Maryland’s mild climate and four temperate seasons make it a great place to live or vacation. However, the same holds true for pests. Unfortunately, any homeowner is susceptible to pests of all kinds, whether they live near the coast, the city, or the country.
Dealing with a pest infestation can be frustrating and expansive for Maryland homeowners, not to mention the emotional toll that many pests can take. Not only are pests dirty and creepy-looking, but they can also spread disease.
Prevention is always the most efficient and least expensive option to avoid pests altogether. That’s why we developed our 12-step method to help Maryland homeowners bugproof their homes and avoid pests altogether.
Common Bugs and Insects in Maryland
Maryland homeowners frequently encounter a variety of pests, each presenting unique risks to their property and health. Some of the most common include:
- Cockroaches – These pests are notorious for spreading bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, contaminating food sources and triggering allergies and asthma, particularly in children.
- Spiders – While most spiders in Maryland are harmless, some, like the black widow and brown recluse, have venomous bites that can cause severe reactions. Their presence may also indicate an underlying insect infestation.
- Bed Bugs – These tiny, blood-feeding insects cause itchy, red welts and can be difficult to eliminate once they infest a home, requiring costly extermination efforts.
- Ants – While some ants, like pavement ants, are mostly a nuisance, carpenter ants can cause significant structural damage by burrowing into wood. Others, like fire ants, can deliver painful stings.
- Termites – These wood-destroying insects pose one of the greatest risks to homeowners, silently weakening a home’s structure and potentially leading to thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Although certain pests may be more active during specific seasons—such as mosquitoes in summer or rodents seeking warmth in winter—many pests remain a threat year-round. Factors like Maryland’s humid climate and changing temperatures allow pests to thrive indoors and outdoors throughout all seasons. Homeowners should take preventive measures to minimize the risk of infestations.
12 Steps to Bugproof Your House in Maryland
Bugproofing your house is a great way to prevent pests from infesting your space and also reduce your chances of a previous infestation returning. Follow out step-by-step instructions to totally bugproof your home and minimize your risk of pest exposure.
Step 1: Inspect Your Home for Entry Points
Bugs and other types of pests can sneak through even the smallest cracks and crevices in your home, so be on the lookout for possible entry points. Cracks in the foundation, gaps near windows and doors, and vents are all possible entry points for bugs to make their way into your house.
Step 2: Seal Cracks and Gaps in Walls and Foundations
You can seal cracks and gaps in your walls by applying store-bought caulk or sealant. However, for larger jobs, like cracks in your foundation, you should consult with a contractor to ensure the job is done right.
Step 3: Install or Repair Door Sweeps and Weather Stripping
Another great way to bugproof your house is to install door sweeps and weather stripping on doors and windows. These tiny pests can enter through the smallest gaps. Weather stripping can be purchased at most home improvement stores and is easily installed.
Step 4: Check and Seal Windows Properly
Open windows are one of the biggest entry points for pests, so checking to make sure your windows are all shut and sealed properly is a great way to bugproof your home. The same holds true for screen doors during the warmer months, which may have holes or small gaps between the frame and the door.
Step 5: Inspect and Protect Vents and Chimneys
Bugs often enter homes through vents and chimneys, so inspecting these parts of your house can help prevent pests from coming in. There are certain products you can purchase to protect your vents and chimney from pests.
Step 6: Repair or Replace Damaged Screens
Damaged screens make it easy for pests to enter a home, but repairing them isn’t as difficult as you may think! If you don’t think a damaged screen is worth salvaging, consider replacing it with a new one for your best chance of bugproofing your home.
Step 7: Seal Utility Openings and Pipes
Sealing your home’s utility openings and pipes is another great way to bugproof your home, as pests will often squeeze through gaps around these pipes. You can do this using a plumber’s putty or by using pipe clamps.
Step 8: Keep Your Home Dry and Well-Ventilated
Pests thrive in damp environments, so keeping your home dry and well-ventilated can significantly reduce your chances of encountering a pest infestation. Be sure to also address any leaks or standing water as soon as they happen to prevent bugs.
Step 9: Reduce Clutter and Eliminate Hiding Spots
The less clutter in and around your home, the fewer hiding places pests will have. Getting rid of excess clutter can significantly reduce your chances of a pest infestation.
Step 10: Maintain a Clean Kitchen and Proper Food Storage
Pests mainly enter homes in search of food and water sources, and maintaining a clean kitchen will make them less likely to want to stick around. Be sure to also practice proper food storage to prevent pests from nibbling on the food in your pantry.
Step 11: Use Natural or Chemical Bug Repellents
Whether you choose to take a more natural approach to pest control or prefer to use stronger chemicals, there are many products on the market that can kill the pests in your home and prevent more from showing up. For example, some essential oils have been found to repel bugs naturally, though this is not a guaranteed solution.
Step 12: Implement Routine Pest Inspections and Maintenance
Hiring a trusted exterminator to perform routine pest inspections and maintenance as needed is one of the most important steps in getting rid of a pest infestation and preventing it from returning.
The Importance of Preventative Pest Control
Preventative pest control is important for several reasons, the biggest being that it protects the health and well-being of the homeowner. It can also save you a lot of money by preventing a pest infestation before it starts rather than treating one that has already started.
FAQs
What are the most common entry points for bugs in a home?
Some of the most common entry points for bugs into a home include gaps around doors and windows, cracks in the foundation, chimneys, and vents, as well as poorly sealed attics and basements.
Do natural bug repellents work as well as chemical ones?
No, natural bug repellents typically do not work as well as chemical ones. Many homeowners may prefer to use a natural repellent over a stronger chemical one, but it is important to note that these will typically not be as effective.
Should I still hire a pest control professional if I bugproof my house?
In addition to bug-proofing your house, it is always a good idea to hire a professional exterminator. An exterminator can ensure that the proper preventative measures are being used and can perform regular maintenance inspections to prevent pests from returning.