Pests to know in Baltimore
Termites in Baltimore
Termites native to Maryland are subterranean termites in the genus Reticulitermes, such as the eastern subterranean termite. Swarms of winged termites or piles of shed wings are often the first sign of trouble.[6]
Invasive species reported here
- Maryland first found the Asian tiger mosquito in 1987 at a used-tire processing plant in Baltimore City. It has since become a major daytime-biting pest in the state's urban neighborhoods.[3]
- All Maryland counties are under a spotted lanternfly quarantine, and businesses that move regulated items such as firewood, yard waste or outdoor equipment within or out of the zone need a state permit.[5]
Climate
Central Baltimore (ZIP 21202) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 8a, where the average coldest winter night is 10 to 15°F.[9]
Public agencies that handle pests
- Baltimore residents who suspect rats can call 311 or file an online request so the Department of Public Works' Rat Rubout program will inspect and, if needed, bait the property.[1]
- Baltimore renters dealing with a rodent or insect infestation can report it through 311 or the city's online service request system.[2]
- The Baltimore City Health Department does not investigate bed bugs, because they do not spread disease. Renters can report bed bugs through 311 instead.[2]
- The Maryland Department of Agriculture says West Nile virus has reached every region of Maryland and is now considered endemic throughout the state.[4]
Local rules and responsibilities
Baltimore requires trash to go in a can with a tight-fitting lid, and DPW supplies one such can to each single-family household. Bagged trash set out alone invites rats.[1]
Hiring a licensed company
University of Maryland Extension advises hiring only a pest control company with an active certification license from the Maryland Department of Agriculture's Pesticide Regulation Section.[6]
Free local help
University of Maryland Extension's Home and Garden Information Center offers science-based pest management education statewide, and its Master Gardener program is active in Baltimore City.[7]
Through the year
- Spring to Fall
- In Maryland, adult Asian tiger mosquitoes are active from May through October, with populations peaking from June through September.[3]
- Spring to Fall
- Maryland's mosquito breeding season runs from the spring equinox in March to just past the fall equinox in October. The state has 59 mosquito species.[8]
Sources
- Baltimore City Department of Public Works, “Rat Control | Baltimore City.” www.baltimorecity.gov/publicworks/city-cleaning-services/rat-control (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Baltimore City Health Department, Environmental Health, “Nuisance Complaint Investigations | Baltimore City.” www.baltimorecity.gov/health/our-work/environmental-health/nuisance-complaint-investigations (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Maryland Department of Agriculture, Mosquito Control, “Asian Tiger Mosquito.” mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/Pages/asian_tiger_mosquito_md.aspx (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Maryland Department of Agriculture, Mosquito Control, “Mosquito Control Program.” mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/Pages/mosquito_control.aspx (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Maryland Department of Agriculture, “Spotted Lanternfly Quarantines | Maryland Department of Agriculture.” mda.prod.maryland.gov/plants-pests/plant-protection-weed-management/spotted-lanternfly-identification-management/spotted-lanternfly-quarantines (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Maryland Extension, “Termites | University of Maryland Extension.” extension.umd.edu/resource/termites (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Maryland Extension, “About the Home and Garden Information Center | University of Maryland Extension.” extension.umd.edu/programs/environment-natural-resources/program-areas/home-and-garden-information-center/about-home-and-garden-information-center (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension, “Mosquitoes in Maryland | UMES Extension.” www.umes.edu/extension/mosquitoes-in-maryland/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 21202 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/21202.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)