Pest Control Info
Vashon, WA

Anopheles mosquitoes, having a brownish-yellow hue and measuring up to 5 millimeters in body length, display nocturnal activity patterns, and lack specificity in choosing host feeding locations. The successful completion of their lifecycle requires access to water sources, particularly for the purpose of egg-laying. Anopheles mosquitoes are infamous for their ability to transmit malaria.

The German cockroach is a small, winged cockroach that is native to Asia but has become a common household pest throughout Washington. It is a light brown or tan color and can grow to be about a half inch long. The German cockroach is a nocturnal insect, hiding in dark, warm places during the day and coming out at night to feed on organic matter. It is particularly attracted to sources of food and moisture, such as kitchen and bathroom areas. The German cockroach is a major pest in homes, restaurants, and other buildings, as it can reproduce quickly and can be difficult to control once an infestation has occurred.

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.

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

Hobo spiders are not distinct looking, making them difficult to identify. They have a brown body color and gray and yellow markings on their abdomens. They have particularly long legs and can grow to be about 1/2 an inch in size. Hobo spiders construct funnel-shaped webs which they use to trap prey such as flies, cockroaches, mosquitoes and other small insects. Due to the fact that they are poor climbers, they typically reside underground and are commonly found in cracks and crevices, and in basements and window wells.

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.

Cimex lectularius, commonly known as bed bugs, exhibit a warm brown coloration and possess a maximum length of 7 millimeters. These hematophagous insects exclusively subsist on blood and prefer habitats situated in close proximity to humans and animals. In particular, bed bugs are known to dwell in mattresses, bedding, and headboards, where they are able to stealthily feed on sleeping humans. To prevent infestations, it is recommended to vacuum frequently, avoid storing loose items under beds, and maintain cleanliness to minimize potential hiding places for bed bugs.