Pests And Your Real Christmas Tree

There's nothing like the smell of a fresh cut Christmas tree to get you in the holiday spirit. However, when you bring in a real or cut tree, you could be inviting insects to spend the holidays with you and your family. Every Christmas tree has the possibility of hosting a number of insects including spiders, mites and beetles. These insects could remain on the tree into the winter and could become active after being introduced to the warm temperatures inside your home. Your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company has all the information you need to know about Christmas tree insects. 

Insects That Live In Christmas Trees

There are many different insects that can call your Christmas tree home from aphids and mites to spiders and beetles. Although insects may not be active during the winter months, they could lay eggs in Christmas trees. When a Christmas tree that has eggs is introduced into your warm home, they could hatch mistaking the warmth for spring. Although these insects typically don't do physical damage to your home, they can become an unwanted house guest(s) throughout the holiday season, especially if the tree you bought has eggs that hatched. 

How To Pick The Right Tree

Harmless or not, you don't want to be spending the holiday season with bugs crawling around the presents or flying into the window trying to escape. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help minimize the chances of bringing pests into your home through your Christmas tree. When choosing your perfect pest free tree, inspect it carefully including looking underneath the branches. Look for signs of aphids, adelgids or small insects. Things to look for include trees that have their own "flock", light tan, walnut-size, frothy egg masses and small holes with sawdust trails. 

What To Do Before Bringing In The Tree

Before bringing in your Christmas tree, it is a good idea to shake it vigorously to dislodge any insects and spiders. Check each branch for egg cases and prune out any you may find. It is important to get rid of any egg sack, as your home is warm which could induce the eggs to hatch. If there are any empty bird nests it is important to remove them as well as they could contain mites. 

What To Do With An Infested Tree

If you find that your Christmas tree has been infested, it is important to make sure that you properly tree it. Do not use spray aerosol pesticides to treat it as they are flammable. The best way to control a Christmas tree infestation is to bring the tree outside and safely remove the pests from it. If you find dead bugs on the floor, it is best to use a vacuum to clean them up. 

Have A Pest-Free Holiday

If your pest infestation goes beyond the tree, it is best to call a professional pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks. From bed bugs to spiders, A B Pest Control & Insulation can make sure your home is pest free for the holidays. To schedule an appointment with a professional Lake of the Ozarks exterminator, contact us at 573-964-1100.

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Thanksgiving Around The Lake of the Ozarks

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. If you are wanting a delicious Thanksgiving meal, but don't want to cook it, there are many different restaurants and resorts around the Lake area that are serving Thanksgiving dinners. The best thing about going out to eat on Thanksgiving is that you can enjoy a tasty, turkey dinner and you don't have to worry about cleaning up afterward!

Cooking a Thanksgiving meal takes a lot of planning, time and cleaning. After preparing and cooking, the last thing you want to do is spend more time cleaning up, however, it is important to clean immediately after you are done to avoid pesky pests in your kitchen. If you are wanting to make it easy on yourself this year, A B Pest Control & Insulation has gathered a few places that are serving Thanksgiving meals that your family can enjoy.

Thanksgiving Buffet at Tan-Tar-A

When: November 24
Where: 494 Tan Tar A Drive
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Reservation: 573-348-3131
Price -
Adults: $28.95
Seniors: $18.95
Children 4-11: $14.95
Children 3 & under: Free

Thanksgiving Buffet at H. Toad's

When: November 24
Where: 2359 Bittersweet Road
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Reservation: 573-365-5620
Price -
Adults: $26
Seniors: $20
Children 6-12: $12
Children 5 & under: Free

Thanksgiving Buffet at the Inn at Grand Glaize

When: November 24
Where: 5142 Osage Beach Pkwy
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Reservations: 573-348-4731
Price -
Adults: $18.95
Seniors: $15.95
Children 12 & under: $9.95
Children 3 & under: Free

Thanksgiving Buffet at The Lodge of Four Seasons

When: November 24
Where: 315 Four Seasons Dr.
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Reservations: 573-365-3000
Price -
Adults: $39.95
Children 12 & under: Half Price
Children 5 & under: Free
*Prices includes coffee, tea and ice tea

