Inspections
A pest control inspection is a thorough assessment of a property to identify any existing or potential pest problems. During the inspection, we will look for signs of pest activity, such as droppings, nests, damage to property, or any other evidence of pests. We assess the conditions that may be attracting pests, such as food sources, water leaks, or entry points into the building.
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The inspection is usually the first step in developing a pest control plan, as it helps us understand the extent of the pest problem and determine the best course of action to eliminate the pests and prevent future infestations. After the inspection, we will provide recommendations for treatment and prevention strategies tailored to the specific needs of the property.
Rodents
Rodents are a diverse group of mammals that make up approximately 40% of all mammal species. They are characterized by their continuously growing incisors that they use for gnawing and feeding. Here are some types of rodents:
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Mice are small, typically gray or brown rodents with pointed snouts, small ears, and long tails. They are found all over the world and are often considered pests in human dwellings.
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Rats are larger than mice, with a more robust body and a thicker tail. They are known for their intelligence and are often kept as pets. However, they are also considered pests and can transmit diseases to humans.
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Squirrels are a type of rodent that are known for their bushy tails and acrobatic abilities. They are found all over the world and come in a variety of colors and sizes.
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Voles are small, mouse-like rodents that belong to the family Cricetidae. They are found throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, and there are over 150 species of voles. They have rounder bodies than mice, shorter ears, and a shorter tail. Voles are herbivores and feed on grasses, roots, and other plant matter. They are also known for their ability to reproduce quickly, with some species having up to 10 litters per year.
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These are just a few examples of the many types of rodents that exist.
Ants
There are many different species of ants in Minnesota, but some of the most common include:
Pavement ants: These ants are small, brownish-black ants that are often found nesting in cracks in pavement or concrete.
Carpenter ants: These ants are larger than pavement ants and can be black, red, or a combination of the two. They are named for their ability to excavate wood, which they use to create their nests.
Odorous house ants: These ants are small and brownish-black and emit a strong, unpleasant odor when crushed. They are often found nesting in or around homes
Pharaoh ants: These ants are yellow or light brown and are commonly found in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. They are known for being difficult to control because they can have multiple queens and can easily move their nests.
It's important to note that while ants can be a nuisance, most species in Minnesota are not harmful to humans. However, if you are experiencing an ant infestation in your home or business, it is best to consult with a pest control professional to identify the species and determine the best course of action.
Mosquitos
Mosquitoes are more than just a seasonal nuisance; they are one of the most dangerous pests in the world. While their bites are itchy and irritating, the true threat lies in their ability to transmit diseases. Pests like mosquitoes can carry and transmit pathogens to humans and pets, including serious illnesses like West Nile virus. Controlling mosquito populations is an essential part of maintaining a healthy and comfortable outdoor environment for your family, especially during the warmer months when their activity is at its peak. Our professional mosquito treatments can make your yard a more enjoyable and safer place to be.
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Minnesota is home to over 50 different species of mosquitoes, with about half of them known to bite humans. While most are simply a nuisance, a few species are of particular concern due to their ability to spread disease.
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Northern House Mosquito (Culex pipiens): This is one of the most common and widespread mosquitoes in Minnesota, particularly in urban areas. They are typically light brown in color and are active from dusk until dawn. The Northern House Mosquito is a primary carrier of West Nile virus, which they transmit from infected birds to humans. They breed in stagnant, often polluted water found in containers, storm drains, and catch basins.
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Summer Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans): As its name suggests, this mosquito is a major nuisance in the summer. It is the most common mosquito in Minnesota. Aedes vexans are aggressive biters and are most active in the evening, though they will bite during the day if disturbed. Their eggs are laid on moist soil and hatch when flooded by rainfall, leading to large population booms after heavy rain. They can fly miles from their breeding sites, which include floodplains, temporary ponds, and roadside ditches. While they are a major pest, they are not typically associated with the transmission of diseases in Minnesota.
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Tree Hole Mosquito (Aedes triseriatus): This species is a concern primarily because it is the main vector for La Crosse encephalitis virus, a disease that can affect the brain and is particularly dangerous to children. The tree hole mosquito gets its name from its breeding habitat: water-filled tree holes and man-made containers like old tires and buckets. They are active during the day, so protective measures are especially important when in wooded areas.
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Western Encephalitis Mosquito (Culex tarsalis): This mosquito is of significant public health concern as it is the primary vector for both West Nile virus and Western equine encephalitis. It feeds primarily on birds but will bite humans when the opportunity arises, making it a critical link in the disease transmission cycle.
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Unlike temporary, store-bought sprays, professional mosquito control offers a long-term solution. By addressing breeding grounds and applying barrier treatments to your property, we can provide extended relief from mosquitoes, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor spaces throughout the season. We offer customizable treatment options to maintain a mosquito-free environment.
