Pest Control Info
Van Wyck, SC

Aedes mosquitoes are a species of mosquito identified by their black body and white spots. Commonly known as ankle biters, these mosquitoes tend to bite hosts from the knee down. Aedes mosquitoes breed by laying their eggs in water, similar to the Anopheles mosquito. While both adult male and female mosquitoes feed on nectar, only females require blood to reproduce. They are most active during the early evening times.

Formosan termites have a brownish-yellow color with long, narrow and oval shaped bodies. They have translucent wings and grow up to 1/2 an inch in size. Formosan termites, also called “super-termites,” are members of large colonies that quickly consume wood and many other kinds of materials or structures. They live up to many years and are known as the most aggressive species of termites. Thorough inspections may be needed to determine formosan termite presence due to the difficulty in locating nests or damaged wood. Chemical barriers, baits, and even fumigation can be useful in getting rid of termites. Preventative measures while building new structures are extremely important in preventing infestations.

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 Van Wyck, 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 Van Wyck, 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 Van Wyck, SC, waiting for a suitable host to walk by, at which point they attach themselves and begin feeding until fully engorged.

Bed bugs are the size of an apple seed and are brown in color. They feed off of blood by biting their host causing itchy and irritable sites. Bed bugs are commonly found in furniture, mattresses, headboards, and hiding in small areas. Keep a regular cleaning schedule, minimize clutter in your home, and be cautious while traveling to prevent bringing them back to your home.