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Maryland Department of Agriculture

Pest Control & Pesticide Information for Consumers

MDA is responsible for regulating the sale, use, and storage of pesticides and for enforcing the Maryland Pesticide Applicators Law. Read the AgBrief: Pesticide Regulation Section - Enforcing Maryland's Pesticide Applicator's Law.​​

Understanding pest control

Plants, insects, rodents, diseases and other organisms are a natural part of the environment. When they invade an area in which they are not wanted, they are considered to be "pests". However, there are many times that a perceived pest is actually a beneficial organism and does not need to be controlled. Termites, fleas, cockroaches, and ants are common insects often found inside dwellings and are considered pests. Weeds, potato beetles, aphids, and grubs are some of the pests associated with gardens, lawns and landscape plantings. Some of these pests can also pose health hazards to you, your family, or pets. As a result, it is very important that you know and understand the pest problem in order to choose the best pest control option, or options, that are available to you. 

Knowing and selecting the proper options for your particular pest situation is the key to effective, long term pest control. These options include the use of pest prevention, non-chemical pest control, and/or the use of pesticides. Often times the most effective pest control strategy is to combine several methods of pest control. This approach is known as integrated pest management (IPM). 

One of the best and easiest forms of pest control is to prevent the situation from actually becoming a pest problem. No matter what pest control option you choose, it is important to follow these steps:

  1. Identify the pest problem
  2. Decide what level of pest control is necessary
  3. Choose the appropriate pest control option or options
  4. Evaluate the result to determine its effectiveness.

Find information by pest or by topic

Insects in and around your home

Working with pest control companies

Safety

Common pesticide measurements

Remember, if you choose to use a pesticide for your pest control needs, it is important that you mix and use the proper amount of pesticide as specified on the product label. Always read and follow label directions. The chart above provides some of the common measurements that may be needed in the mixing and application of pesticides.

COMMON MEASUREMENTS
1 Gallon (gal.)= 128 fluid ounces (fl. oz.)
= 16 cups
= 8 pints
= 4 quarts
1 Quart (qt.)= 32 fl. oz.
= 4 cups
= 2 pts.
1 Pint (pt.)= 16 fl. oz.
= 2 cups
1 Cup= 8 fl. oz.
1 Tablespoon= 1/2 fl. oz.
= 3 teaspoons
1 Teaspoon= 1/6 fl. oz.
1 fl. oz.= 6 teaspoons
= 2 tablespoons
1 Yard (yd.)= 3 feet (ft.)
Square Feet (sq. ft.)= length (ft.) x width (ft.)

File a complaint or get help

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) Pesticide Regulation Section (PRS) regulates the distribution, sale, storage, use and disposal of pesticides, and it establishes qualifications for the licensing of businesses and certification of persons applying or recommending pesticides or performing pest inspections.​

More resources & information

Pesticide surveys & reports

Consumer brochures

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), in conjunction with the University of Maryland Extension (UME) and the Governor's Pesticide Council, developed a series of brochures to assist individuals to make informed decisions on their pest control needs. The brochures provide basic information on pest control and pesticide use. 

Available brochures

There currently are four brochures available for homeowners:

  • "Controlling Pests - Help for the Consumer" provides background information on pest control and pesticides.
  • "Lawn Care Tips - Help for the Consumer" highlights some of the key issues associated with pest control and pesticide use for lawn care, with emphasis on the use of integrated pest management (IPM). 
  • "Proper Pesticide Use - Help for the Consumer" addresses the fundamentals of proper pesticide use
  • "Using IPM - Help for the Consumer" further addresses the topic of IPM and how it is used in pest control.

What to expect

The major goals of the brochures are to help consumers understand:

  • What steps to take to control pests.
  • What methods of pest control are available, including pest prevention and non-chemical control.
  • How to choose pesticides and how to use, store, and dispose of pesticides properly. 

The brochures are designed to help the homeowner make better informed decisions regarding pest control and the use of pesticides. They also encourage individuals to seek further assistance from University of Maryland Home & Garden Information Center to effectively control their pest problems. 

The Home and Garden Information Center is staffed with experts who can provide detailed information on lawn, tree, shrub, houseplant, and structural pests and their control. This information includes: the identification of insects, diseases, weeds, and other pests; available pest control methods, including pesticides and alternatives; choosing pest resistant plant varieties; and integrated pest management programs.

Request brochures for your business

Nurseries, garden centers and pesticide retail stores are the primary distribution points that MDA is targeting for distribution of the brochures. If you would like to obtain copies of the brochures, contact the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Regulation Section, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, Maryland 21401, or by calling (410) 841-5710.