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Herbal Shield
Worry-Free Pest Management

Your home, protected.
Naturally.

Pet-safe and child-safe pest control using proven natural methods. Protecting Maryland homes with family-friendly solutions — no synthetic pesticides, ever.

Spotted Lanternfly Certified
MARYLAND LICENSED 7A
Google 5-Star Rating
Now Serving Maryland! Natural pest protection for your home — book your first visit today
Synthetic-Free & Least-Toxic
EPA 25(b) Exempt Products
Pet-Safe & Child-Safe
Pollinator-Safe · Chesapeake Bay Responsible
Parent and child on a clean, safe home floor
Family dog relaxing at home
Botanical plant ingredients
Our Approach

Pest control that respects the home it protects.

Conventional pest control treats your home like an inert structure to be chemically saturated. Our eco-friendly pest control treats it like the living environment it is — full of children, pets, pollinators, and the people who matter most to you.

Only ingredients we'd use in our own homes

Peppermint oil, cedar oil, professional-grade diatomaceous earth, food-grade borax. Plant-derived and mineral-based — no synthetic pesticide ingredients.

We find the cause, not just the symptom

Integrated pest management means fixing what's attracting pests — entry points, moisture, harborage. Less product needed. Better, longer-lasting results.

Full transparency, every visit

You receive a written care card listing exactly what was applied, where, and what to expect. No mystery formulas. Ever.

The Process

Four steps to a well-protected, synthetic-free home.

Every visit follows the same careful, documented process — so you always know exactly what happened in your home.

1
Inspect & Identify

We inspect room by room — identifying pest pressure, entry points, and moisture issues. You'll know exactly what we found before we apply anything.

2
Exclude & Seal

We seal cracks, gaps, and entry points that let pests in — around pipes, vents, doors, and foundations. Exclusion is the most effective long-term treatment.

3
Treat at the Source

Botanical sprays and food-grade dusts applied precisely where pests live and travel — into cracks, crevices, and harborage areas. Targeted, not broadcast.

4
Monitor & Maintain

You receive a written care card documenting everything we did. We monitor for activity between visits and adjust our approach based on what we find.

I appreciated that they sealed the entry points instead of just scheduling next month.

Rachel K.  ·  Silver Spring, MD
Service Plans

Protection that fits your home.

Every plan uses botanical and mineral-based products — no synthetic pesticides. Visit frequency is based on your home's needs, not a rigid schedule.

Essential
$59/mo
$639/yr (save 10%)
  • 4+ visits/year, seasonally adjusted
  • Exterior perimeter + interior spot
  • 15+ common household pests
  • Unlimited free return visits
  • Care card & portal access
Start with Essential
Premier
$129/mo
$1,399/yr (save 10%)
  • Monthly visits (12/year), seasonally adjusted
  • Everything in Complete + crawl spaces
  • 30+ pests incl. bed bugs & fleas
  • 48-hour response & assigned technician
  • Annual risk assessment & 20% off add-ons
Start with Premier

Initial inspection & first treatment: $249 $149 with any subscription plan.
Billing starts the following month. 3-month commitment, cancel anytime after.  ·  View Service Agreement
*Targeted exclusion of key entry points included. Extensive exclusion work quoted separately.

Compare Plans in Detail
Essential Complete Premier
Coverage
Exterior perimeter
Interior treatmentSpotFullFull
Garage, basement & attic
Crawl spaces & structural perimeter
Pests covered15+25+30+
Guarantee
Minimum visits/year4+6+12
Free return visitsUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited
Response timeStandardPriority48 hours
Satisfaction guarantee60 days
Every Visit
Written care card
Customer portal access
Spider web removal
Premium
Priority scheduling
Seasonal pest forecasts
Your own assigned technician
Annual pest risk assessment
Discount on add-ons10%20%
Start with Essential Start with Complete Start with Premier

Every plan includes a minimum of 4 visits per year — with additional visits based on your home's actual pest pressure.
If pests return between visits, we come back at no charge.  View Service Agreement

What We Treat

Natural solutions for every common pest.

From stink bugs and carpenter ants to ticks, spiders, and bed bugs — every treatment uses natural methods designed to be safer for your family, your pets, and the Chesapeake Bay.

The Science

Old-world remedies. Modern efficacy.

We use nature's most potent defenses — cedar oil, silica, and peppermint — to deliver industrial-strength results without the industrial toxins.

95%
Efficacy

Professional-grade diatomaceous earth and boric acid achieve 95%+ mortality in insects within 14 days.

Learn more
88%
Reduction

Essential oil blends repel and eliminate household pests including ants and spiders.

Learn more
EPA
25(b) Exempt

Minimal-risk classification — safe for families and pets when used as directed.

Learn more

How We Apply It

Every visit follows a targeted, methodical approach — nothing is sprayed blindly.

