Pest of the Month

Want to sponsor the Pest of the Month? Includes recognition as the sponsor with your company logo linked to your website. The Pest of the Month is highlighted in its own target email, on MSPCA’s social media channels as well as on this page of marylandpest.org. Each pest of the month is archived here for the full year. Find out more about general advertising and Pest of the Month here!  

Ad copy is due the first Wednesday of the month. Contact the MSPCA Executive Director, Andrea Coron at info info@marylandpest.org if you're interested today!

10/09/2023

House Mouse - October 2023

Pest of the Month - Sponsored by Bell

House mice like to nibble on a number of baits so it’s important to have multiple feeding spots. Bait must be securely stored in a bait station to prevent translocation. Mini-Rex snap traps use their patented interlocking teeth and quick trigger to capture mice. Place back-to-back to stop an evasive mouse.

09/04/2023

Spotted Lantern Fly - August 2023

Pest of the Month - August 2023

Spotted Lanternflies are an invasive species of planthoppers native to Asia. These insects are a threat to various plants, like fruit trees, ornamental trees, and vineyard crops. SLF can come in such large numbers that our customers are going to look to our industry for help. Be prepared to manage customers’ understanding of what you can and cannot do to control this pest.

07/03/2023

Odorous House Ant - July 2023

Pest of the Month - Sponsored by BASF

A widely distributed ant that invades homes, their colonies can have tens of thousands of workers. They are easily identified by the “rotten coconut” odor they have when crushed. Exterior perimeter treatments with non-repellants and interior treatments using a combination of baits and non-repellants are very effective at controlling these ants.

06/11/2023

Bed bug - June 2023

Pest of the Month - Sponsored by Aprehend

Although not a known vector of human disease, bed bugs are a major nuisance pest and can be extremely difficult to eradicate. Thanks to recent advances in product development that address resistance and an understanding of bed bug biology, PMPs now are reporting they have successful remediation protocols.

04/29/2023

Asian Tiger Mosquito - May 2023

Pest of the Month - Sponsored by Target Specialty

The Asian tiger mosquito is an invasive mosquito species. It is known for being an aggressive daytime biter. It is a successful vector for many viruses including West Nile Virus, Dengue and Chikungunya. Professional pest management professionals have many tools/products available to treat larval habitats and adult mosquito resting areas.

04/24/2023

Carpenter Ants - April 2023

Pest of the Month - Sponsored by Nisus

As the weather warms, pests like carpenter ants become more active. Thorough inspections are key to successfully controlling carpenter ants, whose destructive wood excavation practices can lead to structural damage. Parent colonies are often found near hardwood trees, lumber or firewood piles, tree stumps, or other wooden structures. Many satellite colonies are found in wall voids, soffits, under bathtubs and sinks, and other similar spaces where leaks and excessive moisture build and go undetected. Finding and treating the parent colony where the queen resides and eliminating satellite colonies are the two main components of establishing control.

03/06/2023

Termites - March 2023

Pest of the Month - Sponsored by Corteva™

A subterranean termite colony can include millions of termites, and the worker termites forage for food 24/7. Their food is the wood in your customers' homes: their floors, walls, and ceilings. What do you do to control termites? Click to learn how Corteva™ can solve your toughest termite problems.

08/10/2022

Fruit Flies - August 2022

Pest of the Month

The bane of every kitchen: the common fruit fly. Unfortunately, fruit flies can be a problem year-round. They are attracted to ripened or fermenting fruits and vegetables, which they consume and use for laying eggs.

07/20/2022

Carpet Beetles - July 2022

Pest of the Month

Carpet beetles are notorious for consuming their namesake; however, these trouble makers are capable of consuming basically any fibrous animal protein. Their work is often mistaken with that of clothes moths and creates a dangerous situation when identifying our July pest of the month.

04/19/2022

Bed Bug - April 2022

Pest of the Month - Sponsored by Noble Pine Products

Bed bugs likely get their name from their habit of taking refuge in beds and feeding on humans while they sleep. Bed bugs feed only on blood and must have regular blood meals to survive and develop.