Pest Control

Cockroaches are nasty little insects. They have been around for thousands of years and are even thought to predate dinosaurs. This means that they are especially good at surviving many different hostile conditions. There are also over 4000 species of them worldwide.

Thankfully, in Maryland there are really only four species of roaches that will infest homes: the German, Brown-banded, American, and Oriental cockroach. But, how do you know when you have roaches in your home? Today, we answer this question by listing the most important signs of a roach infestation and tell you how to solve the problem.

Signs of Roaches

The best way to keep a roach problem from getting out of hand is to spot their presence in your home early. The following signs indicate a roach problem, consisting of german cockroaches, brown-banded cockroaches, and oriental cockroaches. If you experience any or all of them, you should contact a reputable pest control company like Barefoot Pest Control.

You see a roach.

Probably the best sign that you have a cockroach problem is if you actual see a roach. This may be somewhat hard as roaches are nocturnal insects. But, witnessing them in your home at any hour is a sure sign that there are others that you don’t see living in your home.

You see roach droppings.

Just like physically seeing a roach in your home, finding roach droppings anywhere in your home is a 100% accurate way to tell if you have a roach problem. Since roaches come in different sizes, their feces be various sizes as well. But, all cockroach feces will have the relative shape and texture of ground coffee or black pepper.

You smell an unpleasant odor.

You may be wondering how an odor could indicate a roach presence, especially since there are many causes of odors in your home. A way to tell if an unpleasant odor in your home is due to roaches is if it has a musty smell or grows in intensity. The more roaches you have the worse and more intense the smell. As the smells continue to grow, and the cockroach infestations begin to grow you are likely to notice dead cockroaches around the property as generations come and go. 

Also, if you experience the musty smell in combination with some of the other signs on this list, you will know for certain that you have roaches.

You find egg casings.

As a final sign, the presence of roach egg casings or oothecae is a strong indicator that your home has a roach problem. You will recognize a oothecae by it oblong shape and brown color, when you find the egg casings in their hiding places. Roaches breed extremely fast and the roach eggs casings are left behind by the hatching roaches. You will find oothecae in pantries, behind furniture, or in other dark and protected areas surr.  

How to Get Rid of Roaches

Alright, so you have seen the signs of roaches and know that you have a problem. Now, what do you do? You can always buy roach traps and sprays at a store, but these will not guarantee the complete eradication of the problem. Your best bet is to call in professionals.

If you live in or around Waldorf, Maryland, call Barefoot Pest Control. These professionals are fully trained and certified and will provide prompt service and free inspections or estimates. Anyone with a roach problem needs to contact Barefoot Professional Pest Control today.

Bugs can be extremely annoying. They can buzz, bite, and annoy you right out of your yard. In addition to calling in professionals like Barefoot Pest Control, there are a few things that you can try at home. The most important of these is simple, plant the correct plants that naturally ward off bugs in Maryland.

Best Plants for Repelling Unwanted Bugs

One of the advantages to planting the plants on our list is that they make a great addition to any landscaping. They are all colorful and most smell amazing. Your yard will look and smell better and be pest-free when these plants are added.

Here are a few ideas of plants to add that will help control the bug and pest populations in your yard.

Lavender

Known for its smell, lavender is a great addition to any yard. Plus, its scent has been shown to be calming. Lavender’s purple stalks of flowers can brighten your yard as well as repel unwanted bugs.

Bugs It Repels:

Lavender is a good choice because of the number of insects that dislike it. Use lavender to repel moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes.

Marigolds

Marigolds are the only plant on this list that does not have a strong scent, or any smell at all. But, these yellow and orange flowers can brighten up a yard.

Bugs It Repels:

Marigolds are great at warding off mosquitoes and aphids. Use it near a patio or in a garden for the most benefits.

Basil

Basil might be known primarily as an herb, so its addition to your yard will have multiple benefits. The leaves of basil can be used as a seasoning in any dish or made into pesto. Plus, the strong smell is enjoyed by many people.

Bugs It Repels

Basil has one more advantage in a yard, and that is its repelling power over flies and mosquitoes. In addition to providing yard protection from these insects, it can also be made into an insect repellent spray.

