Pest Control Info
Grimes, IA

Anopheles mosquitoes are identified by their brownish-yellow hue and scaly wings, and are characterized by their resting posture at a slight upward angle. Female Anopheles mosquitoes require blood meals for egg production, and will bite animals such as cattle or humans for this purpose. These mosquitoes are known to seek out dim, sheltered areas to rest during the day, while they remain active during the night. In natural settings, Anopheles mosquitoes have a lifespan of up to two weeks and are frequently found near water sources, regardless of size.

Subterranean termites are a diverse group of insects with specialized body shapes based on their roles in the colony. The swarmers, also known as alates, have wings and are responsible for reproduction. Workers, which are the most numerous caste, have smaller jaws and are responsible for foraging, feeding, and caring for the young. Soldiers, with large heads and long mandibles, are responsible for defending the colony against predators. Subterranean termites are known to build colonies underground and invade Grimes, IA homes by tunneling through soil. They construct mud tubes to provide a protective and controlled environment for themselves as they access wood for food.

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 Grimes, 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.

Bald-faced Hornets have black and white patterned bodies with predominantly white heads. They grow to be nearly 5/8ths of an inch in length. They build large nests made out of wood pulp on buildings, in trees, and in large shrubs. They feed off of live prey including: caterpillars, aphids, crickets, and other species of wasps. Bald-faced hornets remember faces for a certain period of time and will attack a person they have previously stung solely on the recognition from the past threat.

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 Grimes, IA, waiting for a suitable host to walk by, at which point they attach themselves and begin feeding until fully engorged.