Pest control in Maryland
Cities
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- Annapolis
- Baltimore
- Berlin
- Bethesda
- Bowie
- Brandywine
- California
- Chevy Chase
- Clarksville
- Clinton
- College Park
- Columbia
- Crofton
- Cumberland
- Dundalk
- Dunkirk
- Easton
- Elkridge
- Elkton
- Ellicott City
- Flintstone
- Fort Washington
- Frederick
- Frostburg
- Germantown
- Hagerstown
- Kensington
- La Plata
- Laurel
- Leonardtown
- Lexington Park
- Mount Airy
- New Market
- Ocean City
- Owings
- Owings Mills
- Pikesville
- Potomac
- Prince Frederick
- Rockville
- Salisbury
- Silver Spring
- Smithsburg
- Thurmont
- Towson
- Upper Marlboro
- Waldorf
- Walkersville
- Westminster
- White Plains
- Williamsport
- Woodsboro
Top companies in Maryland
See all on the mapWhat to know about pest control in Maryland
Maryland homeowners deal with termites, ticks, mosquitoes and fall swarms of stink bugs. The state takes an active role, with a mosquito control program and clear advice on hiring a pest control company. Knowing who licenses pest control companies in Maryland makes it easier to hire well.
Common pests in Maryland
The University of Maryland Extension, the Maryland Department of Health and the Maryland Department of Agriculture write about these pests for residents.
- Termites. The termites native to Maryland are subterranean termites that live in the soil. A flight of winged swarmers or piles of shed wings are often the first sign, and swarmers indoors should be investigated. See our page on termites.
- Ticks. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in Maryland. See our page on fleas and ticks.
- Mosquitoes. The Maryland Department of Agriculture runs a mosquito control program. It says that cleaning up old tires, buckets, cans and other containers that hold water can cut down mosquito breeding, and that window screens keep mosquitoes outdoors. See our page on mosquitoes.
- Brown marmorated stink bugs. These stink bugs can be a nuisance in homes as they look for shelter in the fall, much like Asian lady beetles and boxelder bugs.
Who licenses pest control companies in Maryland
The Pesticide Regulation Section of the Maryland Department of Agriculture licenses pest control companies. Any business that offers pest control services or applies pesticides for hire needs a pesticide business license. Read more on the department's pesticide business licensing and certification page. Its guide to hiring a pest control service links to a search for licensed pesticide businesses.
How to check a company before you hire
- Deal only with a firm licensed by the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Ask to see its current pesticide business license and the photo ID cards the department issues to sales and service staff.
- Ask for an inspection and a written proposal that covers the pests, the areas treated, the methods and the prevention steps.
- Compare more than one licensed company, and don't let anyone rush your decision.
- Get a written service agreement. Ask whether it renews automatically and what happens if you cancel.
- Read reviews from other Maryland customers. If you've hired a company, you can write a review to help your neighbors, and learn how reviews work.