Mint

Another herb, mint wonderful as an addition to curries or made into a cooling tea. Most people love the smell of mint, and there are a myriad of variations of the plant to choose from. It is likely that you will find a variety you enjoy without much trouble. Keep in in mind that mint grows like a weed. Unless you want your yard taken over by mint, it is best to keep it in pots or other containers.

Bugs it Repels:

Mint is versatile in more than its culinary uses. It also wards off mosquitoes, ants, and mice.

Other Natural Pest Repellents:

Among the natural pest repellents listed above, there are a handful of natural remedies. These include:

• coffee grounds
• lemon balm
• citronella grass
• diatomaceous earth
• using a spray bottle with water and cayenne pepper to mist your plants and protect your garden.

Conclusion

Plants are a great, natural way to control the bug population around your home. Using one or all of the plants we recommend will work wonders for your yard. However, sometimes planting cannot get rid of all your bug problems.

If you’ve done all of our suggestions, still have unwanted bugs, and live in the La Plata, Maryland area, then contact Barefoot Pest Control. They provide professional pest removal services that coupled with your new insect repelling plants, can rid your year of bugs today.

Here in Maryland we have a desirable climate. But, we humans are not the only ones who want to take advantage of the nice weather. A variety of rodents live in Maryland. Especially as the weather gest cooler, these pests can decide to invade your home. Employing rodent control methods can help keep the little critters at bay, and out of your property. 

The best thing you can do to protect yourself against unwanted visitors is to educate yourself. This article aims to help you learn as much as you can about the common rodents like opossums, squirrels, rats, and mice found in Maryland along with how to get rid of them. The second step will be to call a good professional pest removal service like Barefoot Pest Control—serving MD, VA, and D.C.

Maryland Rodents

There are a variety of rodents found in Maryland, here are a few of the most common. Most are attracted to your property in search for food sources, or a location for their nests.

Mice

If you have a rodent in your home, it is probably going to be a mouse. There are a variety of different species of mice to be found in Maryland. These include

• Eastern harvest mouse
• Deer mouse
• White-footed deer mouse
• House mouse

All four types of mice can let themselves in to your home; although, some are more common than others. Although they look cute, mice can do a lot of damage by chewing on wires and leaving unsanitary droppings around.

Rats

Rats, too, are a big nuisance, but they are significantly less cute. In Maryland you can find four different varieties of rat

• Marsh rice rat
• Allegheny woodrat
• Black rat
• Norway rat

Rats are much larger than mice and are attracted to garage and sewage. Because of this they are often more common in large cities. Baltimore, MD has actually been ranked as one of the top rat-infested cities in the United States. So, your chances of seeing one of these disease-carrying pests in a metropolitan area in Maryland is high.

Squirrels and Chipmunks

No yard would be complete without squirrels and chipmunks. These rodents usually live in the tree and ground outside a house. But, occasionally they find their way inside. In Maryland we have the following problems that we work with when dealing with rodent animal control: 

• Eastern Chipmunk
• Eastern gray squirrel
• Eastern fox squirrel
• Delmarva fox squirrel
• Red squirrel
• Southern flying squirrel

Chipmunks are far smaller than squirrels, are reddish brown, with a black stripe down the center of their back. Squirrels can be either brown or red and have long bushy tails.

How to Deter These Pests

The best way to deter any of these rodents form your yard and home as a tenant or landlord is to deprive them of the food, water, and shelter they are looking for. You should set traps, remove any sources of standing water, and ensure no crumbs or garage are laying around loose.

If you’ve done everything possible to deter rodents and they still find their way into your house, it is time to call in the professionals. If you live in MD, VA, or D.C. your best bet is Barefoot Pest Control. They service both residences and commercial properties and are known for individualizing their pest control plan to your needs. You won’t find anyone better to get rid of your rodent control problem. Contact Barefoot Pest Control today.

