Pest Control Glossary

A

Alate: The winged reproductive form of a termite or ant. Seeing alates (swarmers) indoors in spring typically indicates a mature colony inside or immediately adjacent to the structure. After mating, alates shed their wings — finding shed wings near window sills or on floors is one of the earliest signs of termite activity inside a home.
Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger Mosquito): An aggressive daytime biter introduced to North America in the 1980s. Unlike Culex pipiens, the Asian tiger mosquito breeds in micro-sources: tree holes, pot saucers, bottle caps — containers that hold as little as a teaspoon of water. Identifiable by bold black-and-white striping. Capable of transmitting Dengue and Chikungunya. Increasingly common throughout Westchester County. Related service: LymeShield Tick & Mosquito, Mosquito Control.

B

Barrier Spray: A residual insecticide application to vegetation, shrub beds, and structural perimeters where mosquitoes harbor during the day. Adult mosquitoes spend 90% of their time resting in shaded, humid vegetation — barrier spray targets these resting sites rather than attempting to treat open air. Properly applied, barrier sprays suppress adult mosquito populations for approximately 21 days per treatment cycle. See also: larvicide. Related service: Mosquito Control.
BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis): A naturally occurring soil bacterium used as a biological larvicide against mosquitoes and fungus gnats. BTI kills larvae within 24–48 hours of ingestion by producing proteins toxic to mosquito larval gut cells. It has no effect on non-target organisms including fish, birds, bees, and mammals. The standard treatment for ornamental ponds, water features, rain barrels, and catch basins where standing water cannot be eliminated. Related service: Mosquito Control.

C

Culex pipiens (Northern House Mosquito): The primary West Nile Virus vector in Westchester County. Breeds in stagnant water with organic matter — gutters, catch basins, birdbaths, and poorly drained low spots. Most active at dusk and dawn. Its populations build through July and August as the season progresses. Distinguishable from Aedes albopictus by its less aggressive daytime behavior and preference for larger standing water sources. Related service: Mosquito Control.

D

Diapause: A physiological dormancy state in insects triggered by environmental cues such as shortening day length and dropping temperatures. Spotted Lanternfly overwinters as eggs in diapause, with egg masses laid on smooth surfaces in late summer surviving through winter to hatch in spring. Some tick species also exhibit diapause, pausing development until conditions warm. Understanding diapause timing is essential for scheduling effective treatments — treating for SLF eggs before they hatch (March–April) is significantly more effective than treating mobile nymphs.

F

Frass: Sawdust-like debris ejected by carpenter ants as they excavate wood galleries. Frass contains wood shavings mixed with insect body parts, soil, and other debris — pushed out through small "kick-out" holes in wood or drywall. A fresh frass pile below a kick-out hole is one of the most reliable indicators of active carpenter ant infestation. Termite damage does not produce frass; termites produce mud tubes instead. Related service: Carpenter Ant Removal.

G

Gallery (carpenter ant): A smooth, excavated tunnel within wood created by carpenter ants for nesting. Unlike termite damage, carpenter ant galleries run with the grain, have smooth walls, and contain no soil or mud. Active galleries may contain eggs, larvae, pupae, and workers. Galleries in structural lumber — joists, sill plates, ridge beams — weaken the member over time. Galleries are often found behind moisture-damaged siding, window frames, and roof penetrations. Related service: Carpenter Ant Removal.

H

Harborage: Any site that provides shelter, warmth, or moisture that pests use for nesting or resting. Common harborage sites include wood piles stored against structures, dense groundcover planted to the foundation, debris under decks, and cluttered basements or attic spaces. Eliminating harborage reduces pest pressure independently of any chemical treatment — a core principle of Integrated Pest Management. Related service: Home Shield Exclusion.

I

IPM (Integrated Pest Management): A science-based approach that combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical controls to minimize pest damage while reducing pesticide use. IPM focuses on identifying the root biological and environmental causes of pest pressure rather than applying blanket chemical treatments on a calendar schedule. Endorsed by Cornell University's NYS IPM Program and the EPA. Pest management decisions are based on monitoring, economic thresholds, and long-term prevention rather than routine spray. Related service: General Pest Control.

