Pest Control Info
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Anopheles mosquitoes are brownish-yellow in color with a body length of up to 5 millimeters. They are predominantly active at night in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA and have no preference as to where on the body they will latch onto their host to feed. These mosquitoes require water to complete their lifecycle and specifically for laying eggs. They are known for transmitting malaria. Keep them at bay with citronella candles and mosquito zappers.

Subterranean termites have long, oval-shaped, dark brown bodies with milky colored wings. They can grow up to an 1/8th of an inch in size. Residing entirely underground, subterranean termites are difficult to detect. Their diet consists of wood that is typically in direct contact to soil and other forms of cellulose. Wood that comes in direct contact with soil around homes or buildings will need a chemical barrier in order to help prevent infestations.

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.

The California Deermouse (Peromyscus californicus) is a species of rodent with a characteristic orange fur coloration, distinguished by its cream-colored bellies and feet. They have a total body length of up to 6 inches, and their tails add an additional 4 to 6 inches. These mice can often be found nesting in less trafficked areas such as attics, crawl spaces, or basements, where they seek warmth for their nests from fabric and mattresses. Their diet primarily consists of plant materials, and they are known to seek out homes surrounded by vegetation.

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.

European Paper Wasps bear a strong resemblance to Yellowjackets with a slim black and yellow body growing up to 1 inch in length. They build paper-like nests in sheltered cavities such as satellite dishes, attics, vents, or eaves. Their diet consists of hornworms, caterpillars, nectar, and other sugary substances. Clean up fallen fruit from fruit trees, monitor pet food containers for outdoor pets, and regularly clean and monitor potential nest sites to keep them away.

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.

Bed Bugs in Rancho Santa Margarita have a warm brown color and will grow no larger than 7 millimeters in length. They live solely off of blood and will live in areas in close proximity to humans and animals. They are commonly found in mattresses, bedding, and headboards where they can easily bite humans while they sleep. Vacuum frequently, don’t keep loose items under beds, and maintain clutter to eliminate creating hiding places for bed bugs.