There is a misconception among homeowners that pest problems are a direct result of unclean living environments. While dirt and clutter certainly don’t help, they are not the only reason that bugs migrate onto your property. There are a lot of reasons why your home may be targeted, and there may not be anything you can do to stop an infestation from taking root. As a result, it is important to have regular perimeter pest control treatments to avoid some of the issues that bugs cause for your household.

Pests Can Make You Sick

There are a number of different insects that have the potential to negatively impact your health. For example, mice, rats and roaches are just some of the pests that you want to avoid. Hanta virus, leptospirosis, and salmonellosis are all diseases that can be transmitted by rodents. Cockroaches can trigger asthma and spread dysentery, polio and typhoid, among other diseases. Bed bugs, which are very common in Maryland, can cause an allergic reaction.  Among the benefits of regular pest control and pest prevention, you can reduce your odds of getting sick as a result of a bug infestation in your home or yard. Our professional pest control technicians can perform a property and house inspection if you are concerned. 

Pests Can Damage Your Belongings

It is not unusual for rodents to contaminate food; when they do, you have no choice but to throw the items out. They also eat through a variety of different materials, like aluminum siding, causing significant problems for homeowners. Termites, of course, can damage the structural integrity of your home. They are difficult to spot, which means that substantial damage can occur before you even realize there is a problem. Setting up termite monitors is one way that Barefoot Pest Control can help you catch the problem early.

DIY Treatments Only Put A Bandaid On The Problem

Homeowners often feel they can handle the professional pest control around their property on their own. However, because the products they use are not the same as professional grade pest control products, their efforts only put a bandaid on the insect issues they are facing. As a result, they must constantly work to control the pest populations in and around their home.

Pest Infestations Cause Stress

When you don’t have regular pest control services, there is always the worry that there are a lot of bugs hanging around the property that you just don’t see. Do roaches invade the kitchen at night when you are asleep? Are there spiders hanging out in the cracks and crevices of your home? When you have a pest control technician visiting your property at regular intervals, you can relax knowing that your home is in good hands.

If you want to keep pests out, you need to have pest control at your property. Your home is your oasis, and you certainly don’t want to deal with bugs and rodents in your living space. Insects are tricky little creatures, though, and they often find a way to get into your home despite your best efforts. Why not leave the problem up to the pest control professionals and schedule regular service for your home?

Let’s face it, mosquitoes are a big problem in Maryland. Many people have resigned themselves to dealing with itchy welts every time they step outside, particularly if they want to avoid using an over the counter mosquito repellent. Luckily, there are a number of ways to repel mosquitoes without using these products!

Mosquito Spray

A great way to keep mosquitoes at bay is to create a non-toxic bug repellent spray to use before you leave the house. Simply take a spray bottle and add four tablespoons of vanilla extract. Put in 15 drops of lavender essential oil and four tablespoons of lemon juice. Add distilled water until the spray bottle is full and give the mixture a shake to make sure that all of the ingredients combine well. Spray on your clothing and the exposed areas of your skin before you go outside.

Mosquito Lotion

If you want to make sure that you cover your skin completely, it may be a good idea to opt for a lotion over a spray. In addition, the lotion has the added benefit of moisturizing your skin as well. Simply combine 6 drops of eucalyptus essential oil, 6 drops of citronella essential oil, 8 drops of lemongrass essential oil, 8 drops of lavender essential oil and 8 drops of tea tree essential oil. Add the oils to four ounces of coconut oil. Give the coconut oil time to get firm once this process is complete. It is then ready for use!

Essential Oils

There are several essential oils that work to repel mosquitoes. For example, peppermint oil gets the job done and it smells great, too. Peppermint oil is known to help with headaches and indigestion. It can also help you stay alert as well, so there are a number of additional benefits to using it!

For years, many people would simply take the leaves of the Catnip plant, rub them onto their skin and go on about their business. Catnip is known to keep mosquitoes away, so it wouldn’t hurt to grow the plant in your yard, particularly if you have a large problem with these pests (or one that keeps coming back year after year). Catnip essential oil, witch hazel, neem oil, lavender oil, apple cider vinegar, babassu oil, and tea tree oil are other options for natural homemade mosquito repellent.

