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Westchester Tick & Mosquito: Say Goodbye to Ticks and Mosquitoes
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About Westchester Tick and Mosquito
Our Experience
Westchester Tick and Mosquito Control Inc. is a family-owned and operated business specializing in mosquito control solutions. We provide a range of treatments, including natural and organic options alongside non-organic treatments tailored to your property’s specific needs. Our maintenance services and special event offerings effectively address your tick and mosquito issues. Plus, we proudly introduce our spotted lanternfly suppression spray, making us a trusted choice. Fight the bite with our expert services and enjoy your backyard like never before, relying on us for effective Tick & Mosquito control!
MOSQUITOS, TICKS & LANTERNFLY SUPPRESSION IS OUR SPECIALTY!
Longhorned Tick
Longhorned Tick
Longhorned Tick
The Longhorned Tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) is an invasive tick species that was first identified in New York State in Westchester County in 2018. Native to East Asia, this tick can reproduce rapidly, allowing populations to grow quickly and spread throughout the region.
For residents of Westchester, the primary concern is the increased risk of tick exposure while spending time outdoors in grassy, wooded, or brushy areas. While current evidence suggests that the Longhorned Tick poses a greater threat to livestock than to humans in New York, public health officials continue to monitor its potential to carry and spread diseases. Regardless of the tick species, it is important for residents to protect themselves by using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and performing tick checks after outdoor activities.
Deer Tick
Longhorned Tick
Longhorned Tick
The Deer Tick (Ixodes scapularis), also known as the Blacklegged Tick, is the most significant tick species affecting human health in Westchester County. These tiny ticks are commonly found in wooded areas, tall grass, leaf litter, and even residential backyards. Deer ticks are the primary carriers of Lyme disease, as well as other tick-borne illnesses such as babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and Powassan virus. Westchester County continues to report high rates of tick-borne diseases, making prevention and early detection especially important.
Residents can reduce their risk by using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, conducting regular tick checks after outdoor activities, and promptly removing attached ticks. Early recognition and treatment of tick-borne illnesses can help prevent serious complications.
common mosquito species found in the area
Asian Tiger Mosquito
The Asian Tiger Mosquito is an invasive mosquito species recognized by its distinctive black body and white stripes. Common throughout New York, including Westchester County, this aggressive mosquito is most active during the daytime and commonly breeds in small containers holding standing water, such as flowerpots, birdbaths, gutters, and discarded tires. The Asian Tiger Mosquito is known for its painful bites and its ability to carry diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, dengue fever, and chikungunya, although disease transmission in New York remains uncommon. Preventing standing water around homes and properties is the most effective way to reduce mosquito populations and protect against bites.
Common House Mosquito
The Common House Mosquito is one of the most widespread mosquito species found in Westchester County. These mosquitoes typically breed in stagnant water, including storm drains, birdbaths, clogged gutters, and other water-holding containers around homes and businesses. Most active during the evening and nighttime hours, Common House Mosquitoes are known for their persistent biting and can be carriers of West Nile virus, the most commonly reported mosquito-borne disease in New York. Reducing standing water and maintaining regular mosquito control treatments are effective ways to help manage mosquito populations and protect against bites.
Culex Restuans Mosquito
Culex Restuans Mosquito
Culex restuans is a common mosquito species found throughout New York, including Westchester County. It breeds in standing water such as birdbaths, clogged gutters, rain barrels, and other water-holding containers. This mosquito is most active during the evening and nighttime hours and is considered an important carrier of West Nile virus because it primarily feeds on birds, which can serve as reservoirs for the virus. As populations increase during the warmer months, reducing standing water and implementing mosquito control measures can help limit breeding sites and reduce mosquito activity.
Aedes Vexans Mosquito
Culex Restuans Mosquito
Aedes vexans is one of the most common floodwater mosquitoes found throughout Westchester County and the northeastern United States. This species thrives after heavy rainfall, breeding in temporary pools, flooded fields, and other areas of standing water. Known for its aggressive biting behavior, Aedes vexans is most active during the early morning and evening hours and can travel several miles from its breeding sites. Large populations can quickly develop following storms, creating significant nuisance concerns for homeowners and outdoor activities. Mosquito control efforts focused on reducing standing water and targeted treatments can help limit populations and reduce biting pressure.
