a pest infestation?
There are several telltale signs of a pest infestation to be aware of, including pest droppings, gnaw marks on food packages and wires, strange sounds coming from inside your walls, and seeing live or dead pests.