Local Pest Control Company in Imlaystown, NJ

Recently, I was sent to a home in Imlaystown, NJ to treat some “giant wasps.” Upon arrival, I immediately identified the insects as cicada killers. These are non-aggressive solitary wasps that do not have the nest-guarding instinct of bees, yellow jackets, or hornets. Usually, you can walk through areas where they are active without fear of being stung. These wasps spend their days digging underground burrows and paralyzing the poor cicadas that serve as food for their grub-like larvae (hence the intimidating name of these wasps — especially if you happen to be a cicada!). Cicadas are close relatives of aphids and leafhoppers. Also, only the burrowing female wasps have stingers. The stinger-less males may hover around potential intruders, but they can’t do anything about it. Of course, your “hunter” pet cat or dog may try to catch one of these burrowing wasps, but after the first stinging encounter, they usually learn a painful lesson that it’s best to leave them alone. 

The most common sign of a cicada killer infestation are piles of sand accumulating throughout the yard. These wasps dig extensive tunnels to deposit their eggs and tend to their larvae. Unfortunately, this activity can attract other animals, especially skunks, that do even more digging to feed on the wasp larvae and captured cicadas.  These wasps are attracted to well-drained, light-textured soils in full sunlight near trees harboring cicadas, especially the loose soil in vegetable gardens, flower beds, lawns, and patio edges.  

I applied a dust application inside the entry holes of the burrows. The treatment should take no longer than two weeks to eliminate these yard-destroying wasps. While doing my treatment, I noticed a cicada killer doing its thing — dragging a cicada into a hole for its larvae that I just finished dusting. The wasp dropped the cicada and attempted to fly away, but since she already came into contact with the dust, she didn’t get very far. 

I was sent to a home in Imlaystown after the homeowner contacted Cowleys for a possible mouse infestation.  While searching the attic for evidence of rodent activity, I found larger droppings that were not from a mouse. Since the homeowner had not seen any animals on his roof or nearby his home, I contacted our wildlife division with technicians who specialize in trapping and relocating all types of nuisance wildlife including squirrels, raccoons, and skunks. 

The invading wildlife was flying squirrels.Even though this squirrel is a common nuisance wildlife problem, these animals do a great job of staying hidden. They are nocturnal and are rarely seen. Homeowners may notice them if they hear strange noises coming from the attic, and quickly go up to take a peak. If they see something that looks like the lovechild of a baby squirrel and a bat.  The flying squirrel is much smaller than tree-dwelling squirrels, and has a broad flattened tail.  Flying squirrels can’t  actually fly and propel themselves through the sky like a bird. They are more accurately “gliding” squirrels because they have a membrane of loose skin that allows them to glide from one tree to the next.