Pest Control Info
Wilmington, DE

Aedes mosquitoes are a specific kind of mosquito known for their involvement in transmitting a range of grave illnesses, including Zika virus, dengue fever, and yellow fever. These mosquitoes can be found across the world, with a significant presence in urban areas of Delaware and other states. A distinguishing feature of Aedes mosquitoes is their black and white striped legs and thorax, and their inclination to bite during daylight hours. Only female Aedes mosquitoes spread diseases as they feed on human blood to get the nutrients needed to produce eggs. Taking precautions, such as removing stagnant water where they lay their eggs, is essential to thwart their breeding.

Subterranean termites in Wilmington, DE 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 Delaware, 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.

Prenolepis imparis are more commonly known as winter ants since they are predominantly active during colder months. They are easily distinguishable by their dark brown body, glossy hourglass shape, and lighter brown legs. They can reach about 3 millimeters in length. They are omnivores who prefer a high protein liquid diet either in the form of secretions from other insects or from fruit juice. They build their nests deep underground to insulate from the cold and may seal themselves inside to protect from the elements.

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 Wilmington households. Omnivorous in nature, they feed on both plants and insects.

Woodlouse Spiders have bright orange legs, dark orange bodies, and light gray abdomens. Males grow to about 1/4 of an inch while females typically reach 1/2 inch in size. Their diet primarily consists of pill bugs and woodlice, and they often live among decaying organic matter such as rotting wood and decomposing leaf piles.

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.