Pest Control Info
Lowell, MA

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.

Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are dark brown in color with light yellow outlining the sides of their body. Males grow to be about 1 inch, while females only reach about 3/4 of an inch in size. They predominantly nest in hollowed out trees or in wood piles. Their diet consists of decaying organic matter and sugary substances. To deter these cockroaches, regularly rake up fallen leaves, collect fruit on the ground from fruit trees and discard scrap wood.

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.

Norway rats in Lowell, MA 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.

Eastern Parson Spiders, also known as Herpyllus ecclesiasticus, are a species of ground spider with a distinctive dark-colored body and light-colored collar that bears a resemblance to that of a pastor or priest. These spiders are relatively large, with adults reaching lengths of over 1.5 inches. As with other ground spiders, they do not spin webs but instead hunt for prey on the ground. Their diet primarily consists of insects, which they capture through ambush tactics. Eastern Parson Spiders are known to seek out warm environments and may take refuge in clothing or bedding. While their bites are generally not harmful to humans in Lowell, MA, individuals who are allergic to spider venom should seek medical attention immediately.

Forest Yellowjackets have the traditional black and yellow wasp coloring and can grow up to 15 millimeters in length. They predominantly nest high up in trees. Due to their reclusive nature, Forest Yellowjackets will aggressively swarm and attack potential threats. Their nests are smaller in size and usually contain about 500 wasps inside. They feed off of nectar and will seek out 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 Lowell, MA, 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.