Health Benefits of Dandelions

Springtime is here, which means we're spending more time outdoors and in our yards. The last thing we want to deal with is weeds taking over. In order to achieve and maintain a beautiful lawn, A B Pest Control and Insulation truly believes that you should implement basic lawn care practices. On top of that, it takes time and work to ensure your lawn isn't overtaken by weeds. And we can help you keep those weeds under control. 

One of the most common weeds we often see in lawns are dandelions. Yes, they can be a frustration when trying to keep your lawn looking great... but did you know there are actually many potential health benefits to dandelions? We thought it'd be fun to share some of that information with you! 

Health Benefits of Dandelions

Highly nutritious
From root to flower, dandelions are highly nutritious plants loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Dandelion greens can be eaten cooked or raw and are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain vitamin E, folate, and small amounts of other B vitamins. What’s more, dandelion greens provide a substantial amount of several minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Contains potent antioxidants

Dandelion is full of potent antioxidants, which may explain many of its medicinal properties. Dandelions contain high levels of the antioxidant beta carotene, which may protect against cell damage and oxidative stress. They’re also rich in another type of antioxidants called polyphenols, which are found mostly in the flower but occur in the roots, leaves, and stems as well.

May help fight inflammation

Dandelion may reduce inflammation, thanks to certain compounds such as polyphenols. Inflammation is a normal immune system response to injury or infection. However, long-term inflammation may lead to permanent damage to your body’s tissues and DNA.

May aid in blood sugar management

Chicoric and chlorogenic acid are two bioactive compounds in dandelion that may help decrease blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that these compounds may improve the secretion of insulin, as well as the absorption of glucose in your muscles. This process leads to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced blood sugar levels.

May reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Some compounds in dandelion may decrease triglyceride and cholesterol levels, both of which are key risk factors for heart disease. Studies have shown that dandelion leaf and root extract can decrease triglyceride accumulation in fat cells. Similarly, dandelion leaf extract can significantly reduce levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides.

May have anticancer effects

Perhaps one of the most intriguing health claims about dandelion extract is its potential to prevent the growth of cancerous cells in various organ systems. A 4-week study in rats showed that administering dandelion root extract modified specific pathways involved in suppressing the growth and spread of breast cancer cells. Other test-tube studies have found that dandelion root extract may slow the growth of cancer cells in liver, colon, and stomach tissue. 

Hire the Professionals!

As you can see, there are many potential health benefits to dandelions. But when it comes to keep your lawn looking great, dandelions may not be something you find attractive. If you're looking for some help on keeping your lawn weed free, A B Pest Control and Insulation has a formula for success for your lawn. The best lawn service company at the Lake of the Ozarks can evaluate your lawn’s needs and put it on a regular maintenance schedule so that it stays healthy and weed-free throughout the year. If your lawn is in need of some help, visit our website or give us a call today. We would love to get your yard on track to looking great all summer long!

LAKE OF THE OZARKS
PEST CONTROL COMPANY

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Keep Your Lawn Weed-Free this Spring Season

Springtime is here, which means we're spending more time outdoors and in our yards. The last thing we want to deal with is weeds taking over. In order to achieve and maintain a beautiful lawn, A B Pest Control and Insulation truly believes that you should implement basic lawn care practices. On top of that, it takes time and work to ensure your lawn isn't overtaken by weeds. So, we've put together some information to help you get your yard in tip-top shape and weed-free this spring season!

Do a Springtime Lawn Revamp
Fall and spring are the best times to give your lawn some much needed TLC to ensure it remains healthy and lush. Here are some tasks you should be doing every spring:

• Testing the soil
• Core aeration
• Adding soil amendments
• Top-dressing
• Fertilizing
• Planting grass seed or sod

Keep Up with Lawn Maintenance

Spring and summer time typically means you're out and about doing things you enjoy doing and are probably rarely home. However, to maintain a healthy lawn all year round, you really do need to keep up with lawn maintenance. This means mowing regularly, spraying for weeds routinely, and watering often!

