Pest Control Info
Mill Valley, CA

Anopheles mosquitoes, having a brownish-yellow hue and measuring up to 5 millimeters in body length, display nocturnal activity patterns, and lack specificity in choosing host feeding locations. The successful completion of their lifecycle requires access to water sources, particularly for the purpose of egg-laying. Anopheles mosquitoes are infamous for their ability to transmit malaria.

Subterranean termites in Mill Valley, CA are dark brown in color with oval-shaped bodies and milky-colored wings. They can grow up to 1/8th of an inch in size. Subterranean termites live entirely underground, making them challenging to detect. Their diet consists of wood that is typically in direct contact with soil and other forms of cellulose. In order to prevent infestations of subterranean termites, it is recommended to use chemical barriers for wood that comes in direct contact with soil around homes or buildings.

Periplaneta americana, commonly known as American cockroaches, have a characteristic reddish-brown body with a yellow band outlining their pronotum. They are one of the largest cockroach species in California, capable of growing up to 3 inches in length. American cockroaches are omnivorous and have a diverse diet that includes organic matter, sweets, and human or pet food. They are known to spread diseases and contaminate food and surfaces.

Linepithema humile, also known as Argentine ants, have smooth, shiny, light reddish-brown bodies that only reach 0.3 millimeters in size. Argentine ants typically build shallow nests underground in moist soil, by sidewalks, or underneath rocks. They are drawn to open food containers, kitchen grease, sugar, and other dead insects.

Deer mice, commonly recognized by their typical round and brown appearance, possess cream-colored underbellies and elongated tails, reaching sizes ranging from 5 to 8 inches in length. During colder seasons, they seek refuge indoors, nesting among cluttered storage areas or small, cave-like spaces in Mill Valley households. Omnivorous in nature, they feed on both plants and insects.

The Ground Crab Spider, also known as Xysticus species, is a spider with a unique morphology, resembling a crab with a flattened body and laterally extending legs. Its coloration ranges from gray, brown, to tan, and it can reach a size of up to 1/2 inch. Ground Crab Spiders possess eight eyes arranged on a raised prominence, granting them a 360-degree field of vision. These spiders feed primarily on mites and other small arthropods, and are non-web builders, preferring to hide in dark locations such as tree bark.

Bald-faced Hornets, scientifically known as Dolichovespula maculata, exhibit a striking black and white coloration pattern with white faces. They reach a body length of nearly 5/8th of an inch. These hornets construct conspicuous, globular paper nests, usually high up in trees, shrubs, or on buildings. They are active predators and hunt a variety of insects, including caterpillars, aphids, and crickets. Interestingly, bald-faced hornets have a well-developed facial recognition system and can remember individual human faces for a certain period of time, attacking those who have previously disturbed their nest.

Deer Ticks are reddish-brown in color with a hard black exterior and only reach 3 millimeters in length. They are one of the most well known species of ticks since they are responsible for spreading Lyme disease. They wait in tall grass and brush filled areas until a host walks by and then will attach themselves until they are full. If you have been bitten by a deer tick, it’s important to follow instructions closely to remove them properly in order to avoid bursting their body and releasing the bacteria inside of them.

Cimex lectularius, commonly known as bed bugs, exhibit a warm brown coloration and possess a maximum length of 7 millimeters. These hematophagous insects exclusively subsist on blood and prefer habitats situated in close proximity to humans and animals. In particular, bed bugs are known to dwell in mattresses, bedding, and headboards, where they are able to stealthily feed on sleeping humans. To prevent infestations, it is recommended to vacuum frequently, avoid storing loose items under beds, and maintain cleanliness to minimize potential hiding places for bed bugs.