Pest Control Info
Wood River, IL

Aedes mosquitoes are a species of mosquito identified by their black body and white spots. Commonly known as ankle biters, these mosquitoes tend to bite hosts from the knee down. Aedes mosquitoes breed by laying their eggs in water, similar to the Anopheles mosquito. While both adult male and female mosquitoes feed on nectar, only females require blood to reproduce. They are most active during the early evening times.

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 River, 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.

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.

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