Got Skunks? We Can Help!

Skunks may look cute and cuddly, but can actually be a real nuisance. Not only are skunks smelly creatures, they can fill your yard with holes, and if you have chickens or ducks on your property, they will more than likely go after them. Skunks are also known for carrying several diseases, including rabies. Your pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks knows there are many reasons you don’t want to have skunks on your property, so we thought we'd put together some tips to help you keep skunks away. 

Keep Your Yard Clean

Woodpiles or anything similar creates a playground and hiding spot for skunks. Make sure that if you have a woodpile that it is stacked properly and there are no places for a skunk to get in and nest. Skunks are also scavengers and will eat many things that they find on the ground. Things like acorns, nuts, and other fruits that fall to the ground will likely attract a skunk into your yard. If you have any trees that drop nuts or fruits, it’s important to clean up anything that has fallen or that is on the ground to help eliminate any food sources for a skunk and other critters. If you feed your pets outside, you’ll want to make sure that you bring their food and water bowls in before dark. This will also help deter critters and skunks from coming into your yard.

Check for Possible Den Areas

Skunks, like other pests, are opportunists. This means that they will make their dens in places that other animals have abandoned. Skunks are also great diggers, they will easily be able to dig a den under structures. In order to help deter skunks from taking residence in your yard, you should make sure they don’t have access to abandoned burrows and they can’t easily create one around the base of your home. There are steps you can take to ensure they can’t burrow below your home, but it’s best to leave that up to a professional.

Call a Trained Wildlife Professional

When it comes skunks, there are certain means of skunk control that are illegal. It’s best to leave your skunk problem to the specially trained wildlife technicians. If you attempt to DIY this, you could end up harming yourself, getting bitten, or even sprayed by the skunk.

Give A B Pest Control & Insulation a Call

When it comes down to skunk removal, it’s best to call your pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks who are specially trained and can help take care of your problem. For all of your wildlife and nuisance animal needs, A B Pest Control & Insulation is here to help. 

LAKE OF THE OZARKS
PEST CONTROL COMPANY

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Getting to Know the Bats of Missouri

Most people know a bat when they see one: It looks something like a mouse with wings. But besides what they look like, how much do you really know about bats, more specifically, the bats we're likely to encounter in Missouri? There are more than 1300 estimated species of bats in the world, making up one-fifth of Earth's total mammalian population, the second largest order after rodents. With that many species in the world, some people may just find it easier to classify them all as simply bats. But every species of bat is different and each offers their own kind of benefit to the world.

Missouri Bat Species
While Missouri has seen about 9 common species of bats within its state lines, only one family of bats predominates in Missouri: the evening bats. More than this have been spotted, but are not commonly seen in Missouri. This week, we at A B Pest Control & Insulation want to share with you a bit of information about all the different species common to Missouri.

Evening Bat
The evening bat (Nycticeius humeralis), the most common Missouri bat, is present during the spring, summer and early fall. It migrates south in winter. It roosts in buildings in summer. If you've encountered a bat in your attic, these (along with brown bats) are likely the culprits.

Little Brown Bat
The little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) is a brown, mouse-sized bat that occurs throughout Missouri. It hibernates in small numbers in Ozark caves during winter. In summer, it sometimes takes up residence in attics and buildings, where it rarely causes damage.

Norther Long-eared Bat
The northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) is a small bat much like the little brown bat, except that the ears extend beyond the nose when flattened against the head. These bats are rarely seen. They usually roost in crevices of caves.

Big Brown Bat
The big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) is a large bat, perhaps twice the size of the little brown bat, but still weighs only half an ounce. This species lives throughout Missouri and roosts by itself or in small groups in caves. Big brown bats commonly roost in buildings, where they sometimes hibernate.

Tri-Colored Bat
The tri-colored bat, formerly known as the eastern pipistrelle bat, (Pipistrellus subflavus) is Missouri's smallest cave bat (only 3 inches long) and is a pale yellowish brown color. It is rarely found in buildings, but instead prefers caves and rock crevices.

Gray Bat
The gray bat (Myotis grisescens) is an endangered species. It is a medium-sized, grayish bat that is usually found in large, active clusters. Gray bats use caves as roost sites year-round. They roost in large numbers; roosting caves contain huge amounts of bat guano (manure). Typically, they use many caves during the summer and only a few during the winter.

Indiana Bat
The Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) also is an endangered species. It is a small, pinkish brown bat. In Missouri, the Indiana bat spends the winter hibernating in caves in the Missouri Ozarks. Indiana bats form large, dense clusters during the winter but do not deposit piles of guano under these roosts. They disperse across the state during the summer.

