Pest Control Info
Sound Beach, NY

Aedes mosquitoes are black in color with white dots and have the nickname ankle biter due to the fact that they bite hosts from the knee down. Similar to the Anopheles, they also lay their eggs in water. Both adult male and females live off of nectar and only the females will suck blood in order to reproduce. Aedes mosquitoes are active biters during the day. Invest in a good repellent for outdoor activity and larvicides to control them from being in and around your home.

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.

Periplaneta americana, commonly known as American cockroaches, have a characteristic reddish-brown body with a yellow band outlining their pronotum. They are one of the largest cockroach species in New York, capable of growing up to 3 inches in length. American cockroaches are omnivorous and have a diverse diet that includes organic matter, sweets, and human or pet food. They are known to spread diseases and contaminate food and surfaces.

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 Sound Beach 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.

In Sound Beach, NY, European Hornets (Vespa crabro) exhibit brown and yellow striped bodies and can reach up to 1 3/8 inches in length. They prefer to construct their nests in concealed and low traffic locations such as hollow trees, barns, and attics. European Hornets mainly feed on fruit, flies, yellow jackets, grasshoppers, and honey bees. They are generally nocturnal and prefer to capture their prey during dark hours. Though they pose minimal risk to humans and only attack when they perceive a threat, preventative measures can be taken to deter them from nesting in residential areas.

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.