Pests Invading The Pantry

While discovering bugs in your food may be disgusting, it isn't unusual. Many insects like to eat what we do, so the food in our pantry are often the first places they go to. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make sure you're not sharing your food. Your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company offers tips on how to get rid of and control pantry pests this spring.

What Are Pantry Pests?

Grain products and other foods stored in kitchen cabinets, pantries or other areas in the home may become infested with insects or other organisms. These invaders are commonly referred to as "pantry pests." The most common pests we see in the pantry are beetles, moths, mites or psocids. In Missouri, we can see the saw-toothed grain beetle, mealworms, Indian meal moth and spider beetles hiding in the cabinets. However, there are many more pests we could see crawling around our homes and enjoying our food.

What Do Pantry Pests Infest?

Stored food commonly infested with pests include flour, cereals, cracked grains, baking mixes and processed foods, crackers, macaroni, cured meats, powdered milk, dried fruits, nuts, popcorn and spices. Insects that feed on these products may also infest other grain-based items such as pet foods, birdseed, ornamental corn and even dried flower arrangements. Nearly all dry, stored human food products as well as dry pet food are susceptible.

Prevent Pantry Pests

Sometimes, pantry pests are brought into the home from the food items. Be sure to inspect dry goods before bringing them inside. However, be especially suspicious of birdseed and pet foods. Purchasing large quantities of these items and having them sit for long periods of time can be an invitation for trouble, so be sure they are stored in an air tight container. Remove spilled food products from storage areas and replace torn or damaged storage containers immediately. In addition, make sure your home is sealed well by caulking around windows and doorframes and sealing up gaps under exterior doors. Adequate ventilation in storage areas are also important to minimize mold and mildew growth that could attract pantry pests.

Get Rid of Pantry Pests

If pantry pests have invaded your kitchen, carefully examine all susceptible foods to determine the source of the infestation. Throw away items that are infested by putting them in tightly sealed bags and taking them outside of the storage area to a trash bin. Empty and clean the storage area and shelves thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner and hot, soapy water. However, the best way to ensure that the pantry pests are properly taken care of is by calling a professional pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks.

A B Pest Control & Insulation is here to help if you have pantry pests, or any other insect, invading your home. We offer pest control services at the Lake of the Ozarks and other surrounding towns. We are equipped with the knowledge to get rid of pests that affect Central Missouri. To schedule your pest control service, contact us today at 573-964-1100.

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

Visit Our Website:

www.abpest.net

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on Google+ 

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

Visit Our Website:

www.abpest.net

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on Google+ 

The World's Largest Pub Crawl!

The Lake of the Ozarks is celebrating Mardi Gras a bit early with the world's largest pub crawl! With 17 participating venues and tons of live music, you will not want to miss one of the biggest events at the Lake. Your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company has all the details on this exciting, annual winter event.

Mardi Gras Pub Crawl

Saturday, February 18

Buses Run From 4:00 PM - 2:30 AM

$10

The 2017 Mardi Gras Pub Crawl will bring you a night full of live music, exciting fun, plus, a safe ride to get you to all the great venues and hotels on the Pub Crawl route. For just $10, you get a wristband that provides you an all-access pass to the 17 participating venues and a ride to get you there. There's no need to drink and drive when Mardi Gras Pub Crawl buses will be making a continuous loop between all 17 participating venues and all participating hotels/motels on the Pub Crawl route.

Live Entertainment

Arris Pizza - Pure Drive


Chevy's - Sister Lucille Band

El Espolon - TBA

Gin and Grits - TBA

Go Fast Betty's - 

Thur, Feb 16: Jam Night with the Slap-Ass Band 
Fri, Feb 17: Pure Drive 
Sat, Feb 18: DJ Taz

Inn at Grand Glaize - TBA

JJ Twigs - 

Fri, Feb 17: Don Akers
Sat, Feb 18: The Surge

Li'l Rizzo's - 

Fri, Feb 17: I-Berrys 9:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Sat, Feb 18: Contagious 9:00 PM - 1:00 AM

Linda Lu's - TBA

Lucky's -

Fri, Feb 17: DJKJ Craig Maxey 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Sat, Feb 18: Justin Tinkler 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
DJKJ Craig Maxey

Mexicali Blues - Naked Cove Entertainment 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM

SNAFUs on the Strip - TBA

Tirebiters - TBA

Tucker's Shuckers - Shadow Runner 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Vista Grande - TBA

Wicked Willies - DJ Cheez 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM

Wobbly Boots - Dale Blue 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Vinyl Richie 8:00 PM - close

Lodging On The Route

Baymont Inn & Suites - $109/night
Days Inn & Suites - $59/night
Econo Lodge - $74.99/night for 1 - 2 people *Rates available for stays 2 nights or longer
Golden Door Motel - $55 - $65/night 
Holiday Inn Express - $124/night
Inn at Grand Glaize - $99/night
Lake House Hotel - $99/night for 2 adults
Quail's Nest Inn & Suites - $89.50 - $99.50/night
Quality Inn - $65/night plus tax
Red Roof Inn 
Scottish Inns Motel - $45/night 1 Queen Bed; $50/night 2 Queen Beds
Shoreland Motel - $49/night per room double occupancy
Town & Country Motel - $62.99/night plus tax king room; $67.99/night plus tax double queen room 

Note: In addition to the lodging on the route, the shuttle service to and from Pub Crawl will include Camden on the Lake and the Lodge of Four Seasons. 

