Pest Control Info
Portage, IN

Anopheles mosquitoes are brownish-yellow in color with a body length of up to 5 millimeters. They are predominantly active at night in Portage, IN and have no preference as to where on the body they will latch onto their host to feed. These mosquitoes require water to complete their lifecycle and specifically for laying eggs. They are known for transmitting malaria. Keep them at bay with citronella candles and mosquito zappers.

Subterranean termites have long, oval-shaped, dark brown bodies with milky colored wings. They can grow up to an 1/8th of an inch in size. Residing entirely underground, subterranean termites are difficult to detect. Their diet consists of wood that is typically in direct contact to soil and other forms of cellulose. Wood that comes in direct contact with soil around homes or buildings will need a chemical barrier in order to help prevent infestations.

The German cockroach is a small, winged cockroach that is native to Asia but has become a common household pest throughout Indiana. It is a light brown or tan color and can grow to be about a half inch long. The German cockroach is a nocturnal insect, hiding in dark, warm places during the day and coming out at night to feed on organic matter. It is particularly attracted to sources of food and moisture, such as kitchen and bathroom areas. The German cockroach is a major pest in homes, restaurants, and other buildings, as it can reproduce quickly and can be difficult to control once an infestation has occurred.

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

The Ground Crab Spider, also known as Xysticus species, is a spider with a unique morphology, resembling a crab with a flattened body and laterally extending legs. Its coloration ranges from gray, brown, to tan, and it can reach a size of up to 1/2 inch. Ground Crab Spiders possess eight eyes arranged on a raised prominence, granting them a 360-degree field of vision. These spiders feed primarily on mites and other small arthropods, and are non-web builders, preferring to hide in dark locations such as tree bark.

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.

Bed Bugs in Portage have a warm brown color and will grow no larger than 7 millimeters in length. They live solely off of blood and will live in areas in close proximity to humans and animals. They are commonly found in mattresses, bedding, and headboards where they can easily bite humans while they sleep. Vacuum frequently, don’t keep loose items under beds, and maintain clutter to eliminate creating hiding places for bed bugs.