Pest Control Info
Galena, MD

Aedes mosquitoes are black in color with white accents predominantly on the legs. Commonly known as “ankle biters”, the females will bite human ankles in order to get the blood needed for reproduction. Aedes mosquitoes also consume plant nectar and do not fly long distances. Living in or around homes can provide the mosquitoes with food, shelter, and the ability to lay eggs. Even the slightest amount of water can be used to lay mosquito eggs. The lifespan of an Aedes mosquito can be around two weeks, with the female laying eggs around three times.

Subterranean termites are a diverse group of insects with specialized body shapes based on their roles in the colony. The swarmers, also known as alates, have wings and are responsible for reproduction. Workers, which are the most numerous caste, have smaller jaws and are responsible for foraging, feeding, and caring for the young. Soldiers, with large heads and long mandibles, are responsible for defending the colony against predators. Subterranean termites are known to build colonies underground and invade Galena, MD homes by tunneling through soil. They construct mud tubes to provide a protective and controlled environment for themselves as they access wood for food.

German cockroaches are known for their light brown color and dark brown stripes running down their backs. Once mature, they can reach up to 5/8 of an inch in length. They are drawn to starch, grease, and sugar. German cockroaches tend to nest in dark, humid, and low trafficked areas such as behind appliances and inside dark cabinets. Keep kitchens clean, garbage cans sealed, and fix any leaks to prevent them from being drawn to your home.

Camponotus castaneus have a rich, warm honey color, and a glossy sheen to their exterior. They can grow up to 10 millimeters in length. They are considered to be very aggressive carpenter ants and will bite and attack anyone who comes near their nest. Fortunately their bite is not poisonous, but they do spray formic acid which will sting. Their diet consists of insects such as mosquitoes, mealworms, flies, fruit and honeydew. They typically nest next to pavement or within trees that are alive or dead.

Rice rats in Galena, MD are smaller in stature only reaching about 5.5 inches in length. Their fur can be primarily brown or gray. The sides of their body are light gray and their bellies are a pure gray color. Rice rats can also be distinguished by their tails, which are brown on top and white on the bottom. They live outdoors and thrive in wet environments with dense vegetation. They’re omnivores and eat insects, fish, and grasses.

Red-femured Spotted Orbweavers, scientifically known as Neoscona domiciliorum, exhibit distinct physical features, characterized by their striking black and yellow patterned abdomen, red first segments of their legs, and black and white spots on the remaining portions of their legs. The female species can attain lengths up to 1.6 centimeters, while the male only grows up to 0.8 centimeters. These orbweavers are typically found in tall shrubs and trees where they construct intricate webs to capture prey. Their diet mainly comprises moths, wasps, flies, and occasionally, larger animals like hummingbirds and frogs.

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

Bed bugs are small, brown insects, about the size of an apple seed, that feed on blood by biting their host, causing itchy and irritating skin lesions. They are known to inhabit furniture, mattresses, headboards, and other small, tight spaces, making them difficult to detect and eliminate. To prevent infestations in your Galena home, maintaining a regular cleaning schedule, minimizing clutter in the home, and exercising caution while traveling are recommended.