Red Bat
The red bat (Lasiurus borealis) is smaller than the big brown bat. Its fur is rusty red, washed with white. It roosts among leaves of trees and is seen in abundance statewide, often foraging around large lights in towns. It is solitary. Many will migrate in winter. In southern Missouri, some red bats remain during the winter and may emerge from their roosts on warm winter days to catch insects.

Hoary Bat
The hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) is larger than a big brown bat and about twice the weight (one ounce). It is the largest bat in Missouri. Its color is a rich, dark brown, overcast with grayish white. It roosts among the leaves of trees, but is less common than the red bat. It is solitary and migrates.

Now that you know a little more about some of the common bats we'll see around Missouri, you can be better equipped to identify one roosting in your attic! Remember, bats in Missouri are protected and it is illegal to kill them unless they're causing damage to your property. Rarely are bats a nuisance, and can often be more of a benefit to have around than a pest as they feed on pesky insects. If you do happen to come across bats in your attic or outdoor building, contact A B Pest Control & Insulation. We'll come out and safely remove these nocturnal harmless creatures and relocate them where they can thrive and continue to benefit our ecosystem!

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

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3 Services to Schedule this Fall

Fall at the Lake of the Ozarks is in full swing and we couldn’t be more excited for cooler weather and beautiful fall foliage. However, many people often have the misconception that with cooler weather comes less pests and declined need for other home maintenance services. That actually couldn't be further from the truth. Pest control, animal trapping and insulation repair is just as important in the fall as it is any other time of the year! Here are 3 services you should be scheduling this fall with A B Pest Control!

1. Pest Control
The fall season does NOT mean that pests are gone. In fact, you may notice an influx in unwelcome visitors in your home! Pests are going to be looking for a safe warm place to hide out this winter, and your doorstep's welcome sign is just as inviting to them as it is to your human guests! To ensure they're not infesting your home, you'll need to continue to have pest control services done even throughout the cold season. We can create a schedule for routine pest control needs.

2. Animal Trapping
During the colder months, rodents and other nuisance animals tend to try to find their way into the warmth of homes. Their primal instincts tell them they need to find warm shelter with food and water. These opportunistic critters can wreak havoc as they can chew through insulation, wiring, and cause all sorts of property damage. If you've notices scratching and skittering in your walls or attic, or have seen rodents around your home, it's time to get A B Pest Control & Insulation out to safely capture and remove those pesky rodents from your home.

3. Insulation Replacement
Proper insulation in your home ensures that the cool stays in when it's hot outside and that the heat stays in when it's cold outside. Not only will you feel more comfortable with your home properly insulated, but you'll also save money on your energy bill, as your HVAC system will not have to work as hard cooling or heating your home! So if you notice a draft or notice your HVAC system is working extra hard to keep up, it may be time to call in the experts to replace the insulation in your home.

A B Pest Control & Insulation Can Help This Fall
When you're looking for some help around your home this fall, look no further than
A B Pest Control & Insulation. From pest and animal control to lawn and insulation services, we offer a wide range of services that can keep your home protected and pest free all year long! To learn more about our services or to make an appointment visit our website or give us a call!

LAKE OF THE OZARKS
PEST CONTROL COMPANY

Visit Our Website:
www.abpest.net

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A B Pest Control & Insulation Can Help With Spring Maintenance

Spring at the Lake of the Ozarks is officially in full swing and we couldn’t be more excited for warmer weather and longer days. Many people are starting to get their homes ready for the busy summer season. If you're needing a little help around the house, you may be surprised at how your local pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks can assist. At A B Pest Control & Insulation, we offer more than just pest control services at the Lake of the Ozarks. Check out all the things A B Pest Control & Insulation can do for you this season.

Keep Your Home Free of Critters

A B Pest Control & Insulation offers animal trapping services at the Lake of the Ozarks. From moles and gophers to raccoons and rodents and everything in between, A B Pest Control & Insulation can help you safely remove any critters that are hiding around your home. During the spring, animals are coming out of their winter hibernation and are more active. If you notice unwanted critters hanging out in your yard, just call A B Pest Control & Insulation and our technicians can help to remove them and help you prevent them from coming back.

