Pest Control Info
Wood Dale, IL

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.

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.

Norway rats in Wood Dale, IL 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.

Arrow-Shaped Orbweavers, recognized by their brightly colored, arrow-shaped abdomens tipped in yellow, red, and black, have reddish-brown heads and legs and can grow up to 9 millimeters in size. They are known for spinning orb webs and trapping insects and small animals for their consumption. Although their appearance may seem intimidating, they pose no threat to humans.

European Paper Wasps, also known as Polistes dominula, share a striking similarity with Yellowjackets in their slim, black and yellow bodies that can reach up to 1 inch in length. These wasps build paper-like nests in cavities like attics, vents, eaves, and satellite dishes. They primarily feed on hornworms, caterpillars, nectar, and other sugary substances.

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

Bed bugs are the size of an apple seed and are brown in color. They feed off of blood by biting their host causing itchy and irritable sites. Bed bugs are commonly found in furniture, mattresses, headboards, and hiding in small areas. Keep a regular cleaning schedule, minimize clutter in your home, and be cautious while traveling to prevent bringing them back to your home.