Call: 718-296-5900
Office Hours: Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm
Office Hours: Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm
Bedbug Size:
1/4 to 3/8 inch (4-5 mm)
Bedbug Color:
Reddish brown or brown
Bedbug Description:
Bed bugs are sometimes called “red coats”, “chinches”, or “mahogany flats”. The adult bed bug is a wingless insect that is flattened from top to bottom.
Bedbug Habitat:
At the beginning of an infestation, bed bugs are likely to be found only in the tufts, seams, and folds of mattresses and bed covers. In areas of heavy infestation, bed bugs can be found in crevices in the bedsteads.
Bedbug Life Cycle:
The life cycle stages of a bed bug are: Egg, Nymph, and Adult. The females lay about 450 eggs, usually at the rate of up to 5 per day, in cracks and crevices in the floor or bed, and the eggs attach to any hard surface. Newly hatched bed bugs begin feeding immediately. They shed their skin five times before becoming adults.
Bedbug – Type of Damage:
They feed principally on human blood by piercing the skin with a long beak and sucking blood into their stomachs. They feed mostly at night, but will feed during the day if hungry and the light is dim.
Bedbug Control:
In private homes, find all areas that bed bugs hide in during the day time. These must be treated with chemicals. In hotels, apartments, and other multiple-type dwelling places, bed bugs may spread from one unit to another using electrical wires and pipes as highways. All units should be inspected. Remove bird nests, if any.
Discovery Spots:
Usually discovered in unsuspected areas such as in floor cracks, under carpets, behind loose wallpaper or wall pictures, in books, CDs and electrical outlets.
How Bedbugs Feed
Why You Would Have Bedbugs?
Bedbug Control and Pest Extermination Services Available for:
New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island.
Size:
2.5 to 4 inches
Color:
Brown, Gray, or White
Description:
Mice are small rodents with large ears, a pointed snout, and a long, thin tail. They are known for their ability to adapt and thrive in a range of environments, often making their way into our homes in search of food and warm shelter.
Habitat:
Mice seek warmth, food, and shelter, making our homes an ideal environment. They are typically found in walls, attics, basements, and kitchens. They can squeeze through tiny openings and often nest in hidden areas.
Life Cycle:
Mice reproduce rapidly, with a gestation period of about 19-21 days. A female can give birth to 5-10 litters per year, each containing 3-14 pups. Mice reach maturity at 6-10 weeks old.
Type of Damage:
Mice can cause structural damage by gnawing on wires, insulation, and wood. They contaminate food and surfaces with droppings, urine, and hair, posing a health risk.
Control:
Sealing entry points, removing food sources, and using traps are essential steps in controlling a mouse infestation. In larger infestations, professional extermination may be necessary.
Discovery Spots:
Mice are often discovered by hearing them scurrying behind walls or in attics. You may also find droppings, gnaw marks, or nests made of shredded paper and fabric.
How Mice Enter Homes
Mice are incredibly resourceful and can enter your home through openings as small as a dime. They use their sharp teeth to gnaw through wood, plastic, and even softer metals, allowing them to create or enlarge entry points. Once inside, mice use their keen sense of smell to locate food, often nibbling on pantry items, pet food, or crumbs left behind. Mice are nocturnal and tend to explore homes at night, scurrying along walls and baseboards to avoid detection. They can survive on very little water and food, making them tough to eliminate.
Why You Would Have Mice
Mice infestations are typically caused by easy access to food and shelter. Homes with clutter, accessible food sources, or unsealed entry points are particularly vulnerable. As temperatures drop in colder months, mice seek out the warmth of homes, making infestations more common during fall and winter. Poor sanitation, such as leaving food out or not cleaning up spills, can also attract mice.
Pest Extermination Services Available for:
New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island.
Size:
7 to 10 inches (could be even bigger)
Color:
Brown, Gray, or Black
Description:
Rats are larger rodents with thicker bodies, shorter tails relative to their size, and blunt snouts. They are highly adaptable and can survive in various environments, often making their way into urban and suburban areas.
