Pest Control Info
Baltic, SD

Anopheles mosquitoes, known for resting at a slight upward angle, are brownish-yellow in color with scaly wings. Females bite animals, such as cattle, or humans since they need blood for egg production. Anopheles mosquitoes seek out dim, sheltered areas preferring to rest during the day but are active at night. They may live up to two weeks in nature and will be found near water sources, whether small or large. If traveling to an area with an outbreak of malaria, you may want to talk to your doctor about options for protecting yourself from Anopheles mosquito bites.

Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are dark brown in color with light yellow outlining the sides of their body. Males grow to be about 1 inch, while females only reach about 3/4 of an inch in size. They predominantly nest in hollowed out trees or in wood piles. Their diet consists of decaying organic matter and sugary substances. To deter these cockroaches, regularly rake up fallen leaves, collect fruit on the ground from fruit trees and discard scrap wood.

Formica obscuripes, more commonly known as the Western Thatching Ant, are typically two-toned with red colored heads and brown bodies. Although, some Western Thatching Ants can be pure black. They have stocky bodies and can reach up to 8 millimeters in length. These ants are hunters and territorial of their colonies. They will attack and bite the moment they feel threatened. They live off of beetles, grasshoppers, dead insects, nectar, and pollen.

Norway rats in Baltic, SD are more commonly known as the sewer rat, or the typical brown rat. They are distinct by their brown, or dark gray, fur and light gray bellies. They can reach up to 10 inches in length with their tail growing to the same length as their body. They prefer to nest in close proximity to humans, are opportunistic feeders, and will eat just about anything. Keep homes clean and garbage cans sealed to avoid attracting them.

The Flower Crab Spider (Misumena vatia) is a small spider found throughout the United States, including in Baltic, SD. It is named after its crab-like appearance and its habit of hiding in flowers and waiting for prey to come to it. The flower crab spider is a white or yellow color and has a body length of about half an inch. It is able to change color to match the flowers it is hiding in, making it difficult to spot. The flower crab spider is a nocturnal spider, hiding during the day and coming out at night to hunt.

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.

Brown Dog Ticks, known as Rhipicephalus sanguineus, exhibit a warm reddish-brown hue in males, while females showcase a steel coloration. Prior to feeding, they measure about 1/8th of an inch. Once attached to a host, these ticks engorge themselves, expanding up to 1/2 of an inch in length. Remarkably, unlike most tick species, they thrive indoors. Brown Dog Ticks gravitate towards dogs and humans as their preferred hosts, making their way into residential spaces within Baltic, SD.