Keep Your Home Pest Free

A B Pest Control & Insulation also offers a wide range of pest control services at the Lake of the Ozarks. From general pest to rodent control and everything in between, we can make sure your home is pest free and ready for the summer season. A B Pest Control & Insulation can spray the inside of your home, your lawn, and even your dock and boat. Don't let pests put a damper on your summer fun and call a professional pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Keep Your Lawn Looking Its Best

Good turf management is the first step in an effective environmentally sound weed control program. Weeds don't produce unhealthy lawns; unhealthy lawns produce weeds. When you hire A B Pest Control & Insulation for our lawn services at the Lake of the Ozarks, we work to make your lawn healthier. Weeds are typically a symptom of a more serious problem in your yard and we develop a turf management program tailored just for your lawn. When the dandelions and other weeds have engulfed your lawn and you've decided to fight back, it's time to call A B Pest Control & Insulation.

Keep You Cool This Summer

Did you know that in addition to pest control, we're also a full-service insulation company at the Lake of the Ozarks? Our insulation team has many years of experience so you can trust that we'll get the job done right at a fair price. Proper insulation in your home ensures that your home stays nice and cool when it's hot outside and nice and toasty warm when it's cold outside. A B Pest Control & Insulation can evaluate your home or business and make the proper recommendations for the best insulation to meet your needs. Spring is a great time to evaluate your home's insulation needs so you know it'll be nice and cool before the hot summer season.

A B Pest Control & Insulation Can Help This Spring

When you're looking for some help around your home this spring, look no further than 
A B Pest Control & Insulation. From pest and animal control to lawn and insulation services, we offer a wide range of services that can help make your home ready for the summer season! To learn more about our services or to make an appointment visit our website or give us a call!

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

Visit Our Website:
www.abpest.net

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Do You Have A Skunk Problem?

Skunks are one of those creatures that are somewhat misunderstood. Skunks may be portrayed as cute and cuddly creatures in cartoons, but A B Pest Control & Insulation knows that skunks can actually be a real nuisance. Not only are skunks smelly creatures, they can fill your yard with holes, and if you have chickens or ducks on your property, they will more than likely go after them. Skunks are also known for carrying several diseases, including rabies. Your pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks knows there are many reasons you don’t want to have skunks on your property, and with so many of them around lately, we thought we would put together a few tips on how to get rid of them.

Keep Your Yard Clean

Woodpiles or anything similar creates a playground and hiding spot for skunks. Make sure that if you have a woodpile that it is stacked properly and there are no places for a skunk to get in and nest. Skunks are also scavengers and will eat many things that they find on the ground. Things like acorns, nuts, and other fruits that fall to the ground will likely attract a skunk into your yard. If you have any trees that drop nuts or fruits, it’s important to clean up anything that has fallen or that is on the ground to help eliminate any food sources for a skunk and other critters. If you feed your pets outside, you’ll want to make sure that you bring their food and water bowls in before dark. This will also help deter critters and skunks from coming into your yard.

Check for Possible Den Areas

Skunks, like other pests, are opportunists. This means that they will make their dens in places that other animals have abandoned. Skunks are also great diggers, they will easily be able to dig a den under structures. In order to help deter skunks from taking residence in your yard, you should make sure they don’t have access to abandoned burrows and they can’t easily create one around the base of your home. There are steps you can take to ensure they can’t burrow below your home, but it’s best to leave that up to a professional.

Call a Trained Wildlife Professional

When it comes skunks, there are certain means of skunk control that are illegal. It’s best to leave your skunk problem to the specially trained wildlife technicians. If you attempt to DIY this, you could end up harming yourself, getting bitten, or even sprayed by the skunk.

Give A B Pest Control & Insulation a Call

When it comes down to skunk removal, it’s best to call your pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks who are specially trained and can help take care of your problem. For all of your wildlife and nuisance animal needs, A B Pest Control & Insulation is here to help. 

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

Visit Our Website:
www.abpest.net

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
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Control The Moles This Spring

Nothing is worse than looking out and seeing your once beautiful lawn covered with molehills. Although small in stature, moles can wreak havoc on yards. If your lawn has been invaded, don't fret,  A B Pest Control & Insulation can help you take back your lawn. As a professional pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks, we can help you get rid of the moles and make sure they don't come back.

What Is A Mole?

Moles have a pointed snout, large, rounded front feet with stout claws, and a short, bare tail. Moles are not rodents, in fact, they are part of a group of mammals known as insectivores. Moles primarily feed on earthworms, ants, beetle grubs and other arthropods living in the ground. While they do eat various seeds and vegetable matter, it only makes up a small portion of their diet. Females will typically produce three to five pups in the spring.

Is There A Mole Infestation?