Habitat:
Rats are commonly found in sewers, basements, and alleys. They seek out food, water, and shelter in human structures and can often be found in dark, hidden areas like attics and crawl spaces.
Life Cycle:
Rats reach sexual maturity at around 5 weeks and can reproduce quickly. Females can produce up to 7 litters per year, with each litter containing 6-12 pups.
Type of Damage:
Rats can cause significant damage by gnawing on electrical wires, pipes, and structures. They contaminate food supplies and spread diseases such as leptospirosis, hantavirus, and salmonella.
Control:
Effective control involves sealing entry points, eliminating food and water sources, and using traps or bait. Professional extermination may be required for large infestations.
Discovery Spots:
Rats are often discovered in basements, attics, or near garbage areas. Signs include droppings, gnaw marks, grease trails along walls, and nests made of shredded paper or fabric.
How Rats Enter Homes
Rats can enter homes through openings as small as a quarter. They are strong climbers and can scale walls or use tree branches to access your home.
Why You Would Have Rats
Rats are attracted to homes that offer easy access to food, water, and shelter. Poor sanitation, clutter, and open trash cans are common factors that can lead to a rat infestation.
Pest Extermination Services Available for:
New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island.
Size:
1/8 to 1/2 inch
Color:
Black, red, or brown
Description:
Carpenter ants are large ants known for nesting in wood. Unlike termites, they do not eat wood but excavate it to create their nests, which can weaken wooden structures over time.
Habitat:
Carpenter ants prefer moist, decayed wood for nesting and are often found in trees, logs, and wooden structures. Indoors, they may nest in walls, attics, or basements, especially where there is water damage.
Life Cycle:
The ant life cycle consists of egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Colonies have a queen who lays eggs, while worker ants gather food and care for the young. Carpenter ants can form large colonies with satellite nests.
Type of Damage:
Carpenter ants can cause structural damage by excavating wood to build their nests. This damage can weaken wooden beams, floors, and other structures, especially if left untreated.
Control:
Control involves removing moisture sources, sealing entry points, and using baits or insecticides. It may also be necessary to remove or treat infested wood. Professional pest control is recommended for severe infestations.
Discovery Spots:
Carpenter ants are often discovered by seeing large ants indoors, finding sawdust-like material near wooden structures, or hearing rustling noises inside walls.
How Carpenter Ants Enter and Damage Homes
Carpenter ants often enter homes through gaps around doors, windows, or utility lines. They are also capable of entering through cracks in the foundation or by climbing overhanging tree branches. Once inside, they are drawn to moist, decaying wood where they excavate galleries to build their nests. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood but remove it to create space for their colonies, which can lead to structural damage over time. These ants are most active at night when they forage for food, leaving behind trails of sawdust as they excavate wood.
Why You Would Have Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are attracted to homes with moisture problems, such as leaks or water-damaged wood. They are also drawn to homes with easy access to food, particularly sugary substances. In New York City, where buildings may have older, decaying wood, and dense vegetation, carpenter ants can easily find suitable nesting sites. Without addressing moisture issues and sealing entry points, homes can become prime targets for carpenter ant infestations.
Pest Extermination Services Available for:
New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island.
Size:
1.5 to 2 inches
Color:
Brown, reddish-brown, or black
Description:
Cockroaches are fast-moving insects with flattened bodies, long antennae, and legs adapted for running. They are resilient pests known for their ability to survive in harsh conditions and multiply quickly.
Habitat:
Cockroaches are typically found in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. They are attracted to warm, humid environments and are often discovered near food sources, in cracks, crevices, and other hidden areas.
Life Cycle:
The life cycle consists of egg, nymph, and adult stages. Females lay egg capsules containing 16-50 eggs, which hatch into nymphs. Nymphs molt several times before reaching adulthood.
Type of Damage:
Cockroaches contaminate food, utensils, and surfaces with their droppings, saliva, and shed skins. They are known carriers of bacteria and allergens that can trigger asthma and allergies.
Control:
Effective control involves maintaining cleanliness, eliminating food and water sources, and using insecticides or baits. Professional extermination may be necessary for severe infestations.
