Worcester County, MD Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)

The Worcester County Rental Housing Code, Subtitle I of Title BR3 in the Code of Public Local Laws, sets the pest rules for residential rental structures in the unincorporated areas of Worcester County, Maryland. It does not govern Ocean City, Berlin, Snow Hill or Pocomoke City, which keep their own codes. Under § BR 3-106(d)(2) the premises must be free from infestation of insects, rodents, vermin or other pests. Section BR 3-106(f)(8) carries the same standard indoors: where infestation is found, the area must be promptly exterminated by processes that are not injurious to human health.

The Code builds rodent exclusion into the structure itself. Each foundation, exterior wall, roof and other exterior surface must be kept in such condition as to exclude rodents and other pests, and each window, door and frame must exclude rain and rodents as completely as possible. When the code official finds continuing or repeated infestation, the owner must install rodent- and vermin-proof walls built to the applicable state and local building code. From April 1 to December 1, every door and window used for ventilation needs tight-fitting insect screens.

Responsibility is split by building type in § BR 3-112(d). The owner handles extermination in the structure and on the premises before renting or leasing. The tenant of a single housing unit handles extermination there. In a building with two or more housing units, the owner or operator handles it, unless the tenant's failure to take reasonable action caused the infestation inside the unit. Under § BR 3-112(b), an owner cannot be cited for a violation caused by a tenant's negligent, wrongful or malicious acts, provided the owner's own acts or omissions did not contribute. Vacant structures and vacant land must also stay clean, safe, secure and sanitary under § BR 3-106(c). Inspections follow § BR 3-103(a): written notice mailed so it arrives one day ahead, with a warrant required if entry is refused.