Thanksgiving at J. Bruner

When: November 24
Where: 5166 Osage Beach Pkwy.
Time: Opens at 3:00 p.m.
Reservations: 573-348-2966
Price - $29

Thanksgiving Dinner at Old Kinderhook

When: November 24
Where: 678 Kinderhook Dr.
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Reservations: 573-317-3560
Price -
Adults: $35
Seniors: $27
Children 5-10: $12
Children 4 & under: Free

Thanksgiving at the Lake of the Ozarks

There's a lot to be thankful for this year and at A B Pest Control & Insulation, we are thankful for all of our amazing clients. If you are needing to make sure that your home is ready for the holiday season, call A B Pest Control & Insulation. Lake of the Ozarks professional pest control company can not only protect your home from annoying pests and rodents, we can also make sure that your home is protected from the cold winter weather. If your home is feeling a bit chilly this season, call the best insulation company at the Lake of the Ozarks. To request a FREE quote from A B Pest Control & Insulation, visit our website at www.abpest.net or call 573-964-1100.

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What You Need To Know About Boxelder Beetles

Boxelder beetles are out in full force right now. During the fall, they seek winter shelter, as they go dormant as the weather gets colder. You may find boxelder bugs on the sunny side of buildings this time of year. Your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company is here to inform you of what you need to know about these pests. 

Where To Find Them

Boxelder bugs will not come inside your home all year long. Instead, they typically make their nests in trees such as box elder, maple and ash trees during the warmer seasons. During the fall, they will migrate into buildings and home to find shelter during the winter. They enter through small cracks and crevices within the building and remain inside, hibernating through the fall and winter. However, they will emerge when heat sources within the building are high. While they do not cause structural damage to homes, their droppings could leave stains on furniture and linens. 

Life Cycle

In autumn, large nymphs and adults will congregate at overwintering sites, such as your home. At the end of March, they will emerge from their dormancy and in April, they will begin laying eggs in crevices of box elder trees.

Signs of an Infestation

Like many overwintering pests, it is startling when the bugs invade in staggering numbers. They can be a nuisance to homeowners, as they seek and enter houses in colonies of hundreds, even thousands, as cold weather approaches. You can find them in the walls and warm basements, making themselves at home all winter long. They will occasionally emerge into kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms. Boxelder beetles tend to favor homes that receive a lot of sun exposure or homes that are on flat ground with no other surrounding buildings. Boxelder beetles are typically harmless, however, they have been known to defend themselves by biting people when pressed against bare skin. 

How to Control Boxelder Infestation

The best thing you can do to control a boxelder beetle infestation is to call your local Lake of the Ozarks pest control company. A professional pest control company can get rid them from your yard and home and help you prevent them from coming back. In addition to calling the experts, sealing cracks, gaps and holes can also help them from coming inside. It is a good idea to replace worn screens, as well as door and window seals to prevent entry. 

Let A B Pest Control & Insulation Protect Your Home This Fall

Although the summer pest control season has ended, the fall invasion is just beginning. During autumn, many different types of pests seek shelter for the cold winter months. When you have your home sprayed by a professional pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks, you can make sure that pests don't seek shelter in your home. Call 573-964-1100 and schedule your appointment with A B Pest Control & Insulation today!

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Happy Veterans Day From A B Pest Control & Insulation

November 11 is Veterans Day, which is a day to honor all American veterans, especially those who served their country honorably during war or peacetime. Many take this day as an extra day to spend shopping, as we are gearing up for the holiday season. However, we want to spend some time to say thank you to those who have severed our country. To celebrate this holiday, your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company has a few facts to learn more about the history of this day.

History Facts About Veterans Day

- Veterans Day originated as "Armistice Day" on Nov. 11, 1919, which was the first anniversary of the end of World War I. 

- Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day on June 1, 1954. The change occurred because originally, Armistice Day honored veterans of WWI. However, in WWII there was an increase of veterans, so they changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor all the veterans. 

- In 1926, Congress passed a resolution for an annual observance and in 1938, Nov. 11 became a national holiday. 

- Veterans Day pays tribute to American veterans who served their country during war and peacetime living or dead.

- Originally, this holiday celebrates veterans with parades and public meetings, as well as a brief suspension of businesses at 11:00 a.m. This is still the case today, as many parades are held and speeches are given across the country.