Finally, give pine essential oil a chance. It gives off a natural, woodsy smell that mosquitoes avoid. The fresh, crisp scent will help you feel more alert, and all you need to do is dilute the oil before putting it on your skin. You’ll then be ready to face the outdoors!

Mosquitoes are annoying. They can make it difficult to go outside, even when the weather is perfect and you just want to spend some time in the fresh air. However, you don’t have to live with their presence. There are steps you can take to deter mosquitoes from biting you. And, if you want more protection than the methods above will give you, consider getting in touch with a licensed pest control company. We can set up a barrier on your property that will make your situation a lot more bearable.

There are a lot of pests in Maryland, and unfortunately, most homeowners are forced to deal with a bug infestation at one time or another. There are so many insects in the world that it can be difficult to know what you are dealing with at any given time. However, proper identification is essential to the treatment process, which is why it is important to learn more about bugs. Once you have a handle on your problem, you can take steps to rid yourself of an infestation. The following pests are commonly found on plants and in your household in the Maryland area.

Ants

There are a number of different ant species that are common Maryland pests. However, carpenter ants wreak a lot of havoc in the area, and while they do not hurt people, they can cause issues for the structure of your home. Carpenter ants are larger than many other species, and there are some that have wings. A tell tale sign of an infestation is small piles of sawdust in different areas of the home. If you suspect that you have a carpenter ant infestation, get in touch with Barefoot Pest Control. It is important to take care of these pests as soon as possible.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are a huge issue in Maryland, with Baltimore being named one of the most infested cities in America by pest control experts. Bed bugs are small, do not have wings, and are brown when they reach adulthood. If you are concerned about bed bugs, put light colored sheets on your bed. You’ll notice small blood stains if the bugs bite you while you sleep. Do not be surprised if only one person in the bed gets bitten; bed bugs often choose a host and prefer to bite that individual. Bed bug infestations do not go away on their own. It is often necessary to contact a professional, but there are things you can do that will help. Wash all your clothing and dry them on the hottest temperature possible. Vacuum often, making sure that you remove the bag immediately and take it outside. In addition, it is a good idea to get a bed bug cover for your mattress.

Fleas

Maryland winters have been milder in the last decade or so, and as a result, flea populations have started to flourish. If you or your pet is scratching a lot, fleas may be to blame. While they are tiny, you can see them jumping around if you look closely. You can also put on a pair of white socks and walk across your floor; if you have fleas, you’ll see little black specks on your socks. Once you determine that an infestation has taken root, get your pet treated (if you have one). Clean all the clutter off your floors so that you can vacuum well. Continue vacuuming every few days so that you catch fleas as they hatch.

Of course, these aren’t the only pests you’ll find at your home. When you notice a bug, it is important to first identify it so that you know what steps to take to eradicate the infestation. If you need help, bring in the professionals; you don’t have to stress about the issue and you’ll get the results you are looking for quickly.

Other Maryland Pests:

Among the pests listed above, there are a wide range of common Maryland pest that you may run across depending on the area and environment you find yourself in. These include Yellow Jackets, spiders, wood-destroying pests, termites, black widows, grubs, and birds.

If you are being bothered by any of the pests listed above, contact one of your trained Technicians at Barefoot Pest Control.

Bed bugs are a problem all over the country, and Maryland is no exception. Baltimore was part of a list of the top 50 most bed bug infested cities, and experts with the University of Maryland have noted the rise in bed bug infestations in the state. Just the thought of sharing a bed with these little creatures is enough to make most people panic.

If you find a pest and suspect that it is a bed bug, you don’t need to worry just yet. There are a number of pests that are commonly confused for bed bugs, and they require their own unique treatment plan. Here’s how to identify bed bugs so that you can tell the difference.

Carpet Beetles

Carpet beetles look like infestation bed bugs in many ways, especially when they are on your furniture. They are round like bed bugs, are similar in color to bed bugs, and can cause an allergic reaction that is often mistaken for bites. However, the main difference is that carpet beetles have wings that are visible to the naked eye.

