I think that’s really funny. You should do that.
In the past I have taught English around the world in exchange for room and board. The platform worked like this one where you apply for the exchange. Many hosts put code words in their profile. I had no problem with this. They received numerous replies from people that applied to many just for the location. If they were chosen then they read the profile if they had time. The homeowners had too many bad experiences with people who didn’t bother to read their profiles and found this out once the exchange started.
I don’t blame the homeowner wanting someone who knows what they are agreeing to. I find on this platform sitters read profiles very carefully and that is not needed necessarily. If it gives homeowners peace of mind to write that then that’s fine with me.
Hopefully such hosts will read the listings of the sitters carefully so that they are able to provide the secret word from the sitters profile when reaching out to the applicant. 
In 90 Day Fiance a guy handed his girlfriend a test paper for her to answer on the first date. According to him “it helps him get to know her more”. I guess that would be approx. the time many would just… walk.
If HOs would like to include code words, then it should also be applicable for sitters to include code words in their applications / listings. Just like all sitters do not read HOs’ listings, not all HOs read sitters’ applications / listings.
I have had HOs respond to my applications only to ask for my phone number when I have already listed it in my applications… I’ve been asked where I live (stated in my listing), asked how many years was I in the military (stated in my listing) and I have been asked why I applied (reasons given in my application).
And it is annoying when HOs do not address me by my name. If I have taken the time to personalize applications to include the HOs’ names along with their pets’ names, they can take a few seconds to write my first name. Not only is it the respectful and courteous thing to do-- my first name is only 6 letters.
And I just recently received an invite from a HO and she did not address me by my first name. DECLINE.
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If you feel a code word would help you to better screen HOs and quickly withdraw applications from sits and HOs that don’t read your application or profile, give it a try 
This was a good reminder for me! I’m aware that using person’s name is considered polite in (most?) English speaking cultures, so I try to remember to use the name in my communication with English speakers. In my culture, using someone’s name when talking (or writing) to them is super rare and would sound unpolite and weird, so it does not come naturally for me. But I’m doing my best!
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As Geoff said, If you explained why with a friendly tone, I would not find it condescending and would appreciate your attention to clear communication.
I recently got an invite for a sit and noted the same thing - the host did not use my name or in any way refer to my listing. Then it was clearly a cut and paste- invite as I haven’t showed interest in that area and didn’t really align with the expectations of the sit. So it was quite clear it was either because the host is not familiar with THS or is getting desperate. I declined because I wasn’t tempted. It wasn’t solely because it was cut and paste, but it did nothing to tempt either.
It is the English speaking cultures that I am referring to. 
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I remember when this topic was started. I’d never seen any listings using this technique and I still haven’t.
Personally, I think it’s a good idea. It proves to the potential host the whole listing has been read instead of just looking at the pictures and deciding. Yes, it is slightly harder because of the 5 applicants rule but if a sitter clicks on the “apply” button then reads the listing in full on another page it definitely works. I do this often.