Mosquitos
Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance in Wisconsin; they are carriers of dangerous diseases and can significantly impact outdoor activities during warmer months. These tiny, buzzing pests are infamous for their itchy, irritating bites and their ability to spread illnesses such as West Nile Virus, Zika Virus, and various forms of encephalitis. With over 3,000 species worldwide, mosquitoes adapt well to diverse environments, laying their eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water.
Effective mosquito control is crucial for public health and comfort. We offer a Mosquito Defense Program to target these pests and keep your property bug-free. This service is also effective at controlling ticks. Schedule up to 6 applications for season-long protection.
Ticks
Ticks are a significant pest concern in Wisconsin, particularly due to their role in transmitting Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. These parasitic arachnids are found in wooded, bushy, or grassy areas, waiting to attach to humans and animals that pass by. The black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick, is the primary vector for Lyme disease in Wisconsin. Ticks can also transmit other diseases such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis, making them a critical public health threat.
Early detection and treatment of tick-borne diseases can prevent serious health complications, making awareness and preventive actions fundamental for those living in or visiting tick-prone areas of Wisconsin. Our Mosquito & Tick Program is applied to your property in places that these pests are commonly found, reducing their population. Schedule up to 6 applications a season for lasting protection.
Japanese Beetles
The Japanese beetle, an invasive pest notorious for its destructive feeding habits, has become a significant concern for gardeners and agriculturalists alike in Wisconsin. Originating from Japan, this beetle was first identified in the United States in the early 20th century and has since spread widely, thriving in diverse climatic conditions. Measuring approximately 0.5 inches in length, these beetles are easily identifiable by their metallic green bodies and copper-brown wing covers, alongside their unique white tufts of hair along their sides.
Japanese beetles pose a dual threat, as both adults and larvae cause considerable damage. Adults are known for their voracious appetite, feeding on over 300 plant species, including trees, flowers, and crops, often skeletonizing leaves and blossoming flowers. The larvae, or grubs, target grass roots, leading to brown, dying patches in lawns and golf courses, disrupting soil health and stability. We offer a variety of control methods for this pest, ranging from Grub Control that targets the larvae stage, a Foliar Spray that targets the beetle over a large surface area, or a Plant Health Program to inject your plants for a fast acting targeted control method.
Grubs
Grubs, the larvae of various beetles including the Japanese beetle, June beetle, and European chafer, are a major concern for homeowners and gardeners in Wisconsin. These white, C-shaped larvae live beneath the soil’s surface, feasting on the roots of grass and other organic matter, which can lead to significant damage to lawns and landscapes. Typically, grub damage becomes apparent during late summer and early fall, when patches of grass start to brown and can be easily lifted off the ground due to the compromised root system.
Effective management of grub populations is crucial to maintaining healthy, vibrant lawns. Prevention and early detection are key strategies. Regular lawn inspections, especially from mid to late summer, can help identify signs of grub activity before extensive damage occurs. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the infestation and include the application of chemical insecticides and natural solutions like nematodes or milky spore disease, which target grubs without harming the surrounding environment. If you have grubs in your soil, we recommend starting with a Curative Grub Application to manage existing populations and following up with yearly Preventative Grub Applications to keep them from returning.
Boxelder Bugs
Boxelder bugs, named after their primary habitat, the boxelder tree, are a common seasonal pest in Wisconsin. These black insects with distinctive red or orange markings on their wings emerge in large numbers, especially during spring and fall, seeking warmth and shelter. While boxelder bugs do not pose a direct threat to human health or cause significant structural damage, their sheer numbers can be a nuisance, and their droppings can stain surfaces such as walls, curtains, and furniture.
Typically, boxelder bugs remain outside, feeding on the leaves, flowers, and seed pods of boxelder and other trees. However, as the weather cools, they migrate towards homes and buildings, looking for cracks and crevices to overwinter. Once inside, they can become a persistent annoyance until the warmer months allow them to return outdoors. We offer an Insect Defense Program that gets applied around the exterior of your home, including doors and windows, to prevent these pests from moving in. This application is also effective against many other pests, including Asian Beetles, spiders, and wasps. Schedule up to three applications for season long protection.
Asian Beetles
Asian beetles, often confused with ladybugs due to their similar appearance, have become a notable pest in Wisconsin. These beetles, specifically the Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle, were introduced to North America to control aphids and scale insects. However, they’ve since become a nuisance, especially during the fall when they seek shelter inside homes to overwinter. Unlike their beneficial counterpart, the ladybug, Asian beetles can emit a foul odor and stain surfaces with their yellowish secretion when threatened or crushed.
The beetles are easily identifiable by their varied coloration, ranging from yellow to red, with multiple spots. They are attracted to light-colored buildings, often congregating on sunny, warm sides of structures. Once inside, they can be found around windows, light fixtures, and in attics, sometimes in large numbers.
To prevent Asian beetle infestations, we offer an Insect Defense Program that gets applied around the exterior of your home, including doors and windows, to prevent these pests from moving in. This application is also effective against many other pests, including boxelder bugs, spiders, and wasps. Schedule up to three applications for season long protection.
Ants
Ants are one of the most common pests encountered in Wisconsin homes and gardens, capable of causing both nuisance and damage. These tiny invaders are attracted to food, water, and shelter, making residential spaces prime targets for infestation. Ant species such as carpenter ants, pavement ants, and odorous house ants are particularly prevalent, each presenting unique challenges. Carpenter ants, for instance, are known for their ability to damage wood structures, while odorous house ants are notorious for their unpleasant smell when crushed.
For existing infestations, identifying the ant species is crucial to determining the best treatment strategy. Bait stations and insecticide treatments can be effective, but they must be tailored to the specific ant type and colony location. In cases of severe infestation, especially with carpenter ants, professional pest control services may be necessary to locate and eliminate nests, preventing structural damage and ensuring complete eradication. Our Ant Defense Program targets both the ants above the ground and the ones down in the mound, targeting the entire colony. Schedule up to three visits per season.
Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald Ash Borers are an invasive, and oftentimes deadly, pest in Wisconsin and Minnesota that targets Ash Trees. If your ash tree is infested, you may notice an abundance of dead branches around the crown of your tree, D shaped larvae holes in the tree trunk, serpentine marks on exposed wood, epicormic sprouting on the base of the tree, and vertical splits in the bark.