Discovery Spots:
Cockroaches are often found in dark, hidden places such as under sinks, behind appliances, or in cracks and crevices. You may also see their droppings or egg cases near these areas.
How Cockroaches Enter and Survive in Homes
Cockroaches are highly adaptable and can enter homes through tiny cracks, gaps under doors, or even by hitching a ride in grocery bags or used appliances. Once inside, they are incredibly difficult to eradicate due to their rapid breeding cycle and ability to survive in various environments. Cockroaches prefer warm, humid places and often hide in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, where they can find food, water, and shelter. They are nocturnal and usually come out at night to feed on crumbs, grease, or anything organic, including cardboard and glue. Cockroaches are also known for their ability to go without food for up to a month, making them particularly resilient.
Why You Would Have Cockroaches
Cockroach infestations are commonly caused by poor sanitation, moisture issues, and the presence of food debris. Homes with clutter, leaky pipes, or unsealed food containers are especially attractive to cockroaches. The introduction of infested items, such as used furniture or appliances, can also bring cockroaches into a home. In multi-unit buildings, cockroaches can easily travel between apartments through shared walls, plumbing, or ventilation systems. Warm climates and urban areas with high population densities also contribute to higher cockroach activity.
Pest Extermination Services Available for:
New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island.
Size:
1.5 to 2 inches
Color:
Dark brown or black
Description:
Waterbugs, also known as giant water bugs or toe-biters, are large, aquatic insects with flat bodies and powerful forelegs used for capturing prey. They are often mistaken for cockroaches but are different species.
Habitat:
Waterbugs are typically found near bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, and streams. However, they can enter homes through drains or during periods of heavy rain, particularly in basements or ground-level areas.
Life Cycle:
Waterbugs undergo incomplete metamorphosis, with three life stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Females lay eggs on vegetation near water, and nymphs resemble smaller versions of adults.
Type of Damage:
Waterbugs are predators that feed on other insects, small fish, and amphibians. They can deliver a painful bite if handled, but they do not cause structural damage or spread disease.
Control:
Controlling waterbugs involves reducing standing water around the home, sealing entry points, and using insecticides if necessary. Maintaining a clean environment can also help prevent infestations.
Discovery Spots:
Waterbugs are often discovered in bathrooms, kitchens, or basements, particularly near drains or areas with standing water.
How Waterbugs Enter and Survive in Homes
Waterbugs, often mistaken for cockroaches, are large, aquatic insects that can enter homes through drains, pipes, or gaps in the foundation. They are typically found near bodies of water, such as ponds or lakes, but heavy rains or flooding can drive them indoors. Once inside, waterbugs seek out damp, dark places, such as basements, bathrooms, or kitchens. They are nocturnal and usually come out at night to search for food, which can include other insects, decaying organic matter, or even pet food. Waterbugs are known for their strong jaws, which they use to capture prey, and their ability to survive in water for extended periods.
Why You Would Have Waterbugs
Waterbugs are often attracted to homes with moisture problems, such as leaks, standing water, or high humidity. They can enter through sewer systems, drains, or any openings near the foundation of a home. Poor drainage, overgrown vegetation, or debris around the home can also create a conducive environment for waterbugs. During periods of heavy rain, waterbugs may seek shelter indoors to escape rising water levels. Homes near bodies of water or in flood-prone areas are particularly susceptible to waterbug infestations.
Pest Extermination Services Available for:
New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island.
Size:
1/4 to 1/2 inch
Color:
Gray or brown with white, silver, green, or blue scales
Description:
Mosquitoes are small, flying insects with slender bodies, long legs, and a pair of wings. Female mosquitoes have a long proboscis used for feeding on blood, while males feed on nectar.
Habitat:
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, including ponds, puddles, and containers. They are commonly found in areas with high humidity and vegetation, particularly near bodies of water.
Life Cycle:
The mosquito life cycle includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Females lay eggs in water, where they hatch into larvae. After undergoing metamorphosis, adults emerge and begin feeding on blood or nectar.
