Pest Control Info
Elgin, SC

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.

Formosan termites are a type of insect that are known for causing damage to buildings and other structures. They are originally from Southeast Asia, but have been introduced to other parts of the world, including South Carolina. Formosan termites are small and flat, and they like to eat wood and other materials that contain cellulose at a rapid pace. They live in large groups called colonies, and some colonies can have millions of termites. Formosan termites are most commonly found in warm and humid places, especially near the coast.

American cockroaches are distinguished by a reddish brown hue and a yellow band outlining their head. They have 6 legs and can grow up to 3 inches in length. Their diet typically consists of organic matter, but they will also consume human and dog food. Make sure your entryways are sealed properly and your home is regularly vacuumed or swept to help keep American cockroaches away.

Brachyponera chinensis, or Asian Needle ants, are an invasive species that have shiny, dark brown bodies and light-hued legs. They can reach up to 7 millimeters in length. These ants are unique in that they will hunt and kill termites. They build colonies in the soil or within a tree in both urban and rural environments. Asian Needle ant colonies can have up to several thousand members.

Rice rats in Elgin, SC 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.

Starbellied orb weavers are small to medium-sized spiders found throughout South Carolina. They are named after the distinctive white or silver spots on their abdomen and their habit of building orb-shaped webs. Starbellied orb weavers are generally brown or grey in color and have a body length of about half an inch. They are nocturnal spiders, hiding during the day and coming out at night to hunt insects and other small prey.

European Hornets in Elgin, SC have brown and yellow striped bodies and can grow up to 1 3/8 inches in length. They prefer to build their nests in hidden and low trafficked areas such as attics, barns, and hollow trees. Their diet consists of fruit, grasshoppers, honey bees, flies, and yellow jackets. European Hornets can be nocturnal and prefer to catch their prey in the dark. They pose very low risk to humans and only attack when they feel threatened. Make your home less desirable by cleaning your yard and changing outdoor lighting to have a more yellow tint.

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 Elgin, SC, 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 Elgin home, maintaining a regular cleaning schedule, minimizing clutter in the home, and exercising caution while traveling are recommended.