In the Field
Real jobs, local results. Get a closer look at the expertise PDQ Pest Control brings to every property we serve. Our technicians handle every job with detailed inspections and professional treatment solutions designed to protect your home.
Common Pests of Erie County, PA
Understanding the common pests in our region is the first step toward a safe, pest-free home. Use this guide to identify potential invaders.
Wolf Spiders
A group of arachnids that actually includes 240 individual species. These large (16-35mm in length at maturity) spiders are common in our area. They are typically dark brown in color with some having yellow or light brown color bands. They live in dark retreats in the ground, under logs, between boards, and other protected areas, making them commonly found in basements and garages. While not aggressive toward humans, wolf spiders can deliver a painful bite if mishandled. These spiders are big, hairy, can move fast and tend to frighten people.
Cellar Spider
Sometimes referred to as a “Daddy Long-Legs,” these spiders are extremely common inside buildings, particularly basements, hence their name. The have very long legs compared to their body size and build irregular webs. They are not harmful to humans but are a common cause of cobwebs and unsightly build up in basements and other structures.
Yellow Jackets
A common name used for multiple species of wasps. The 2 most common types of yellowjackets in our area are the Eastern Yellow Jacket and the German Yellowjacket. The two species are similar in they both have yellow/black markings on their bodies, live in large colonies, and are highly aggressive with their nest defense habits. However the Eastern Yellowjackets are more commonly found nesting in the ground, while the German Yellowjacket is more commonly found in aerial nests or wall voids. By Autumn, yellowjacket colonies can have well over 500 workers. They are fiercely defensive of their nests and will attack/sting any perceived threats repeatedly. Control of yellowjackets is a job best left to the professionals!
Bald Faced Hornets
The yellowjacket’s bigger, beefier cousin. They are black and white in color, are somewhat larger than a yellowjacket, live in colonies of multiple hundreds of workers, and always build an exposed nest that is fully enclosed in a paper envelope. They will defend their nest fiercely, repeatedly delivering a powerful, painful sting.
Carpenter Bees
These wood destroying bees are often mistaken for their smaller cousin the bumble bee due to their similar shape and coloring. Usually seen flying around wooden structures in the early summer, carpenter bees are larger than the bumbles and have a shiny black abdomen. While non-aggressive, carpenter bees can damage houses when the female carpenter bees bore their holes into exposed wood where they form tunnels or “gallies” in which to lay their eggs. This weakens the wood and makes it attractive to woodpeckers, which exacerbates the damage.
“Small” Ants
Numerous species of “small” ants exist in our region, including the pavement ant, the odorous house ant, and the little black ant. Often attracted to sweet substances, small ants are a common kitchen pest, especially in the early spring. They can be very persistent and frustrating for homeowners to control on their own.
Northwest Pennsylvania is home to a host of different rodents, many of which love to infest human-made structures. House mice, deer mice, white footed mice, Norway rats, red squirrels, and grey squirrels are all common home invaders. They chew holes in fascia, fray wires, gnaw on plumbing, spread disease and carry fleas into homes and businesses.
Rodents
Seeing any of these pests around your home or business?
Contact PDQ Pest Control today for a thorough inspection and treatment options tailored to your needs.
Paper Wasps
The yellowjacket’s much less aggressive cousin. Wasps are often very similar to the yellowjacket in size/shape/color, (although red or brown colored wasps are also common) but they live in much smaller colonies, are nearly hairless, and are much slower fliers. Their nests resemble small open honeycombs and are commonly found on the underside of roof overhangs and peaks in the early summer. While not as aggressive as yellowjackets, the paper wasp will still defend its nest with a painful sting.
Fleas
Tiny black blood feeders with a super powered jumping ability. Contrary to popular belief, fleas do not live on animals. They live in the environment and jump onto the animals to feed and lay eggs. If you are finding fleas on your indoor pets, your whole house likely needs treated for fleas!
Carpenter Ants
Large, usually black ants that are somewhat nocturnal and attracted to wood and moisture. They can do huge amounts of damage to wood structures to build their colonies. Control of carpenter ants is a complex process that is very difficult for homeowners and is best left to the professionals.