Type of Damage:
Mosquitoes are vectors for diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. Their bites cause itching and swelling, and they can be a significant nuisance in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Control:
Control methods include eliminating standing water, using insect repellents, installing screens on windows and doors, and using mosquito traps or insecticides. Professional pest control may be necessary for large infestations.
Discovery Spots:
Mosquitoes are often found near standing water, in gardens, or indoors where they can access blood meals. They are most active at dawn and dusk.
How Mosquitoes Find and Feed on Humans
Mosquitoes are highly sensitive to carbon dioxide, body heat, and sweat, which allows them to locate humans and animals from a distance. After landing on the skin, the female mosquito uses her specialized mouthparts to pierce the skin and inject saliva containing an anticoagulant. This prevents blood from clotting while the mosquito feeds, allowing her to consume several times her body weight in blood. The feeding process usually lasts for a few minutes, during which time the mosquito may transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, or West Nile virus. Mosquitoes are most active during dusk and dawn but will feed during the day if they are hungry or disturbed.
Why You Would Have Mosquitoes
Mosquito infestations are often due to the presence of standing water, which provides a breeding ground for mosquito larvae. Common sources include birdbaths, clogged gutters, flowerpots, and puddles. Warm, humid climates and densely vegetated areas also contribute to higher mosquito activity. Poorly maintained yards with overgrown grass or stagnant water are particularly attractive to mosquitoes. Additionally, outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk) can increase the likelihood of bites. Without proper control measures, mosquito populations can quickly become a nuisance and a health risk.
Pest Extermination Services Available for:
New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island.
Size:
1 inch
Color:
Gray with black spots, red hind wings
Description:
Lanternflies are planthoppers with distinctive wings. They are an invasive species that primarily feed on the sap of trees and plants, particularly grapevines, fruit trees, and hardwoods.
Habitat:
Lanternflies are commonly found in wooded areas, orchards, and vineyards. They are particularly prevalent in areas with the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), which is their preferred host.
Life Cycle:
Lanternflies undergo incomplete metamorphosis, with stages including egg, nymph, and adult. Females lay egg masses on tree trunks, rocks, or man-made structures, which hatch into nymphs that go through several instars before becoming adults.
Type of Damage:
Lanternflies cause damage by feeding on plant sap, which weakens plants and can lead to reduced yields in crops. They also excrete honeydew, which can encourage the growth of sooty mold on the plant’s surface.
Control:
Control methods include scraping egg masses, using traps, applying insecticides, and removing the tree of heaven. Monitoring and early detection are crucial to preventing the spread of lanternflies.
Discovery Spots:
Lanternflies are often discovered on tree trunks, plant stems, or in areas with dense vegetation. They can also be found on vehicles or outdoor furniture.
How Lanternflies Feed and Spread
Lanternflies are sap-feeding insects that use their piercing mouthparts to tap into the vascular system of plants. Once they latch onto a tree or plant, they consume large quantities of sap, which can weaken the host and make it more susceptible to disease. The lanternfly’s feeding process also produces a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract other pests and promote the growth of sooty mold on the plant’s surface. Lanternflies are strong jumpers and can easily move from one plant to another, spreading rapidly across a landscape. They are particularly fond of the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but will also feed on grapevines, fruit trees, and various hardwoods.
Why You Would Have Lanternflies
Lanternfly infestations are often linked to the presence of their preferred host, the tree of heaven. However, they are highly invasive and can spread quickly to other plants and trees in your yard or garden. The introduction of infested plants, outdoor furniture, or vehicles can also bring lanternflies into your area. Their rapid spread is facilitated by their ability to lay egg masses on almost any surface, including tree bark, stones, and man-made structures. Without proper monitoring and control, lanternflies can quickly become a major agricultural and landscaping pest.
Pest Extermination Services Available for:
New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island.
Who’s Responsible in Your Rented Apartment ???
Your landord is!
Read more on the law:
Article 4, Extermination and Rodent Eradication, Sec. 27-2018, Chapter 2, Housing Maintenance Code.
Useful tools for renters: