Thursday, September 24, 2020

8 Surprising Facts About Ladybugs

There are about 5,000 different species of ladybugs in the world. These much loved critters are also known as lady beetles or ladybird beetles. While most of the time, they are considered to be lucky, and often enjoyable, these insects do tend to show up in swarms at certain times of the year and can become a real nuisance to homeowners. However, although a swarm of them can be annoying at times, they serve a great purpose in our ecosystem. So, we at A B Pest Control & Insulation wanted to share some interesting facts you may not have known about them!

7 Surprising Facts About Ladybugs

1. The ladybug life cycle begins when a batch of bright-yellow eggs are laid on branches near food sources. They hatch as larvae in four to 10 days and then spend about three weeks feeding. Once they're well-fed, they'll begin to build a pupa, and after seven to 10 days they emerge as adults. The insects typically live for about a year.

2. Ladybug larvae look nothing like a ladybug! As larvae, they have long, pointed abdomens, spiny bodies, and legs that protrude from their sides. The larvae feed and grow for about a month, and during this stage they often consume hundreds of aphids.

3. Technically, they're lady beetles, not bugs. What's the difference? For starters, bugs have needle-like mouth parts whereas beetles have chewing mouthparts. Plus, beetles have harder wings than bugs do (if they have them at all). Also, bugs have a mostly liquid diet and beetles don't.

4. Most commonly, ladybugs are red and black or yellow and black, but some are as plain as black and white, others as exotic as dark blue and orange. Some species of ladybug are spotted, others have stripes, and still others sport a checked pattern. Color patterns are connected to their habitat.

5. Ladybugs are colorful for a reason. Their markings tell predators: "Eat something else! I taste terrible." When threatened, the bugs will secrete an oily, foul-tasting fluid from joints in their legs.

6. Farmers and gardeners love them because they eat aphids and other plant-eating pests. One ladybug can eat up to 5,000 insects in its lifetime! But they don't just eat aphids. They also eat fruit flies, thrips, mites and other plant-damaging insects. 

7. The 'Lady' Part of Their Name is Said to Refer to the Virgin Mary. According to the Lost Ladybug Project: "During the Middle Ages in Europe, swarms of aphids were destroying crops. The farmers prayed to the Virgin Mary for help, and help came in the form of ladybugs that devoured the plant‐destroying pests and saved the crops. The grateful farmers named these insects 'Our Lady’s beetles,' a name which had endured to present day."

8. Often confused, ladybugs and Asian lady beetles are similar, but NOT the same! Asian lady beetles are typically somewhat more aggressive than native varieties and may bite if they land on the skin. At a quick glance, it can be hard to tell the difference between the Asian ladybug and the native ladybugs. But if you look closely, you will see the Asian ladybug has a white marking behind its head in the openings of what looks like a black M. These are typically the 'lady beetles' you see that invade homes in swarms.

Ladybugs Are Amazing Critters!
Most people like ladybugs because they are pretty, graceful, and harmless to humans. But as you have now learned, they also serve as an important part of the ecosystem by cleaning up pests and plant-damaging insects! We hope this list of facts will help you to better appreciate these interesting insects!

While it is our job to provide pest control at the Lake of the Ozarks, it's also our duty to educate you on the insects that are not technically pests, but merely there. However, the next time you’re dealing with destructive pests, call up the best pest control service at the Lake of the Ozarks to take care of your pesky pest problems

LAKE OF THE OZARKS
PEST CONTROL COMPANY



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Thursday, September 17, 2020

Homeowners: Get Ready for the Fall Invasion!

As Summer winds down and the temperatures begin to cool off, bugs, rodents and other pests will be seeking refuge for the coming winter months. Will they find it in your home? By continuing to be proactive in your pest prevention and lawn maintenance, you can prevent these unwanted pests from making themselves cozy in your humble abode. Here are a few things you need to do to protect your home from a Fall invasion.


It's Time to Prep Your Lawn for Spring
Fall is the best time to start making corrections to your lawn in preparation for next Spring. Compact soil prevents grass from establishing a healthy root system and it keeps water and fertilizer from reaching the roots. Aeration can help relieve soil compaction, which allows the nutrients in the fertilizers and water to reach the soil, allowing your grass to grow healthier. Fall is a great time to aerate and fertilize your lawn as temperatures are beginning to drop, making the soil's temperature perfect for germination.

Keep those Fallen Leaves Raked Up
As the days get shorter, trees will begin shedding their leaves as they enter survival mode to prepare for the colder months. These leaves end up on the ground and all over your yard, and become a safe haven for many pests. When it comes to preventing pest infestation, raking up and disposing of your leaves is one of the most important things you can do this fall. It's important to rake up your leaves, not only to help prevent pests but also for the health of your lawn. When your lawn is covered in dead and decaying leaves, lawn maintenance becomes almost nonexistent. Having a lawn covered in leaves makes it hard to reseed and fertilize. This can lead to dead spots and it will show in your yard when spring comes around.

Prevent Pests from Getting into Your Home
Mice and other rodents may try to begin entering your home looking for a warm shelter with food and water through any small crack or hole. Access points can be anything from a pipe or vent to a broken seal around a window or door. They can chew through insulation and other easy access points. Inspect your home for any place you think a mouse could get through. Ensure all window and door frames, as well as utility pipes that lead to the outside, are sealed tightly. If you have screens on your windows or doors, make sure they're intact and repair them if necessary.


Protect Your Home from a Fall Invasion with A B Pest Control & Insulation
While it may be tempting to let nature do its thing this Fall, remember that a poorly maintained lawn can become a pest's breeding ground. In turn, this could be misconstrued as a welcoming invite for those pests to enter your humble abode. If you have any unwanted critters in your home or need assistance maintaining your lawn this Fall, call A B Pest Control & Insulation at 573-964-1100. By calling a professional, you can make sure these pests are removed and your home's premises is properly treated and maintained, you can be sure those pests don't come back.

LAKE OF THE OZARKS
PEST CONTROL COMPANY



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Thursday, September 10, 2020

September Events at the Lake of the Ozarks

September at the Lake of the Ozarks is packed with great activities for the entire family to enjoy! If you haven't participated in some of the local festivities, September is a fantastic month to join in on the fun! This week, A B Pest Control & Insulation wants to share with you just a few of the upcoming events to check out around the Lake area this September! Take a look:


HOT SUMMER NIGHTS - SEPTEMBER
Sep 11, 2020
Bagnell Dam Strip
1 Bagnell Dam Blvd
Lake Ozarks MO 65049


Hot Summer Nights, a classic vehicle cruise and family night on the Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark. 6:00 - 11:00 pm (rain or shine). Free admission and participation. All makes and models of cars, trucks, and motorcycles will line the Strip and cruise around. This kid friendly event offers games, activities, live entertainment and more.


32ND ANNUAL MAGIC DRAGON STREET MEET NATIONALS
Sep 11, 2020 - Sep 13, 2020

Bagnell Dam Strip
1076 Bagnell Dam Blvd.
Lake Ozark MO 65049

The annual Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals is a unique show for all makes, models, and years of cars, trucks and motorcycles. The show celebrated its 30th year in 2018 with phenomenal weather, 1,000 participants and close to 10,000 spectators. Located in Central Missouri, we bring 30 years of show experience to the historic Bagnell Dam Strip at the Lake of the Ozarks. The strip is closed to normal traffic during show hours, so we only have show vehicles within the boundaries. This creates and absolutely electric atmosphere! Some say it's like being on the set of "American Graffiti".

 

LAURIE HILLBILLY FAIR
Sep 11, 2020 - Sep 12, 2020
Laurie Fairgrounds
269 Fairgrounds Rd.
Laurie MO 65037
Hours of Operation: Fri: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm; Sat: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm


Come on down to the 51st Hillbilly Fair! The parade theme this year is Hillbillies Gone Hog Wild! Will take place Saturday at 10am! Directly after the parade, the Stover School & Versailles School Bands will be performing on the main stage. Bands on Stages will include Dirt Road Addiction,Whiskey Trio,Sax on the Beach, Ponch Burkhart, Karaoke By Heidi, Steven Moore, & "Missourah" Mud Bugs. All New Thorni Ridge Exotic Petting Zoo! Pea Pickers, Lil' Sprouts, and Lil' Miss and Mr. Hillbilly contests are Saturday, from 12pm - 1pm. Show-Me-Amusements is bringing their carnival rides and will have wristbands on sale for $20.00 on Friday & Saturday! Kent Family Circus will be there for 1 show on Friday evening and 3 shows on Saturday. There will be a Corn Hole and a Horseshoe Tournament - both on Friday. Tractor Pull - Kids and Adults will be on Saturday. Buck-A-Duck, Clowns and Face Painting will be available Friday and Saturday. There will be great food and vendors coming in, so make sure to check them out too!


LAKE OF THE OZARKS AIR SHOW
Sep 12, 2020
Camdenton Memorial Lake Regional Airport
20 Airport Drive
Camdenton MO 65020


The Lake of the Ozarks Air Show will be back in 2020! Celebrate aviation and the United States military at this annual event. Multiple air-show acts, vendor booths, a ping-pong ball drop, food stands and activities for kids are part of the fun.

Visit the Lake of the Ozarks Air Show website for the schedule and a list of participating aerial acts and static displays. Held at Camdenton Memorial Lake Regional Airport.


14TH ANNUAL LAKE OF THE OZARKS BIKEFEST
Sep 16, 2020 - Sep 20, 2020
Lake Wide Event
Osage Beach MO 65065


Visit beautiful Lake of the Ozarks this September for the ultimate BikeFest Event. Events include spectacular scenic rides, more than 200 biker friendly bars and restaurants, great parties, vendors, and rockin' concerts at night! Visit Lake of the Ozarks for a chance to win a custom Harley Davidson motorcycle!


