Pest Control Info
Mount Pleasant, SC

Aedes mosquitoes are a specific kind of mosquito known for their involvement in transmitting a range of grave illnesses, including Zika virus, dengue fever, and yellow fever. These mosquitoes can be found across the world, with a significant presence in urban areas of South Carolina and other states. A distinguishing feature of Aedes mosquitoes is their black and white striped legs and thorax, and their inclination to bite during daylight hours. Only female Aedes mosquitoes spread diseases as they feed on human blood to get the nutrients needed to produce eggs. Taking precautions, such as removing stagnant water where they lay their eggs, is essential to thwart their breeding.

Drywood termites vary in color based on their social class. Worker termites are cream colored and soldiers are brown. Mature Drywood termites can reach up to 1/4 of an inch in size. As their name suggests, they reside in dry wood areas. They can often be found in and around dead trees. Their colonies are easier to locate due to the visible sawdust and feces they push out of their nests. Their diet consists of wood and other forms of cellulose. Refrain from using mulch, regularly discard scrap wood, and keep gutters free of leaves/debris in order to help keep drywood termites away.

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 South Carolina, 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.

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.

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 Mount Pleasant households. Omnivorous in nature, they feed on both plants and insects.

Starbellied orb weavers, are identified by the unique white or silver spots present on their abdomen and their characteristic circular web structures. These spiders typically exhibit shades of brown or grey in coloration and measure about 0.5 inches in body length. As nocturnal predators, they remain hidden during daylight hours and actively hunt for insects and other small prey during the night.

Red Wasps have a rusty red colored body, black wings, and grow to be about 1 inch in size. These social wasps live in large paper nests that can house and sustain 5000 other wasps inside. Nests are commonly found on roof overhangs and in hollow trees. They are attracted to sweet foods, bright colors, and flowers. While they do consume nectar, red wasps are known for eating caterpillars. Deter their presence with strong smelling plants, sealing sweet treats, or utilizing an insecticide.

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.