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Flies
Flies are more than just a seasonal nuisance; they are unsanitary pests that can pose a significant health risk to both residential and commercial properties. Known to carry and spread over 100 different pathogens, including bacteria that cause food poisoning, flies can contaminate food, surfaces, and preparation areas simply by landing on them. A fly infestation can quickly get out of hand, as these insects reproduce rapidly and can swarm a property, creating an unsanitary environment. It is highly recommended to contact a professional for effective control and prevention, especially in businesses that handle food. Attempting to manage a large infestation on your own can be an uphill battle, often leading to a recurring problem. At Donohue Pest Solutions, we have the expertise to identify the fly species, locate breeding sources, and implement a targeted treatment plan to eliminate the problem and protect your family and customers.
Common Flies in Minnesota
Minnesota is home to many different fly species, a few of which are particularly troublesome for homes and businesses. Understanding the specific type of fly is the first step in effective treatment.
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House Fly (Musca domestica): This is the most common fly found in homes and restaurants worldwide. House flies are attracted to decaying organic matter, garbage, and feces, where they lay their eggs. They are major carriers of disease, as they pick up pathogens on their bodies from these unsanitary sources and transfer them to food and surfaces.
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Cluster Fly (Pollenia rudis): Cluster flies are a common problem, especially in the fall when they seek shelter to overwinter. They are slightly larger and darker than house flies and move sluggishly. Unlike house flies, they do not breed in garbage; instead, their larvae are parasites of earthworms. They are a nuisance pest when they gather in large numbers on the sunny side of buildings and find their way into attics and wall voids to escape the cold.
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Face Fly (Musca autumnalis): The face fly is a major nuisance in dairy operations and on farms. They congregate around the eyes, nose, and mouth of cattle, feeding on their secretions. This constant irritation can cause stress and is a primary vector for diseases like pinkeye and other eye infections in livestock. They breed exclusively in fresh cattle manure.
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Stable Fly (Stomoxys calcitrans): Also known as biting flies, stable flies are a common problem for dairy and livestock operations. Unlike house flies, stable flies have a piercing mouthpart that they use to bite animals and humans to feed on blood. Their painful bites can cause stress to cattle, leading to reduced milk production and weight gain. They breed in a mix of manure and moist hay or silage.
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Drain Fly (Psychodidae family): Also known as moth flies or sewer gnats, these small, fuzzy flies are often found in bathrooms and kitchens. They breed in the gelatinous sludge that accumulates in drains, sewer pipes, and septic tanks. Drain flies are a sign of a sanitation issue and, while not a disease threat, their presence indicates a breeding source that needs to be addressed.
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Fruit Fly (Drosophila species): Fruit flies are small, reddish-brown flies often seen swarming around rotting or fermenting fruits and vegetables. They are also attracted to alcohol, garbage disposals, and soda spills. A sudden appearance of fruit flies in a home or restaurant usually indicates a nearby food source that is overripe or spoiled. They can be a major nuisance in kitchens and bars.
Spiders
Minnesota is home to several species of spiders, most of which are harmless to humans.
Here are some common spider species found in Minnesota:
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Wolf spiders: These spiders are commonly found in wooded areas and fields. They are typically large and hairy, but they are not aggressive and their bites are usually not harmful to humans.
Jumping spiders: These spiders are small and brightly colored, and they are known for their ability to jump long distances. They are commonly found in gardens and wooded areas.
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Fishing spiders: These spiders are typically found near water sources such as lakes and rivers. They are large and can move quickly on the surface of the water, and their bites are usually not harmful to humans.
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Orb-weaver spiders: These spiders are known for their large, circular webs. They are commonly found in gardens and wooded areas, and their bites are usually not harmful to humans.
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Brown recluse spiders: Although rare in Minnesota, these spiders can be found in some areas of the state. They are venomous and their bites can be harmful to humans, causing tissue damage and other symptoms.
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It's important to note that while most spiders in Minnesota are harmless, it's always a good idea to be cautious around them and to avoid handling or disturbing them. If you are bitten by a spider and experience any unusual symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Stinging Insects
Stinging insects, such as bees, wasps, hornets, and ants, are more than just a nuisance. They use their stingers to inject venom as a defense mechanism or to subdue prey, and can pose a significant threat to humans. While a sting typically causes temporary pain, swelling, and redness, for those with allergies, a sting can trigger a severe, life-threatening reaction. It is highly recommended to contact a professional for safe removal, especially if a nest is located near your home or business. Attempting to remove a nest on your own can be extremely dangerous as the colony may become defensive and attack en masse. At Donohue Pest Solutions, we have the expertise to safely identify and remove stinging insect nests to protect you and your family.
Here are some of the most prevalent stinging insects found in Minnesota:
Yellowjackets: These are perhaps the most commonly encountered stinging insects. They are social wasps, meaning they live in colonies with a queen and workers. Yellowjackets typically have a black and yellow color pattern and are aggressive, especially when their nests are disturbed. Their nests can be found in a variety of locations, including underground (often in abandoned rodent burrows), in wall voids, or hanging in open areas from structures like soffits, eaves, or trees. They are known to prey on other insects but are also attracted to human food and sweet beverages, making them a nuisance at outdoor gatherings.