Promote a Healthy Lawn

While fighting weeds is a year-round job, weed prevention is best practiced in the fall and early spring to take advantage of the growing season of turf grasses. A healthy, thick lawn is your number one defense against weeds. For a nice, green lawn that is free of weeds, focus first on getting your grass healthy, then give it a couple of months to become strong before applying weed control products. Minimize turf areas, so that you’re only growing grass where grass easily grows.

Hire the Professionals!

Every yard is different and it’s important to have a proper lawn management program that is tailored to your unique yard. A B Pest Control and Insulation has a formula for success for your lawn. The best lawn service company at the Lake of the Ozarks can evaluate your lawn’s needs and put it on a regular maintenance schedule so that it stays healthy and weed-free throughout the year. If your lawn is in need of some help, visit our website or give us a call today. We would love to get your yard on track to looking great all summer long!

LAKE OF THE OZARKS
PEST CONTROL COMPANY

Visit Our Website:

www.abpest.net

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Lawn Care Tips for a Weed-Free Yard

In order to achieve and maintain a beautiful lawn, A B Pest Control and Insulation truly believes that you should implement basic lawn care practices. On top of that, it takes time and work to ensure your lawn isn't overtaken by weeds. The best lawn service company at the Lake of the Ozarks has put together some information to help you get your yard in tip-top shape and weed-free!

Do a Spring Time Lawn Revamp
Fall and spring are the best times to give your lawn some much needed TLC to ensure it remains healthy and lush. Here are some tasks you should be doing every spring:

• Testing the soil
• Core aeration
• Adding soil amendments
• Top-dressing
• Fertilizing
• Planting grass seed or sod

Keep Up with Lawn Maintenance

Spring and summer time typically means you're out and about doing things you enjoy doing and are probably rarely home. However, to maintain a healthy lawn all year round, you really do need to keep up with lawn maintenance. This means mowing regularly, spraying for weeds routinely, and watering often!

Promote a Healthy Lawn

While fighting weeds is a year-round job, weed prevention is best practiced in the fall and early spring to take advantage of the growing season of turf grasses. A healthy, thick lawn is your number one defense against weeds. For a nice, green lawn that is free of weeds, focus first on getting your grass healthy, then give it a couple of months to become strong before applying weed control products. Minimize turf areas, so that you’re only growing grass where grass easily grows.

Hire the Professionals!

Every yard is different and it’s important to have a proper lawn management program that is tailored to your unique yard. A B Pest Control and Insulation has a formula for success for your lawn. The best lawn service company at the Lake of the Ozarks can evaluate your lawn’s needs and put it on a regular maintenance schedule so that it stays healthy and weed-free throughout the year. If your lawn is in need of some help, visit our website or give us a call today. We would love to get your yard back on track!

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

Visit Our Website:

www.abpest.net

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Get Ready for the Spring Invasion

Spring at the Lake of the Ozarks is just around the corner and we couldn’t be more excited for warmer weather and longer days. Many people are starting to think about what needs to be done to get their homes ready for the busy summer season. If you're needing a little help around the house, let your favorite pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks help. At A B Pest Control & Insulation, we offer more than just pest control services at the Lake of the Ozarks. Check out all the ways we can help you get ready for the spring invasion!

Hibernating Critters will be Waking Soon
During the spring, animals will be coming out of their winter hibernation and will become 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. 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 or digging up your lawn.

Pests will be Invading Your Home and Lawn
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 spring pests put a damper on your summer fun and call a professional pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Battle the Weeds Before they Invade

You know the saying 'March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers'... Well, those showers bring on more than just flowers. They can cause an over germination of unsightly weeds, too. Good turf management is the first step in effective weed control. 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. Have a plan of attack against those unsightly and hard to kill dandelions and other weeds that are bound to engulf your lawn, and call A B Pest Control & Insulation.

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 weed control services, we offer a wide range of services that can help you get ready for the spring invasion!

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

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6 Weeds that are Taking Over Your Lawn

As your prepping your lawn for the barbecue your planning to host this weekend, you're probably hyper aware of all of the weeds that have crept their way into your lawn and taken over. How did it get so bad? Well, your busy schedule probably got in the way of some much needed spring preventative treatment, so now your dealing with the aftermath. A B Pest Control & Insulation is sharing with you 6 common lawn weeds that are taking over your lawn, and how you can treat for them.

Dandelions
The dandelion is a broad-leafed flowering weed commonly found growing in areas with good drainage and direct sunlight. It has a reputation as being one of the most aggressively growing weeds to invade lawns. Although dandelions that have been mowed down will grow back, destroying developing flowers before they are able to mature into seed distributors prevents the opportunity for new germination. Improving soil conditions through composting can also reduce dandelion growth. Herbicides may be used to control an extreme or persistent dandelion infestation.

Clover
If you see small, round, white or pink flowers in your yard with bees buzzing around them, chances are you have clover. And chances are it's EVERYWHERE! The best way to control clover is to stop it before it starts by fertilizing your lawn regularly to provide the nutrients your grass needs to grow thick and strong. Leaving your grass longer when you mow can help block sunlight which helps prevent clover from growing. If it's too late and your lawn is covered, your next option is to treat it with an effective weed control treatment.

Chickweed
Chickweed is a common problem in the lawn and garden. There are two species of chickweed: Mouse-ear chickweed - which forms dense, low-lying patches within lawns and gardens, and common chickweed - which is an annual and is easier to control. The best way to kill chickweed is by pulling as much of it out of the ground as possible by hand. Both species have shallow roots and can be easily removed by hoeing or hand pulling. But if you don't have time to pull them out by hand, having A B Pest Control & Insulation come out to spray for chickweed can eliminate the problem.

Crabgrass
The window for treating for crabgrass as a preventative method is a small one, and if you're looking into options now, you're a little too late for prevention. Now you'll need to do what you can to treat the already rooted and seeded crabgrass. Besides pulling it by hand, you can lightly mist the crabgrass with a postemergence herbicide. Usually it’s too embedded to pull without yanking lots of your desirable grass with it, so this may be your best first choice. But keep in mind that unless the crabgrass is young, you’ll probably have to reapply the product a few days later to effectively kill the plant.

Henbit
Henbit is a common annual weed found throughout most of the U.S. It will take advantage of the thin, moist areas of your lawn, especially those areas that are shaded. You will often find it under trees and shrubs where grass has a hard time growing. A good defense against future henbit problems is to grow a thick lawn so weeds don’t have any room to grow.

Flatweed
Flatweed is often mistaken for the common dandelion. Unlike the dandelion, Flatweed has multiple branching flowers stems up to 18-24 inches in height, each with a single, yellow, dandelion-like flower. Not only is this particular weed a nuisance to your lawn, but it is poisonous to horses. So for those who have horses, this weed is especially important to prevent and treat. Treating with a herbicide is an effective way to eliminate Flatweed. Keep in mind that if you've got horses, you'll need to remove them from the area being treated prior to spraying.

Remember, the best way to prevent weeds is to apply a preemergent in the spring time before these pesky weeds have a chance to germinate. But if you've missed the window and are battling weeds this summer, we can help! Good turf management is the first step in an effective, environmentally sound weed control program. A B Pest also treats your lawn and outdoor perimeter for pests and weeds that invade and damage your yard, plant beds, and gardens. Call on us for your pest and lawn service needs!

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

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Controlling Weeds This Summer

Although the extreme heat may be killing off your grass, the weeds are still sticking around. The summer heat can be hard on our lawns. However, weeds are much heartier than grass and can withstand the heat much better than grass can. At A B Pest Control & Insulation, our Lake of the Ozarks lawn care services can help you have a weed free yard this summer. Here are a few tips to help you have the best looking lawn even during the late summer season.

1. Mow At The Right Height

If your grass is still growing and hasn't died off during the heat, it's important to make sure to keep mowing, and to mow at the right height. In the summer, it's best to adjust the mower blades higher to leave the grass taller. Taller grass shades soil, which reduces water evaporation and deeper roots. This can help prevent weeds from germinating. It's important to time your mowing as to not cut too much at a time.

