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!
05/02/2025
Odorous House Ants - May 2025
Pest of the Month - Sponsored by Zoecon Professional Products
Odorous house ants (Tapinoma sessile) are a widespread nuisance across North America, known for their preference for sugary foods and their distinctive rotten coconut smell when crushed. These ants form colonies with multiple queens and can range from hundreds to thousands of individual ants. Outdoors, they nest under rocks and boards, feeding on honeydew and nectar. Indoors, they’re often found near moisture sources such as wall voids or termite-damaged wood. Their ability to thrive in varied environments and contaminate food products makes them a persistent challenge.
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.
