Protecting your home, your family, and your property.
At Robshaws Dead Bugz LLC, we don’t just kill bugs and remove rodents — we want you to understand why they’re a problem and how they affect your health, your pets, and your property.
Use this page as your go-to resource to learn more about pests on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and the risks they bring.
SpottedLanternflies– Invasive Pest Alert
What is a spotted lanternfly?
Although the name has ''fly'' in it, these are most certainly not a fly. The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive planthopper originally from Asia that has been spreading through the Mid-Atlantic and beyond to our Eastern Shore. It doesn’t bite or sting people, but it is a major threat to trees, vines, crops, and landscape plants that thrive in Maryland.
Scientific name: Lycorma delicatula
Type of insect: Planthopper (related to leafhoppers), not a fly.
Native to: China and parts of Asia.
Invasive in the U.S.: First found in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has been spreading through Mid-Atlantic states and beyond.
What they look like
Adults:
About 1 inch long.
Forewings: light gray/tan with black spots and a checkerboard pattern near the tips.
Hindwings (only visible when they fly): bright red with black and white.
Body: black legs, yellowish-orange abdomen with black bands.
They hop and glide more than they truly “fly.”
Nymphs:
Early stages: black with white spots.
Later stages: black, white spots, plus bright red patches.
Life cycle
One generation per year.
Eggs: Laid in late fall in gray/brown “mud smear” masses on trees, rocks, vehicles, furniture, firewood, etc. Overwinter in this stage.
Nymphs: Hatch in spring, feed on a variety of plants.
Adults: Show up mid–late summer, heavy activity into fall.
Adults lay eggs before dying off for winter.
Why they’re such a big problem
Spotted lanternflies feed by piercing plant tissue and sucking out sap. This causes:
Stress and decline in trees and plants (especially grapes, fruit trees, and hardwoods)
Reduced growth and yield in orchards, vineyards, and other crops
“Honeydew” buildup (a sticky, sugary waste) on anything below infested plants
Sooty mold growth on honeydew, which turns leaves, decks, and outdoor furniture black and slimy
Attraction of stinging insects like wasps and bees to the honeydew over time, heavy infestations can weaken or kill plants and cause serious damage to landscapes and crops.
Signs you may have lanternflies
You might be dealing with spotted lanternflies if you notice:
Large clusters of insects on tree trunks, vines, or outdoor structures
Egg masses on trees, outdoor furniture, stones, trailers, firewood, etc. (they look like a smear of mud)
Leaves, railings, or decks coated in a sticky residue and black mold
Increased wasp/bee activity around trees and patios
1. Don’t Help Them Hitchhike
Spotted lanternflies love to ride along on:
Vehicles, trailers, campers, and lawn equipment
Firewood, pallets, stones, outdoor furniture
Before you travel or move things:
Walk around your vehicle/trailer and look for bugs and egg masses
Knock off any live lanternflies you see
Avoid moving firewood, unused lumber, or yard debris from one area to another
2. Learn to Spot Egg Masses (and Destroy Them)
Egg masses look like a smear of dried mud or putty on:
Tree trunks
Deck posts, fences, rocks
Outdoor furniture, grills, kids’ toys, trailers, etc.
What to do:
Scrape the egg mass into a plastic bag or container.
Add rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, seal, and throw it away.
If no liquid is available, smash and crush the eggs thoroughly.
Every egg mass removed = dozens of lanternflies that never hatch.
3. Manage “Favorite” Host Trees
Spotted lanternflies are especially attracted to Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus) and some other smooth-barked trees.
Learn if you have Tree-of-Heaven on your property.
If possible, have unwanted Tree-of-Heaven removed or cut and treated by a professional.
Keep other trees healthy with proper watering, mulching, and pruning – stressed trees are more vulnerable.
4. Use Safer Traps – Not Just Sticky Tape
Sticky tape can catch lanternflies, but it can also catch birds, squirrels, and beneficial insects if used incorrectly.
