Pest Control Info
Kirkwood, PA

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

Ghost Spiders, known for their tan coloration and dark brown spots, are a species of spiders that measure up to 8 millimeters in size and have a short, dense hair covering their body. Unlike many other spider species, Ghost Spiders do not construct webs as a means of hunting. Instead, they are active ground hunters and only spin webs for personal comfort or to lay egg sacs. Due to their secretive nature, Ghost Spiders are rarely encountered by Pennsylvania residents.

Bald-faced Hornets, scientifically known as Dolichovespula maculata, exhibit a striking black and white coloration pattern with white faces. They reach a body length of nearly 5/8th of an inch. These hornets construct conspicuous, globular paper nests, usually high up in trees, shrubs, or on buildings. They are active predators and hunt a variety of insects, including caterpillars, aphids, and crickets. Interestingly, bald-faced hornets have a well-developed facial recognition system and can remember individual human faces for a certain period of time, attacking those who have previously disturbed their nest.

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 Kirkwood 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.