Dust & Void Treatment

Hidden protection

Professional-grade diatomaceous earth is precision-applied into wall voids, cracks, and crevices where pests travel — behind outlets, under cabinets, along pipe penetrations. Invisible once applied and lasts for months until disturbed.

Wall voids Pipe gaps Outlets Food-grade

Perimeter Spray

Exterior + interior barrier

We apply a cedar oil and peppermint blend along your foundation, door frames, window sills, and baseboards — creating a repellent barrier pests won't cross. Dries in 30–60 minutes, then safe for kids and pets.

Foundation band Entry points Baseboards EPA 25(b)

Targeted Bait Placement

Colony elimination

Boric acid gel is applied into cracks and crevices, and solid baits are placed inside enclosed, tamper-resistant stations — never on open surfaces. Worker ants and roaches carry it back to the colony, eliminating the source within 1–2 weeks.

Enclosed stations Crack & crevice only Child & pet safe
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What to Expect

Results you can see, on a timeline you can trust.

24h
Day One
Immediate contact action

Botanical sprays go to work on contact. You'll notice a difference within the first 24 hours.

Treatment90 days
1–2wk
Colony Reduction
Baits working through the colony

Targeted baits are carried back to the nest by worker ants. Significant reduction visible within two weeks.

Treatment90 days
90d
Full Cycle
Protected home, renewed barrier

Follow-up visits renew the barrier, address seasonal changes, and inspect for new entry points. Results vary.

Treatment90 days

Guarantee: If pests return between visits, we come back at no charge.

Protecting Maryland

Designed to protect the
Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Every home we treat is one less source of chemical runoff reaching the Bay. Our natural products biodegrade within 24–48 hours — synthetic pyrethroids persist for weeks.

0 lbs
Synthetic chemicals
per home, per year
24hr
Spray ingredients
biodegrade
25b
EPA exempt
minimal risk
Biodegrades in 24–48 hours Lower risk to waterways Reduced pollinator impact
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About Herbal Shield

Built on a belief that less harm is always possible.

Herbal Shield was founded on a simple conviction: Maryland families deserve pest control that doesn't ask them to choose between an effective result and a safe home environment.

"I've always been someone who reads the label. When I started growing food at home, I got serious about what I was willing to put in the soil — and that mindset carried into the rest of the house. Every product we use is one I've personally researched and tested. If I wouldn't use it in my own home, we don't use it in yours."

MDA Category 7A Licensed · Fully Insured · Serving Bethesda, Columbia, Annapolis, Silver Spring, Ellicott City, Towson & greater Maryland since 2025

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Dog lying on hardwood floor
MDA Licensed
Category 7A Certified
Fully Insured
Liability & Workers' Comp
EPA 25(b) Exempt
Minimal Risk Products
Satisfaction Guarantee
If pests come back, so do we — free
FAQ

Honest answers to common questions.

Are natural treatments actually effective?

Yes — the science backs this. Peppermint oil is a powerful natural repellent and contact agent. Professional-grade diatomaceous earth works through a physical mechanism that pests can't develop resistance to. Borax-based baits are so effective they're standard even in conventional pest management. We use these targeted, low-toxicity tools exclusively rather than broadcast chemical sprays.

How quickly will I see results?

Significant improvement within 3–7 days for most situations. Ant baits typically show results in 24–48 hours. Flea programs take 2–3 weeks because the lifecycle requires patience — we explain this clearly at every visit so you know exactly what to expect. Tick reduction programs show results over 3–4 weeks as habitat modification takes effect.

When is it safe for my kids and pets to re-enter?

Botanical spray areas are safe when fully dry — typically 2–4 hours with good ventilation. DE areas are safe immediately but we recommend keeping children from playing in treated carpet for 24 hours. Exact re-entry times are noted on your care card.

Is it safe if I'm pregnant or nursing?

With our approach, yes. We never spray surfaces — all treatments go into cracks, crevices, and enclosed voids where people don't contact them. Our EPA 25(b) exempt products have the lowest risk profile available. For nurseries and infant rooms, we use only sealed bait stations and physical exclusion (no sprays at all). Always consult your healthcare provider with specific concerns.

Do you treat fish tanks and aquariums differently?

Always. Essential oils including cedar and peppermint are acutely toxic to fish. We always cover and seal fish tanks before any spray treatment, turn off tank pumps, and confirm ventilation before allowing you to uncover — minimum 2 hours. This is a non-negotiable step at every single visit.

Why do I notice more activity right after treatment?

This is actually a good sign. Botanical treatments flush pests out of their hiding spots in walls and crevices. You may notice increased activity for 1–2 days — it means the product is reaching exactly the right places. Things should quiet down noticeably after 3–5 days.