- From 1971 to 1977, Veterans Day was celebrated on the fourth Monday in October. Many states disapproved of the change and continued to observe the holiday on November 11. Afer it became evident that November 11 held historical and patriotic significance to many Americans, President Gerald R. Ford's signed a new law returning the observation of Veterans Day back to November 11 beginning in 1978. 

- On November 11, 1921, an American soldier was buried at the Arlington National Cemetery. His identity was unknown, and his grave site is today known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every year on November 11, the president or a high-ranking member of the government lays a wreath on his grave. 

- On Veterans Day, Arlington National Cemetery holds a ceremony every year to honor those who died during times of war. The ceremony is held around the Tomb of the Unknowns and at 11:00 a.m. a combined color guard representing all military services executes "Present Arms" at the tomb. 

- As of 2014, there are 21.8 million veterans of the U.S. armed forces. According to the Census Bureau, approximately 10 percent are women. In addition, California has the more U.S. military veterans than any other state.

Happy Veterans Day From A B Pest Control & Insulation

At A B Pest Control & Insulation, we want to thank everyone who has served or is serving our country. If you would like to thank a veteran, there will be a parade held on November 12 beginning at 10:00 a.m. that will travel from Osage Beach City Hall to Lake of the Ozarks Elks Lodge. After the parade, there will be food and beverages available at the Elks Lodge. Happy Veterans Day from A B Pest Control & Insulation! 

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Your Trusted & Licensed Pest Control Company!

When finding the right pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks for you, one thing you should look for is what types of licenses they hold. In order to obtain a pest control license in the state of Missouri, a year's training under the guidance of someone must be completed first and proof of insurance are required. In addition, for all commercial pest control companies, to perform any service, the core license test must be passed as well as tests in the services the company or individual is wanting to be able to provide. At A B Pest Control & Insulation, we are licensed in seven additional categories in addition to the core certification.

Importance of Licensing

As public concerns over the potential effects of pesticides on human health and the environment rise, new laws and regulations that govern the pesticides and their use make training programs essential. It is important that commercial pest control companies are educated and trained in the proper way to use their products not only for the safety of the environment but for your safety as well. In addition, there are many uses for pesticide and it is important to know how to properly use them to effectively treat homes. From aquatic and forest pest control to wood products and fumigation pest control there is wide array of different licenses that pest control companies can hold and become experts in. 

 A B Pest Control & Insulation Licenses

Anytime a service is being paid for that involves any type of chemical application, it's required to carry the licenses that coincide with the service. At A B Pest Control & Insulation, we hold seven additional licenses in addition to our core pest control license. Below are the types of licenses we carry and what we are able to do with them:

Ornamental & Turf Pest Control

Control pests in maintenance and production of ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers and turf, as well as herbicide for weed control in rock areas. 

Aquatic Pest Control

Pesticides that are purposefully applied to standing or running water including ponds, lakes, oceans, rivers, streams, reservoirs and impoundments.

Sewer Line Root Control

The use of pesticides to treat sewer lines. 

Right-of-Way Pest Control

The use of pesticides in the maintenance of public roads, electric powerlines, pipelines, railway rights of way, or other similar areas as well as herbicide for weed control in rock areas.

General Structure Pest Control

Use of pesticide to control household pests, such as ticks and chiggers for areas 3 - 5 feet from the base of the home. Beyond 5 feet, it becomes part of ornamental & turf pest control license. 

Termite Pest Control

The use of pesticide to eliminate termites and other wood eating insects. 

Public Health Pest Control

This category includes state or federal employees or other individuals using or supervising the use of restricted use pesticides in public health programs for the management and control of pests having medical and public health importance.

Check to see if a Missouri pest control company is properly licensed in the services provided by visiting: https://apps.mda.mo.gov/moplants/PesticideApplicator/ApplicationExternalSearch.aspx 

Your Licensed Lake of the Ozarks Pest Control Company

At A B Pest Control & Insulation, we want to be your go-to pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks. In order to do our best work, we need to be up to date on our training and knowledgeable in as many different areas of pest control. From termite control to aquatic pest control, we can make sure your home and dock are protected. We know there are many different Lake of the Ozarks pest control companies and we are happy you choose us to make sure your home safe. To schedule an appointment for either pest control of insulation at the Lake of the Ozarks, call us at 573-964-1100.