​Bald-faced Hornets: Despite their name, bald-faced hornets are actually a type of large, aggressive yellowjacket. They are easily identified by their mostly black bodies and distinctive white or pale markings on their faces. These hornets construct large, papery, aerial nests, often found hanging from trees, shrubs, utility poles, or the eaves of buildings. While they are beneficial predators of other insects, their aggressive nature and tendency to defend their nests make them a significant threat.
Paper Wasps: Paper wasps are also social insects that build distinctive umbrella-shaped nests made of a paper-like substance, typically found hanging under eaves, porch ceilings, or in other sheltered areas. They are generally less aggressive than yellowjackets or bald-faced hornets unless their nest is directly threatened. Their bodies are typically slender, with a narrow waist, and they often have a brown or black color with yellow markings.
Bumble Bees: Known for their fuzzy appearance and large size, bumble bees are important pollinators. They are generally docile and less likely to sting unless their nest is directly threatened. Bumble bee colonies are often found underground, in old rodent burrows, compost piles, or under objects on the ground. While beneficial, their stings can be painful, and if a nest is in a high-traffic area, removal might be necessary.
Honey Bees: Similar to bumble bees, honey bees are crucial pollinators and are generally not aggressive unless their colony is provoked. They typically nest in manufactured hives but can also establish colonies in voids within structures like walls or attics. If a honey bee nest is discovered in an inconvenient or dangerous location, professional beekeepers are often contacted for safe removal to preserve the bees while addressing the immediate concern.
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Ants: While not all ants sting, some species in Minnesota, such as certain types of fire ants or harvester ants (though less common in MN than other regions), possess stingers. Ant stings can be painful and may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Pavement ants and odorous house ants are common nuisance ants, but their primary concern is invasion of homes rather than stinging.
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When dealing with stinging insects, especially if you or someone in your household has a known allergy, it is crucial to contact a professional pest control service. Professionals have the expertise, protective gear, and appropriate treatments to safely remove nests and address infestations, minimizing the risk of painful or dangerous stings.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are a growing concern for homeowners and businesses alike. These small, reddish-brown, nocturnal pests feed on the blood of humans and animals, often while you are sleeping. They can be found in many places where people live, work, and sleep, including homes, hotels, dormitories, and shelters.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are masters of hiding. During the day, they tuck themselves away in cracks, crevices, seams of mattresses, and other hard-to-reach spots. At night, they emerge to feed on their hosts. While a single bite is not dangerous, a bed bug infestation can cause discomfort and stress.
How Do You Get Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs don’t fly or jump, but they are excellent hitchhikers. They can be introduced into your home through several common ways:
Travel: Bed bugs can cling to luggage, clothing, and other personal items picked up from infested hotels, public transportation, or other locations.
Used Furniture: They can hide in secondhand furniture, such as mattresses, couches, or chairs, and be brought into your home inadvertently.
Visitors: A visitor with a bed bug problem in their own home may unknowingly introduce them to your living space.
Why Are Bed Bugs So Difficult to Control?
Once bed bugs are introduced, they can multiply and spread very quickly. This makes them incredibly difficult to eliminate without professional help. Early detection and intervention are crucial to managing an infestation and preventing it from becoming a larger problem.
Our Professional Bed Bug Solutions
At Donohue Pest Solutions, we understand the challenges of a bed bug infestation. We offer discreet and effective bed bug control services to help you get rid of these unwanted guests for good. Our master technicians will conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify all areas of infestation and develop a custom treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Don’t wait until the problem gets worse. If you suspect you have a bed bug infestation, it's important to seek professional assistance. Contact us today for a free inspection and to learn how we can help you reclaim your peace of mind.
Cockroaches
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A cockroach is an insect belonging to the order Blattodea. Cockroaches are known for their flattened bodies, long antennae, and a pair of wings that may be present in some species. Cockroaches are nocturnal and are often considered pests due to their association with unsanitary conditions and their ability to spread diseases and trigger allergies in humans.
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Some common characteristics of cockroaches include:
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Appearance: Cockroaches have a flattened, oval-shaped body with long antennae and six legs. They are usually brown or black in color, although some species may have different coloration.
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Behavior: Cockroaches are scavengers and are known for their ability to feed on a wide range of organic matter, including food scraps, garbage, and decaying organic material. They are primarily nocturnal and are most active at night.
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Habitat: Cockroaches are adaptable insects that can thrive in various environments, including homes, restaurants, and other buildings. They prefer warm and humid conditions and are often found in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and other areas with access to food and water.
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Reproduction: Cockroaches reproduce quickly, with females capable of producing large numbers of offspring. They lay eggs in protective cases called oothecae, which can contain multiple eggs. Depending on the species, cockroach eggs can hatch in a few weeks to several months.
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Health Risks: Cockroaches are known to carry and spread pathogens that can cause diseases in humans, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. They can also trigger allergies and asthma attacks in some individuals due to their shed skins, feces, and saliva.
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Due to their ability to thrive in various environments and their potential health risks, cockroaches are a common target for pest control efforts in homes, businesses, and other settings. Effective cockroach control usually involves a combination of sanitation practices, habitat modification, and targeted pest control treatments.