What areas of Maryland do you serve?

Greater Baltimore and Washington DC metro areas — including Bethesda, Silver Spring, Columbia, Ellicott City, Annapolis, and Towson. We serve Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City. Not sure? Call us — we may be able to accommodate you even outside our standard area.

Is Herbal Shield more expensive than conventional?

Our pricing is comparable to quality conventional services. Our IPM approach — fixing root causes rather than treating symptoms repeatedly — means most clients need fewer visits over time. We offer free quotes and give honest assessments of what your situation actually requires.

What happens if it rains right after treatment?

Exterior botanical treatments need about 2 hours to dry and bond. If rain is expected, we'll time the application or focus on protected areas like under eaves, around door frames, and in covered entry points. We'll return to treat exposed areas at no charge if needed.

Do I need to prepare my home before a visit?

Minimal prep: clear items from directly against baseboards in heavy pest areas, and make sure the technician can access under sinks and behind appliances. No need to leave the house, bag food, or cover furniture. We'll explain everything specific to your situation before we start.

Can I treat the problem myself first?

Store-bought surface sprays often make things worse — they push pests deeper into walls and scatter them into new areas. Our professional-grade natural products are applied directly into cracks and voids where they're most effective. If you've already used store-bought products, let us know — it helps us tailor our approach.

Do you offer a guarantee?

Yes. If pests return between your scheduled visits, we come back at no charge. Our goal is a protected home, and we stand behind our work. Most homes see significant reduction in pest activity after 2–3 treatment cycles.

How often will you visit my home?

Every plan includes a minimum of 4 visits per year. Beyond that, we visit based on your home's actual pest pressure — not an arbitrary calendar. Spring ant season? We're there. Fall stink bug migration? We're there. Quiet January? We don't waste your time. Most homes see 4–8 visits per year depending on the season and activity. You can always request an additional visit through the customer portal at no extra charge.

Why don't you come every month like other companies?

Most pest control companies sell you 4 or 12 visits per year whether you need them or not — and charge extra if you call in between. We take an IPM (Integrated Pest Management) approach: we monitor your home's conditions and treat when it will actually make a difference. This is how university-trained entomologists recommend pest management. The result is better protection with fewer unnecessary treatments.

What am I actually paying for with a subscription?

You start with an initial inspection and first treatment — normally $249, but $149 with any subscription plan (that's $100 off). Your subscription doesn't begin billing until the following month. From there, your subscription is year-round coverage — not just visits. It includes: ongoing monitoring and treatment of your property, unlimited free return visits if pests come back, access to your personal customer portal with property map and care guides, all natural EPA 25(b) exempt products, and a technician who knows your specific home.

Is your treatment safe for dogs and cats?

Yes. Every product we use is EPA 25(b) exempt — classified as minimal risk to human health and the environment. Cedar oil, peppermint oil, professional-grade diatomaceous earth, and boric acid are all safe for mammals. Pets can return to treated areas once the spray dries, typically 30–60 minutes. Bait stations are enclosed and placed in areas pets can't access.

Do you treat for termites or mosquitoes?

Not currently. Termite treatment requires a separate Category 7B license and mosquito yard treatment requires a 7C license. We focus on what we're licensed and trained for — and we do it exceptionally well. We're happy to refer you to a trusted partner for termites or mosquitoes.

Ready to sign up?
Your Personal Dashboard

Everything about your home's protection,
in one place.

Every Herbal Shield customer gets access to a private portal — your property map, care guides, visit history, billing, and direct access to our natural pest management AI advisor.

herbalshield.com/customer-portal
Herbal Shield customer portal dashboard showing property map, care guides, and eco-impact
Interactive Property Map See exactly where we treat — every entry, every barrier, floor by floor.
Personalized Care Guides Custom care cards for your home with follow-up instructions.
Easy Scheduling Book, reschedule, or request a visit — all from your dashboard.
Chat with Sage Our AI advisor answers questions about your home and our approach.
Your Eco-Impact Track the chemicals you've kept out of your home and the watershed.
Create Your Free Account(No service plan required)
Share the Shield

Know someone
who deserves worry-free
pest management?

When you refer a friend to Herbal Shield, they get $50 off their first service — and you earn $50 credit toward yours.

No limits. No catch. No expiration.

1st Referral
$50 credit for you + $50 off for your friend
3rd Referral
$75 credit + a complimentary herb garden kit
5th Referral — Ambassador
15% lifetime discount + priority scheduling

Ready for Worry-Free Pest Management?

Your home deserves the best protection — naturally.

Initial inspection & first treatment: $249 $149 with any subscription plan.
Your subscription starts the following month — no charge until then.

(443) 228-6070 jim@herbalshield.com

No commitment until your inspection. We respond within one business day.

Have a question?

We'll get back to you within one business day.