Anopheles Quadrimaculatus Mosquito
Anopheles quadrimaculatus is a native mosquito species found throughout the eastern United States, including Westchester County. These mosquitoes typically breed in permanent or semi-permanent bodies of freshwater such as ponds, marshes, swamps, and slow-moving streams. Most active during the evening and nighttime hours, they are persistent biters that can be a nuisance around residential and recreational areas near water. While this species was historically associated with malaria transmission in the United States, malaria is no longer commonly spread locally. Today, the primary concern is reducing mosquito populations and preventing bites through proper water management and mosquito control measures.
Preventative Measures
Preventing mosquitoes starts with eliminating standing water where they breed. Homeowners should regularly empty and clean birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, buckets, gutters, and other containers that collect water. Keeping lawns maintained, trimming overgrown vegetation, and ensuring proper drainage can also help reduce mosquito habitats. When spending time outdoors, use EPA-approved insect repellents, wear long sleeves and pants when possible, and make sure window and door screens are in good condition. Professional mosquito control treatments can provide an additional layer of protection by targeting adult mosquitoes and breeding areas around the property.
SPOTTED LANTERNFLY
Spotted Lanternfly in Westchester County, NY
The Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive insect native to Asia that has spread throughout New York, including Westchester County. Although it does not bite people or pets, it poses a significant threat to agriculture, vineyards, ornamental plants, and certain tree species. The insect feeds by piercing plants and sucking out sap, weakening the host plant and reducing its overall health.
Life Cycle
The Spotted Lanternfly completes one generation per year and overwinters as eggs. Females lay egg masses in the fall on tree trunks, outdoor furniture, vehicles, stone, metal, and many other surfaces. Each egg mass typically contains 30-60 eggs protected by a mud-like covering. Eggs hatch in the spring into small black nymphs with white spots. As they mature, the nymphs develop a distinctive red, black, and white appearance before transforming into winged adults in late summer. Adults feed, mate, lay eggs, and die after the first hard frosts of the season.
Host Plants and Trees
Spotted Lanternflies feed on more than 70 plant species throughout their life cycle. While young nymphs feed on a wide variety of plants, adults strongly prefer:
- Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
- Maple trees
- Black walnut trees
- Grapevines
- Willow trees
- Fruit trees, including apple, peach, plum, and cherry
- Hops and other ornamental plants
Tree-of-Heaven is considered their favorite host and can support very large populations that may spread to nearby trees, landscapes, and agricultural crops.
Damage in Westchester County
Spotted Lanternflies damage plants by feeding on sap from trunks, branches, and stems. Heavy infestations can weaken trees and vines by reducing their energy reserves and causing stress. They also excrete large quantities of a sticky sugary substance called honeydew, which coats leaves, patios, vehicles, decks, and outdoor furniture. Honeydew promotes the growth of sooty mold, a black fungus that can interfere with photosynthesis and create a significant nuisance for homeowners.
In New York, the greatest concerns are impacts on:
- Vineyards and grape production
- Orchards and fruit crops
- Hardwood trees
- Nurseries and landscaping businesses
- Residential properties where large infestations occur
Their presence can lead to increased management costs, reduced plant health, and diminished enjoyment of outdoor spaces.
CONTROL METHODS
There is no single solution for Spotted Lanternfly control, but an integrated approach can significantly reduce populations:
Egg Mass Removal
From fall through spring, scrape egg masses into a container filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to destroy the eggs. Since females lay eggs on many surfaces, regular inspections of outdoor objects are important.
Trapping
Circle traps placed around host trees can capture nymphs as they climb trunks. These traps are considered more wildlife-friendly than sticky bands.
Tree-of-Heaven Management
Removing or professionally treating Tree-of-Heaven can help reduce local populations because it is a preferred host plant. Improper removal may cause the tree to resprout, so professional management is often recommended.
Mechanical Removal
Vacuuming or physically destroying nymphs and adults can be effective for small infestations around homes and businesses.
Professional Treatments
Licensed pest control professionals may use approved insecticides, bark treatments, soil treatments, or tree injections when populations become severe. Treatment decisions should be based on infestation levels and the value of the affected plants.
Summary
The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive pest that is becoming increasingly common in Westchester County. By feeding on sap from trees, vines, and ornamental plants, it can weaken vegetation and create nuisance conditions through the production of sticky honeydew and sooty mold. Early detection, egg mass removal, trapping, habitat management, and professional treatment programs are the most effective methods for controlling populations and protecting landscapes and businesses.
WESTCHESTER TICK & MOSQUITO CONTROL INC.
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Westchester Tick and Mosquito Control Inc.
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