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Halloween at the Lake of the Ozarks

Halloween is right around the corner! The Lake of the Ozarks is filled with fun, family-friendly activities for you to enjoy. From haunted houses to spooktacular trick or treating opportunities, there are many different ways to celebrate this spooky day. Your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company has all the details on this weekend's events.  

Photo Credit: Haunted Holler Facebook

Haunted Houses

Haunted Holler

The Haunted Holler is a quarter mile long haunted trail in the woods. Admission is $10 a person. Recommended for ages 6+ and children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 

Where: 651 Hiland Circle, Osage Beach
When: October 28 - 31; 8:00 pm - midnight

Zombie Wasteland Haunted House

The Zombie Wasteland Haunted House benefits the Kids Harbor Child Advocacy Center. Admission is $10 a person and children must be accompanied by an adult. 

Where: 1159 N. Business Rte 5, Camdenton
When: October 27 - 29

Trick-OR-Treating

Hy-Vee Hollow Trick-or-Treat Maze

A safe trick-or-treating event in the Hy-Vee parking lot. All money raised will be donated to the Dream Factory, an organization making dreams come true for critically ill children and Wonderland Camp, a fun, educational camp experience for children, teenagers and adults with disabilities. 

Where: 929 State HWY D, Osage Beach
When: October 27; 4:00 - 7:00 pm

Laker Trunk-OR-Treat

This first annual event is organized by the DECA students of the Camdenton High School. Local businesses and organizations will set up a Trunk-or-Treat in the high school parking lot while the high school clubs and groups will be set up inside with other fun activities. In addition to the Trunk-or-Treat, there will be a chili cook-off, costume contest, face painting and many other kid-friendly activities. 

Where: 662 Laker Pride Rd, Camdenton
When: Friday, October 28; 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Photo Credit: FunLake.com

Halloween Bash Trick-Or-Treat on the Strip

Trick-or-treat at the businesses along the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip. There will be a costume contest for both kids and adults! 

Where: Bagnell Dam Strip 
When: Saturday, October 29; 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Kid's Halloween Spooktacular

Bring your little ghosts and goblins to Captain Ron's to grab some loot! There will be several local businesses handing out goodies. 

Where: Captain Ron's
When: Sunday, October 30; 5:00 - 6:30 pm

Camdenton VFW Trunk or Treat

Where: 65 VFW Rd Camdenton
When: Sunday, October 30; 4:00 - 7:00 pm

SpookTacular Trick-or-Treat

Enjoy a safe, free, family-friendly trick or treating experience. There will also be music, contests, fun and games. Local business owners will be setting up and competing for the best kid-friendly trick or treat display. 

Where: Save-A-Lot Parking Lot 709 N Business Rt 5, Camdenton
When: Monday, October 31; 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Pumpkin Patches & Hay Rides

Bonfire & Hayride 

Hay rides are $5 and include smores, hot cocoa and mini pumpkins for the kids and set around the lakeside bonfire beach location. 

Where: The Beach at The Lodge of Four Seasons
When: October 29 & November 5

MECCA Family Farm

In addition to pumpkin picking, there will be a corn crib, corn cannon, big slide, face painting, petting zoo, hay rides, maze walk and tons of photo opportunities! 

Where: 425 Delmar, Roach 
When: October 29 - 30; 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

The Cave Pumpkin Patch 

The Cave Pumpkin Patch is a family owned and operated pumpkin patch in Miller county. There is also a corn crib, mini golf, duck race, water balloon sling shot, pumpkin painting, sandbox, barrel train, playground, bounce house, hay ride, bridges, hay maze, The Cave and much, much more! Admission is $6 a person and includes The Cave admission. 

Where: 123 Swinging Bridge Road, Brumley 
When: October 29 - 30; 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Happy Halloween From A B Pest Control & Insulation

A B Pest Control & Insulation wishes you a safe and happy Halloween weekend. If you are finding spooky, creepy crawlers in your home, make sure you call a professional pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you are needing to schedule an appointment, call A B Pest Control & Insulation at 573-964-1100. 

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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. 

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