L

Larvicide: A biological or chemical agent that kills mosquito larvae before they mature into biting adults. BTI larvicide is the standard for ornamental ponds and water features — it is toxic to mosquito larvae but harmless to fish, birds, and mammals. Chemical larvicides (e.g., methoprene, a growth regulator) are used in catch basins and large standing water sources. Larvicide complements barrier spray by targeting breeding sites rather than adult populations. Related service: Mosquito Control.
Lycorma delicatula (Spotted Lanternfly): An invasive planthopper from Asia first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014 and now established throughout Westchester County. A phloem feeder — it pierces plant stems and extracts sap — making it an agricultural and horticultural pest, not a structural one. Particularly harmful to grapes, hops, and its preferred host Tree of Heaven. Its sticky honeydew excretions promote sooty mold growth, attract stinging insects, and make outdoor living unpleasant during peak season (August–October). Report sightings to the NY DEC. Related article: Spotted Lanternfly in NY.
Lyme Disease: A bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted primarily by the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis). Westchester County is one of the highest Lyme disease incidence counties in the United States. Transmission requires tick attachment of 36–48 hours, making prompt removal critical. Early symptoms include a characteristic bull's-eye rash, fever, and fatigue. Left untreated, Lyme disease can affect the joints, heart, and nervous system. Related service: LymeShield Tick & Mosquito.

M

Mud Tubes: Pencil-width earthen tunnels constructed by Eastern subterranean termites on foundation walls, piers, and floor joists. Termites travel inside these tubes to protect themselves from dehydration when moving between soil and wood above. Their presence on foundation walls or exposed structural members is the primary physical indicator of subterranean termite activity. Active tubes contain live termites; inactive tubes are brittle and empty. Related service: Termite Control.

N

Nymphal Tick: The second life stage of a tick, following larva. Nymphal deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are poppy-seed sized — roughly 1–2mm — and responsible for the majority of Lyme disease transmissions in Westchester due to their small size making them difficult to detect during a tick check. Peak nymphal activity is May through June, coinciding with high outdoor activity and before summer foliage makes tick checking easier. A nymphal tick that has fed appears slightly larger and darker. Related service: LymeShield Tick & Mosquito.

P

Parent Colony (carpenter ant): The primary carpenter ant nest, almost always located outdoors — in a stump, dead tree, rotting log, or decaying wood — within 100 to 300 feet of the structure. The queen lives here along with the majority of the colony. Satellite colonies inside homes are extensions of this nest. Treating only the satellite colony without addressing the parent colony leaves the queen intact to re-establish satellite nesting the following season. Related service: Carpenter Ant Removal.

S

Satellite Colony (carpenter ant): A secondary carpenter ant nest established inside a structure, typically in moisture-damaged wood near the roofline, behind siding, or in wall voids near plumbing. Workers move between the satellite colony and the outdoor parent colony along established foraging trails — often following utility penetrations and wall voids. A satellite colony contains workers, pupae, and larvae, but not the reproductive queen. Eliminating only the satellite nest leaves the parent colony intact to re-establish indoors. Related service: Carpenter Ant Removal.
Swarming Season (termite): The annual period — typically late March through May in Westchester — when mature termite colonies release winged reproductives (alates) to establish new colonies. A swarm lasts 20–30 minutes and ends quickly; the swarmers themselves do not damage wood. A swarm inside a home is diagnostic: it means a mature colony exists inside or directly adjacent to the structure. Finding swarmer wings near window sills, in spider webs, or on floors after a swarm is equally significant. Related service: Termite Control.

T

Termite Swarmer (alate): The winged reproductive caste of a termite colony. Swarmers disperse from a mature colony (typically 3–5 years old) to mate and attempt to found new colonies. They do not eat wood, cannot damage your home, and do not sting or bite. Their presence is significant only as evidence of a nearby mature colony. Termite swarmers are often confused with winged ants — key differences: termites have equal-length wings, a straight waist, and straight antennae; ants have unequal wings, a pinched waist, and elbowed antennae. Related service: Termite Control.
Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima): An invasive tree from China that is the preferred host plant of the Spotted Lanternfly. Fast-growing and invasive in its own right, it establishes in disturbed soils along roadsides, fence lines, and utility corridors throughout Westchester. Trees cut without stump treatment resprout aggressively from the root system. Stump herbicide application (triclopyr or glyphosate) at the time of cutting is required to prevent regrowth that perpetuates SLF habitat. Related article: Spotted Lanternfly in NY.

Also See

Exclusion

Physical pest management techniques that prevent entry rather than treating after invasion — sealing foundation cracks with copper mesh and hydraulic cement, installing steel door sweeps, and screening attic vents. Exclusion provides permanent protection where chemical treatments require repeat application.

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Exclusion

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