Better options:
Circle traps / funnel-style traps that go around the trunk and lead insects into a collection bag.
If you do use sticky bands, always:
Cover them with a barrier (wire mesh, screen, or a guard)
Place them high enough and check them regularly
If you’re unsure what kind of trap to use, reach out and we can make a recommendation.
Mice in Homes & Businesses – More Than a Nuisance
Mice aren’t friendly little creatures— they are destructive and can carry diseases that impact people and pets.
How mice affect your property
Mice can:
Chew wires, increasing the risk of electrical fires
Destroy insulation, raising your heating and cooling costs
Contaminate food, dishes, and prep surfaces with urine and droppings
Create strong odors and staining in walls, cabinets, and crawlspaces
Diseases linked to mice
Mice and their droppings/urine can be associated with several illnesses. Two you’ll hear about often are Salmonella and Hantavirus.
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause a stomach and intestinal infection in humans. Many animals, including rodents, can carry Salmonella in their intestines and shed it in their droppings.
How Salmonella spreads in a home
In a home or business, Salmonella can be spread when:
Rodent droppings or urine contaminate food or food-contact surfaces
People handle contaminated objects (like cabinets, shelves, or boxes) and then touch their mouth or food
Food is stored in areas where mice are active (pantries, basements, garages) and becomes contaminated
Common symptoms of Salmonella infection
(Everyone is different; not all symptoms appear in every case.)
Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Fever
Nausea and sometimes vomiting
Most healthy people recover, but young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weak immune systems may be at higher risk of serious illness.
Important: This information is educational only. If you believe you’ve been exposed to Salmonella or are experiencing symptoms, contact a medical professional right away.
How pest control helps
By removing rodents, sealing entry points, and cleaning up droppings/urine correctly, you reduce the chances of food and surfaces becoming contaminated in the first place.
Hantavirus is a virus carried by certain wild rodents (for example, some species of mice) that can cause a serious illness in humans known as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).
How Hantavirus can spread
Hantavirus is mainly a concern when people:
Breathe in dust that contains dried rodent urine, droppings, or nesting materials (for example, when sweeping or vacuuming a heavily contaminated area)
Touch rodent-contaminated materials and then touch their mouth, nose, or eyes
Are bitten by an infected rodent (less common)
High-risk situations include closed-up spaces like cabins, sheds, crawlspaces, attics, and utility rooms where rodents have been active for a long time.
Why proper cleanup matters
Improper cleanup (like dry sweeping or using un-filtered vacuums for rodent droppings) can send tiny particles into the air, making them easier to breathe in.
Safer practices typically include:
Ventilating spaces before cleanup
Using HEPA filtered vacuums
Wetting droppings with a disinfectant before wiping
Wearing appropriate protective gear
Important: This is not medical advice. If you think you could have been exposed to Hantavirus or are feeling unwell after rodent exposure (especially with fever, muscle aches, or breathing trouble), seek emergency medical care immediately.
Eliminate rodent activity with trapping, baiting, and exclusion
Identify and seal entry points where possible
Provide recommendation on safe cleanup and, when needed, recommend professional remediation for heavy contamination
Why proper cleanup matters
DIY efforts (store-bought baits, random sprays, homemade traps) can make pests scatter, create bait shyness, or expose your family and pets to unnecessary risks without solving the root problem. Let our professionals take that worry off your shoulders!
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Are mice and rats causing trouble in your Caroline County home? Discover effective, safe rodent control solutions from Robshaws Dead Bugz. We go 'beyond the squeak' to protect your family and property, offering lasting peace of mind. Learn how our expert methods keep your home pest-free!
Living in Maryland, pests are a common problem. Discover why choosing Robshaws Dead Bugz for professional pest control is the smartest way to safeguard your home, family, and peace of mind from unwanted invaders. Learn how our tailored solutions keep your Maryland residence pest-free.
