Pest Control Info
Winthrop Harbor, IL

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 Winthrop Harbor, IL 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 Illinois, 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.

Ponera pennsylvanica are reddish brown with big heads and long, slim torsos. They are small in stature and only grow to be about 1/8 of an inch in size. They predominantly eat meat and are especially drawn to fruit flies. Ponera pennsylvanica make their nests in rotting wood, moldy leaves, and deep within soil.

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

Arrow-Shaped Orbweavers are distinguishable by their bright yellow, red, and black tipped, arrow-shaped abdomens. Their head and legs are a reddish brown color and they can grow to 9 millimeters in size. They spin orb webs and will eat any insect or small animal that becomes trapped in it. While their appearance looks threatening, they are not harmful to humans.

In Winthrop Harbor, IL, European Hornets (Vespa crabro) exhibit brown and yellow striped bodies and can reach up to 1 3/8 inches in length. They prefer to construct their nests in concealed and low traffic locations such as hollow trees, barns, and attics. European Hornets mainly feed on fruit, flies, yellow jackets, grasshoppers, and honey bees. They are generally nocturnal and prefer to capture their prey during dark hours. Though they pose minimal risk to humans and only attack when they perceive a threat, preventative measures can be taken to deter them from nesting in residential areas.

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.