The different seasons in Baltimore bring a wide range of pests, including wildlife, insects, and rodents. That’s why it’s essential to plan for them in advance.
Here, we’ll show you:
- The various pest types according to each season
- Why some are so challenging to eliminate
- Why the weather is a factor in some instances
- The best ways to identify each pest
Which Summer Pests Are the Worst in Baltimore?
Fungus Gnats
Gnats of all types tend to swarm during the summer months. But why is that?
The main reason for the increase in gnat populations is the large number of eggs hatching during warm rains. Also, there tends to be more mold and fungus available for these annoying pests.
In addition, it doesn’t help that the temptation to overwater indoor plants can become overwhelming during hot conditions. After all, you don’t want to let your prized Xanadu philodendron die from overly dry roots.
One of the best methods for getting rid of fungus gnats in your home is to change the potting mix for your indoor plants frequently. This strategy will ensure any mold or fungus buildup is eliminated, and it also provides a restored environment for the plant’s roots to grow.
Mosquitoes
Plenty of small lakes and streams in the Baltimore area provide excellent breeding sites for mosquitoes. Just like gnat populations, these biting pests thrive in warm, humid conditions.
Female mosquitoes hunt for a suitable host to feed on by detecting carbon dioxide produced by humans. Then, when it’s time to feed, they use piercing, siphoning mouthparts to extract the blood.
Which Fall Pests Are the Worst in Baltimore?
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are tiny, reddish-brown insects that rely on human blood for survival. People carry them in luggage, clothing bags, and other personal items from one infested location to another.
That’s why they can sometimes be a significant concern during the fall when travelers return home from their summer vacations.
Infestation levels rise as they spread throughout apartment buildings, hotels, and schools in Baltimore and outlying regions.
Stink Bugs
Stink bugs are part of a family of true bugs that feed off tree sap and other natural plant materials. So, they can become devastating to your yard landscape.
You don’t necessarily get rid of them when the weather turns cooler. That’s because stink bugs turn from your trees and crawl inside your house where it’s warm.
Look for stink bugs around your doors, inside window sills, and crawling on your carpet. These are definite signs that they’ve already made themselves at home.
Which Winter Pests Are the Worst in Baltimore?
Rats
The Norway rat is the most common type of rodent in Baltimore. They have round, plump bodies that measure about 11 inches long, and they display grayish-brown fur, which is why they are also called brown rats.
Their control is vital since they carry diseases, such as:
- Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
- Rat-bite fever
- Hemorrhagic fever
- Query fever
Norway rats tend to burrow underground to get away from predators. However, they are just as comfortable above ground in sewers, alleyways, and residential buildings.
Mice
Mice are much smaller than rats but typically have a similar appearance. They are about four to five inches long with a tail about 3/4 the length of their body.
Mice tend to squeeze through openings at pipe entry points, foundation cracks, and underneath door thresholds.
The most challenging thing about controlling mice is trying to keep up with their lightning-fast reproduction rates.
Within about 20 days of conception, a female will have about six to eight pups per litter. In addition, they average around eight litters per year.
Which Spring Pests Are the Worst in Baltimore?
Pigeons
Pigeons are in the same family as doves. As a result, they have an enormous worldwide distribution, including every continent except Antarctica.
Baltimore residents are keenly aware of the mess they leave behind on buildings, statues, and other public areas in the city.
So, it’s essential to manage pigeons using mechanical repellents such as bird spikes, wire mesh, and bird netting.
Squirrels
Spring is the mating season for squirrels. For that reason, they are out in droves during this time.
However, they are a year-round pest in Baltimore. That’s why it’s crucial to have baffles on your bird feeders while storing pet food in sealed containers.