You do not want to miss one the Lake's most popular winter event, so mark your calendar's for February 18! It’s important to have a designated driver, and luckily, Mardi Gras Pub Crawl makes it easy! There's no need to drink and drive when the Pub Crawl buses can get you to where you need to go. The buses start making their rounds at 4:00 PM and continue until 2:30 AM. Whether you are attending the Lake of the Ozarks Mardi Gras Pub Crawl or not, please be safe while out and about. Text LAKEPUBCRAWL 71441 to stay up to date on all Pub Crawl news!

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

Visit Our Website:

www.abpest.net

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on Google+ 

Valentine's Day Fun Facts

Get ready for the sweetest day of the year! Valentine's Day is full of love and chocolate. Whether you love it or hate it Valentine's Day is just around the corner and your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company is celebrating with some interesting facts you may not have known about this romantic holiday.

- According to Roman legend, Valentine's Day originated because Emperor Claudius II didn't want Roman men to marry during wartime. Bishop Valentine performed secret weddings, however, he was caught and was jailed and executed. While in jail, he wrote a note to the jailor's daughter and signed it "from your Valentine." He was executed the next day on February 14. 

- According to Hallmark, 114 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged (not including the packaged kid's cards for classrooms), which makes it the second-largest holiday for giving greeting cards behind Mother's Day. 

- In 2016, the average American celebrating Valentine's Day spent nearly $147 according to the National Retail Federation. 

- The origin of the saying "wear your heart on your sleeve" came from the Middle Ages. Young men and drew names from a bowl to see who would be their Valentine. They would wear this name pinned onto their sleeves for one week for everyone to see.

- John Cadbury opened a tea and coffee shop in Birmingham, England in 1822, and soon expanded into chocolate manufacturing. In 1861, his son Richard greatly increased sales by packaging Cadbury chocolates in the world's first heart-shaped candy box for Valentine's Day. 

- 36 million boxes of chocolate are sold every year for Valentine's Day and 224 million roses are grown for Valentine's Day. 

- $1.6 million are spent on candy, $1.9 million are spent on roses and $4.4 million are spent on diamonds, gold and silver for Valentine's Day. In addition, each pet owner will spend nearly $5 on Valentine's Day gifts for their furry friends. 

- Men typically spend more money on Valentine's Day than women. In addition, 73 percent of rose sales for Valentine's Day are made by men. However, 15 percent of women will send flowers to themselves on Valentine's Day. 

- Teachers receive the most amount of Valentine's Day cards, followed by children, mothers, wives, girlfriends and pets. 

- Approximately six million people will get engaged and 2.6 million people get married on Valentine's Day.

With Love From A B Pest Control & Insulation

If you are spending Valentine's Day with some unwanted critters, make sure you call A B Pest Control & Insulation. As your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company, we help make sure your home is pest and critter free, no matter the season! If you have an unwanted critter in your attic or a pest infestation in the walls, call A B Pest Control & Insulation at 573-964-1100 to schedule your appointment today. 

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

Visit Our Website:

www.abpest.net

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on Google+ 

The Truth About Termites

Termites are a problem for many homeowners across the United States. According to the MU Extension, more than $4.5 billion is spent annually to control termite infestations and to repair the damage they have caused. There are lots of myths that surround termite control, so A B Pest Control & Insulation wants to share the truth about termite infestations and treatments. 

Myth: It's easy to detect a termite infestation.

Truth: Termites are the silent destroyers. If you see termites swarming, it's because their colony has gotten too big and they are looking for a new place to start a new colony. It takes a while before termites are visible and able to be found. Termites like to hide in spots that are small and hard to reach on your own, like small cracks and crevices. Due to their breeding habits, it's very difficult to be aware of where they're hiding before they have settled in. 

Myth: Termites won't go to my home if there's lots of mulch or wood nearby.

Truth: While termites may spend some time chewing through the mulch and wood lying around your house, they're always on the hunt for a new food source. Your home has enough wood that's concentrated in one area to help a colony grow and thrive. It may seem safe if your home is surrounded by woods, however, termites are always looking for a new place to grow and protect their colony.

Myth: My house is safe because it's brick and on a concrete slab. 

Truth: Luckily, termites don't eat brick or concrete. However, they do eat anything that contains cellulose. Termites can eat through drywall, wallpaper and wooden furniture. Also, a lot of brick homes still have wooden frames that are susceptible to damage. Termites are capable of finding cracks in brick and concrete and still can get into your home. 

Myth: DIY treatment is the best solution for a termite infestation.

Truth: Solving a termite infestation is hard work and doing it on your own will not produce the results you desire. While it may seem like the most affordable and simple way to deal with the problem, you may ultimately make it worse because you are not treating it and allowing the colony to grow. It would be difficult to target the right areas without the help of a professional. 

Myth: Termite protection and treatment are costly.

Truth: While you may think that protection and treatment are costly, the cost of repairing a termite infestation could be worse. Termites can do lots of damage that can be costly. You can avoid these costly repairs and make sure your home is protected by having an annual termite inspection done by a trusted pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks. If termites are found in your home during an inspection, A B Pest Control & Insulation will see what the best service plan for you would be.  We offer a 10-year guarantee on our termite control services.

Protect Your Home From Termites

Annual termite inspections are recommended to help you protect your home because a Lake of the Ozarks pest control company can look for the early warning signs of termites. If you are needing protection before the next swarm comes in, call A B Pest Control & Insulation at 573-964-1100 today. 

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

Visit Our Website:

www.abpest.net

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on Google+