Pest Control Info
Council Bluffs, IA

Anopheles mosquitoes, known for resting at a slight upward angle, are brownish-yellow in color with scaly wings. Females bite animals, such as cattle, or humans since they need blood for egg production. Anopheles mosquitoes seek out dim, sheltered areas preferring to rest during the day but are active at night. They may live up to two weeks in nature and will be found near water sources, whether small or large. If traveling to an area with an outbreak of malaria, you may want to talk to your doctor about options for protecting yourself from Anopheles mosquito bites.

Subterranean termites are long and oval shaped and have physical differences based on social class. The swarmers have wings, the workers have smaller jaws used for chewing, and the soldiers have large heads and long mandibles helping them bite intruders into the colony. Subterranean termites build colonies underground and will invade homes from the soil beneath. They are known for building tunnels called “mud tubes” to gain access to wood and protect themselves.

Oriental cockroaches have a shiny black exterior. Males grow to 25 millimeters in length and have short wings. Females reach 32 millimeters and do not have wings. Oriental cockroaches are commonly found in dark and damp areas such as drain pipes, sewers, basements, and crawl spaces. They prefer to feed off of trash and decaying organic matter. While their bites are not dangerous, they can spread many diseases by simply walking around. Take care of any leaks, regularly clean garbage cans, and seal off potential points of entry to prevent them from entering a home.

Camponotus pennsylvanicus, or carpenter ant, are black in color with butter yellow colored hair on their abdomen. They range in size from 6 to 14 millimeters. This carpenter ant is extremely destructive and will nest and burrow in wooden structures such as fence posts or buildings. While they do eat fruit and nectar, they are also fierce predators who will eat many other pests. When the opportunity presents itself, they will also scavenge for human food and trash.

Norway rats in Council Bluffs, IA are more commonly known as the sewer rat, or the typical brown rat. They are distinct by their brown, or dark gray, fur and light gray bellies. They can reach up to 10 inches in length with their tail growing to the same length as their body. They prefer to nest in close proximity to humans, are opportunistic feeders, and will eat just about anything. Keep homes clean and garbage cans sealed to avoid attracting them.

Brown recluse are about 3/8ths of an inch in size and are distinguishable by their pale brown color and violin-shaped marking near the base of their head. The name recluse comes from their penchant for spinning webs in dark, remote, and abandoned areas. Their venom is considered harmful to humans and bite sites will gradually turn into a large blister possibly developing into an ulcer. If bitten by a recluse, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Red Wasps, known for their distinctive rusty red colored bodies and black wings, can grow up to 1 inch in size. They are social wasps that construct large paper nests capable of sustaining up to 5000 individuals. Nests in Council Bluffs are typically found in hollow trees and roof overhangs. Red Wasps are attracted to sweet foods, flowers, and bright colors, but their diet is predominantly composed of caterpillars.

Ixodes scapularis, commonly known as Deer Ticks, are a species of tick that exhibit a reddish-brown coloration with a hard, black exoskeleton, and can grow up to 3 millimeters in length. These ticks are notorious for their ability to transmit Lyme disease, a debilitating bacterial infection. Deer Ticks are known to lurk in tall grass and brushy areas of Council Bluffs, IA, waiting for a suitable host to walk by, at which point they attach themselves and begin feeding until fully engorged.