Pest Control Info
West Branch, IA

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 West Branch, IA 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 Iowa, 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.

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.

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

Flower Crab spiders have several bright color variables including: green, yellow, pink, and white. Their body is round and shaped like a crab at the beach with their legs attached to their sides. They can grow up to 10 millimeters in size. Flower Crab spiders are ground hunters and attack bees, flies, grasshoppers, and other insects. They rarely come indoors unless they are accidentally brought in with flowers.

Red Wasps have a rusty red colored body, black wings, and grow to be about 1 inch in size. These social wasps live in large paper nests that can house and sustain 5000 other wasps inside. Nests are commonly found on roof overhangs and in hollow trees. They are attracted to sweet foods, bright colors, and flowers. While they do consume nectar, red wasps are known for eating caterpillars. Deter their presence with strong smelling plants, sealing sweet treats, or utilizing an insecticide.

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.