Roaches

Most people know what mature cockroaches look like. However, the nymphs are another story; while they are white when they first hatch in your furniture, they soon take on a reddish brown color that is similar to that of a bed bug. Like immature bed bugs, they enjoy hiding in cracks and crevices in order to stay out of sight, and they also tend to come out at night.

However, their shape is different; bed bugs have more of an oval shape while cockroach nymphs look a bit like a cylinder. Cockroach nymphs tend to be longer than bed bugs as well.

Bat Bugs

Bat bugs and bed bugs look a lot alike. Most people will not be able to tell them apart from one another. Of course, bed bugs tend to bite human skin while bat bugs gravitate toward bats. Bat bugs also have longer dark hair on their body, but that difference is almost impossible to see without a microscope.

If you suspect that your property has hiding places with a bat problem, or if you had one in the past, you may be dealing with these little pests instead of bed bugs. However, keep in mind that many people never see bats in their home. They favor dark, quiet areas of the structure, like the attic and basement. If you aren’t sure what you are dealing with, have Barefoot Pest Control come out to do an inspection.

Fleas

Because both bed bugs and fleas bite, they are commonly confused for one another. If you notice bites popping up on a consistent basis, you can feel fairly confident that you have one or the other. The main difference between the two is that bed bugs crawl while fleas jump and you should be able to see them without a magnifying glass. Fleas are also the smaller of the two pests.

If you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation in your mattress, boxsprings, bed sheets or carpet, you may not be sure what to do next. The first step is to determine whether or not you truly have bed bugs and not some other pest. Barefoot Pest Control is happy to help you identify the pest in question and set up a personalized treatment plan to help you eradicate your issue.

Maryland winters are chilly, which means that mice are constantly looking for a place to stay warm and get the food they need to survive. It’s not unusual to see them pop up in homes, and once an infestation takes root, you’ll likely be dealing with these little pests for months.

Seeing one or two mice may not initially be much of a concern. However, mice reproduce very quickly, which means that you can wind up with dozens over the course of a year. In addition, it is important to take a mouse infestation seriously, because they carry diseases that could negatively affect your family’s health, like the Hantavirus. Rather than dealing with an infestation after it has already taken root, the best course of action is to stop mice from coming into your home in the first place. These ideas will get you started.

Clean The Garage

Rodents love the garage, in part because there are so many places for them to hide. Many families use their garage to store “stuff,” and that stuff gives mice plenty of materials to make their nests with. If your garage is cluttered, start by clearing it out as much as possible. If you don’t give mice a place to hide, they are less likely to build their nests on your property.

Seal Up Food

Mice need food to survive, and that food is often hard to come by when it is cold outside. Mice like fruits and seeds best, and these are often the foods that homeowners leave uncovered. Think about your cereal, peanut butter, and peppermint candies, for example. How well is the box sealed? Would it be easy for a mouse to gain access? If the answer is yes, try transferring certain foods to airtight containers.

Rats and Mice love to find food laying out. Especially after a hurried morning when you leave for work or even overnight when you forget to put away the night’s snack.

Don’t forget about pet food, either. Rodents love to snack on it, so as much as possible, make sure it is inaccessible to them. Don’t keep it outside and make sure you pick up the pet food bowls and bird food before you go to bed each night.

Rethink Your Trash Storage

Mice aren’t particular when it comes to what they are eating, and they are just as likely to snack on your trash as they are your pet food. Put bags of trash in your exterior trash containers and secure the lids to prevent mice. Wheel the trash cans away from your home if you can. Opt for metal over plastic containers, because they are harder for rodents to access. If a mouse really wants to, it can chew through plastic to get to the food that it wants. It is also a good idea to examine the trash cans periodically to make sure they don’t have cracks and entry points. If there are any, they may need to be replaced due to holes or cracks.

Care For Your Lawn

Cut your grass and make sure there is nothing on the exterior of your property that could provide a safe haven for rodents. If you have to store something outside, make sure that it is elevated so that it is difficult for mice to access.

Are you anxious to get the mice gone as soon as possible? Have you tried everything you can think of but are still having problems? Barefoot Pest Control will help you keep rodents out and take the responsibility off of your shoulders. You don’t have to live with mice if you don’t want to.