Moles are active throughout the year, however, they are most active in the spring and the fall. Moles can wreak havoc with burrowing, as they create elaborate underground tunnels. The tunnels are called runways and they run at both shallow and deep levels. The subsurface runways are where mounds and ridges show above the ground. They are typically used for feeding and can be produced at a rate of 20 feet per hour. Deep runways are located up to 10 inches below the surface. These are the main thoroughfares for the mole as it travels to and from the surface. The number of mounds or surface ridges is no indication of the number of moles within your yard. In fact, 2.5 acres can support anywhere between seven to 12 moles at one time.

Get Rid Of Moles

The best way to prevent moles from digging up your yard is to get rid of the mole itself. Getting rid of moles can be difficult. Many home remedies can be ineffective and even harmful to pets and children. Make it easy on yourself and call a professional pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks. A B Pest Control & Insulation can get rid of your mole infestation quickly and effectively with our animal trapping services.

Prevent Moles From Coming Back

The main reason moles will dig tunnels in your yard is to find food. Prevent moles from tunneling around by eliminating their source of food. By removing the earthworms and grub, you may be able to cause the mole to move to another area. When your lawn is healthy, you lower your chances of a pest problem.

Take Back Your Lawn

Moles are common in yards throughout most of the United States. Make sure your lawn is protected this upcoming season by hiring a professional pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks. From animal and pest control services to residential and commercial insulation, A B Pest Control & Insulation can help you make sure your home is protected this spring. Call A B Pest Control & Insulation at 573-964-1100 to learn more about our services or to make your appointment.

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

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www.abpest.net

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5 Critters We See At The Lake In The Autumn

The autumn season doesn't just bring in the insects, it also brings in unwanted critters that are seeking shelter from the cold weather. Luckily, a professional animal trapper at the Lake of the Ozarks can protect your home from these unwanted pests. From raccoons to rodents, the Lake area is home to many different creatures that could potentially damage your home if they come inside. A B Pest Control & Insulation lists five critters we see often at the Lake of the Ozarks.

1. Raccoons 

Raccoons, like rodents, can cause a lot of damage to homes while they seek shelter for the winter months. They are known for chewing up electrical wires and can chew through home insulation. However, they can also damage air ducts, cooling systems, vents, fans and wood beams. Raccoons are large animals and in some cases have fallen through the ceilings of some homes. If they stay in your home a long time, they can also flatten the insulation in your home, lowering the R-value. In addition, when raccoons decide to make themselves at home in your attic, they will urinate and defecate, which is not only unsanitary and smells bad, but also contain numerous diseases. 

2. Rodents

Mice and rats like to seek shelter during the cool season. However, it is important to evict them early, as a couple mice can become a dozen in a short amount of time. Rodents can cause a lot of damage to your home as well. They can chew through insulation, electrical wire and wood structures. Mice can fit into a hole the size of a dime, while rats can fit into crevasses the size of a quarter. Rodents are filthy creatures and can leave feces all throughout your home, which is filled with disease.  

3. Snakes

Although snakes do not do any physical damage to our homes, it is certainly unsettling seeing them on the wrong side of the door. Snakes enter homes through open doors and windows, as well as through holes and crevasses. Snakes that come inside are usually small, so it doesn't take a big opening for them to make their way into your home. As the days get colder, snakes will seek warmth to hibernate during the winter months.

4. Squirrels 

Attics are the perfect place for squirrels to nest and have babies. When squirrels nest in attics, they can cause damage to insulation, electrical wires and wood structures. In addition, as squirrels have babies, they will create more and more entry points. This means that they will cause extensive damage to the outside of your home. They will chew through the structure to make an easy access in and out of your home.

5. Opossums

Because opossums greatest challenge during the winter months is to survive, they will try to seek out warm places that have food. Unfortunately, that place just might be your home. It is sometimes hard to tell when an opossum has taken residence in your home, as they are nocturnal, so it is important to know the signs of their activity. Barking dogs, missing food and a strong odor are just some of the clues that indicate you may have an opossum in your home. 

Get Rid Of Fall Pests With A B Pest Control & Insulation

If you have any unwanted critters in your home, call A B Pest Control & Insulation at 573-964-1100. Not only are these pests unsanitary, but they can also do damage to your home. Avoid these potentially costly repairs and call a professional animal trapper at the Lake of the Ozarks. By calling a professional, you can make sure these pests are removed from your premises properly and they can make sure they don't come back. 

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

Visit Our Website:
www.abpest.net

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