FOLDS OF HONOR CHARITY WEEKEND
Sep 19, 2020 - Sep 21, 2020
Camden on the Lake Resort
2359 Bittersweet Rd
Lake Ozark MO 65049


Join Camden on the Lake for another Folds of Honor Charity Weekend with FREE rockin' live music all weekend coinciding with LOZ Bikefest and a golf tournament on Monday at Osage National Golf Resort. The weekend kicks off Friday night with Machine Gun Symphony and continues Saturday night with Machine Gun Symphony and Hells/Bells! Both shows are FREE to attend - no cover charge. A portion of the weekend's proceeds will directly benefit Folds of Honor. Since 2007, the Folds of Honor has carried forth this singular, noble mission: to provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service-members. The weekend will culminate in a golf tournament at the beautiful Osage National Golf Resort on Monday. For tournament details and to sign up a team please email sales@camdenonthelake.com.


LOMDA FALL IN-WATER BOAT SHOW
Sep 25, 2020 - Sep 27, 2020
Captain Ron's Bar & Grill
80 Aloha Ln
Sunrise Beach MO 65037

Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association Fall In-water Boat Show and Clearance Sale. This event is being hosted by Captain Ron's. There will be over 100 boats including new cruisers, performance boats, runabouts, personal watercraft and a good selection of quality pre-owned boats.


HEARTLAND CLASSICS BOAT & ENGINE RENDEZVOUS
Sep 26, 2020
LandShark Bar & Grill, located at Margaritaville Lake Resort
494 Tan Tar A Drive
Osage Beach MO 65065
Hours of Operation: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm


Come out to the Landshark Bar and Grill for a classic boat show. Displays on the water and several more to be displayed in the parking lot. Landshark will be open and serving food and drink. If you have a classic boat you can register for free to display by emailing Mark Engstrom at engstrom.mark@yahoo.com.


Your Lake of the Ozarks Pest Control Company
These are just a few of MANY events taking place around the Lake of the Ozarks area this September. For more information on other great events around the Lake area, visit www.FunLake.com. For all the events that are happening in our community, your pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks will help keep you updated and informed. With fall drawing nearer, it’s important to make sure that your home is protected from pests. To keep your home pest free all year long, give A B Pest Control & Insulation a call.


LAKE OF THE OZARKS
PEST CONTROL COMPANY


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Wednesday, September 2, 2020

A-Z with A B Pest Control & Insulation: Foam & Fungus

At A B Pest Control & Insulation, we offer multiple services for your convenience. From pest control to lawn maintenance and turf management to insulation services, we can handle all of these tasks for you! This week, we'll be continuing our series by discussing two different sectors of our business with A-Z with A B Pest Control & Insulation: Foam & Fungus.



Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is an air barrier system that effectively seals wall, floor, and ceiling cavities against air movement, including spaces around electrical outlets and light fixtures, at baseboards, and where walls meet windows and doors. Creating an air barrier with spray foam improves energy efficiency and helps heating and cooling systems keep pace with less work. It also reduces noise from outside sources and between rooms within the home.

All polyurethane spray foams require a code-approved thermal barrier—ordinarily a layer of ½” drywall—between the foam and the living space. The thermal barrier is designed to make it more difficult for a fire inside the living space to gain access to the fresh source of fuel in the spray foam, leaving the home’s occupants with more time to escape. Ignition barriers are required in foam-insulated attics, crawlspaces, and other areas with limited access that can’t be used as living space. They offer a lower order of protection, and are intended simply to prevent a possible flame source from making direct contact with the foam.


Fungus in the Home
Molds are a form of fungus. There are many different types, and they can occur both indoors and outdoors. Molds produce spores, which spread by floating around in the air. Mold spores are present in all indoor environments. There is no way to prevent spores, and they can persist in conditions where mold itself cannot grow.

Mold spores thrive in environments that are moist and warm, so when they land on a damp spot, they begin to grow. Molds can grow on a variety of different surfaces, including fabric, paper, wood, glass, and plastic. As they grow, they may digest the material they are growing on. Molds take a variety of forms and textures. They can be white, black, yellow, blue, or green and often look like discoloration or stain to a surface. They can also have a velvety, fuzzy, or rough appearance, depending on the type of mold and where it is growing.

Common indoor molds include:
Alternaria: This occurs in damp places indoors, such as showers or under leaky sinks.
Aspergillus: This often grows indoors, on dust, powdery food items, and building materials, such as drywall.
Cladosporium: This can grow in either cool or warm areas. It tends to appear on fabrics and wood surfaces.
Penicillium: This tends to grow on materials with water damage. It often has a blue or green appearance.


Give A B Pest Control & Insulation a Call!
Controlling moisture is the key to preventing mold from growing indoors. It is also important to keep the home clean and well ventilated. At A B Pest control & Insulation, we can help with that! From installing a vapor barrier in your crawl space to ensuring your home is adequately insulated reducing humidity and mold, our technicians are trained to recognize any potential problems that your insulation may be causing.

If you have unwanted pests around your house or would like a free estimate on your insulation needs, give your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company a call! From pest control to lawn maintenance and insulation services - A to Z, we cover it all!

LAKE OF THE OZARKS
PEST CONTROL COMPANY


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