2. Keep Watering

For the healthiest grass, water the lawn deeply and infrequently. Lawns need at least one inch of water per week and more when the heat is severe. It's best to water early in the day to reduce evaporation and fungus growth. If your lawn has gone brown and dormant, don't try to "water it back to life". If it goes dormant in the summer, it should stay that way until fall. Don't worry, it should recover once the weather changes.

3. Leave The Clippings, Clean Up The Clutter

When mowing your lawn, it's best to leave the clippings. This will help fertilize your lawn and keep the grass shaded from the sun. Summer activities can leave toys, water games, lawn chairs and other items on the grass. This could result in damage the grass and also create dangerous obstacles while mowing. As much as we love dogs, they don't help much with making sure our lawns look good. Pick up their waste and dispose of it properly to avoid pests for coming into the yard. If their urination is turning the grass yellow, flush the area with water to dilute the urine in the soil.

Call A B Pest Control & Insulation

If you're tired of the weeds popping up in your yard and rock areas, call A B Pest Control & Insulation at 573-964-1100. Weeds are often symptoms of a more serious problem, and at A B Pest Control & Insulation, we can develop a turf management program tailored just for your lawn. In addition to controlling the weeds, we can also treat your lawn and outdoor perimeter for pests that invade and damage your yard, plant beds and gardens.

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

Visit Our Website:

www.abpest.net

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Let A B Pest Control & Insulation Help With Your Father's Day Gifts!

Father's Day Weekend is quickly approaching! If you're spending Father's Day Weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks there are many great ways you can spend it. Whether you live in the area or you're just visiting, your Dad will love to spend quality time with the family at the Lake. A B Pest Control & Insulation have a few ideas on how you can spend Father's Day Weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Hit The Lake

If you're spending Father's Day weekend around the Lake of the Ozarks, then you are probably thinking about spending some of it on the water. The Lake of the Ozarks is home to some of the best fishing in the midwest. There is no better way to spend Father's Day weekend than fishing. So, hop on your boat (or take a rental) and cruise the Lake!

Watch The Races

If you're wanting an adrenaline rush this Father's Day, visit a race track! The Lucas Oil Speedway located in Wheatland and the Lake Ozark Speedway in Eldon are both having races this Father's Day weekend. At Lucas Oil Speedway, Saturday, June 17 is the ASCS Bob Westphal Memorial Cup Series Sizzlin' Summer Speedweek Finale. The gates open at 5:00 PM and the races begin at 7:35 PM. Lake Ozark Speedway is holding their weekly show that features all classes (360 Sprints, LM, A-Mod, B-Mods, SS). Grandstands open at 5:00 PM and racing begin at 7:00 PM.

Listen To Live Music

There are tons of live music happening all over the Lake of the Ozarks. However, this weekend, there is a three night, two day music festival happening at the Lake of the Ozarks called Dam Jam. In addition to the live music, there will also be vendors, workshops and camping all at the base of the Bagnell Dam. The campground offers a stage, shaded camping sites, a shower house and a great view of the Bagnell Dam with the Osage River rolling by. Artists include The Schwag (Grateful Dead Experience), Moonlight Drive (Doors Tribute), Animals (Pink Floyd Tribute), Nonstop Reggae (Bob Marley Tribute), and more!

Enjoy A Dinner Together

The Lake of the Ozarks is home to more than 100 restaurants, You'll find everything from fine dining to down-home favorites. The best part about dining at the Lake is that nearly half of the area's restaurants are located directly on the water or offer a fantastic view of it. A tasty lunch is a great way to re-energize you for a fun filled day or have a delicious dinner to cap off the night. Either way, Dad will love dining at one of the area's many restaurants.

Give Dad A Day Off

Dad works hard around the house making sure everything is in order. For Father's Day, give him a day off and do his housework for him. You can make it even easier and have A B Pest Control & Insulation help with some of it. We can make sure your home and yard are protected with our Lake of the Ozarks pest control services. In addition, we can help make your yard be the best on the block. Nobody likes to spend the weekend pulling weeds, so give dad the day off and let us do the hard work!

If you want to give Dad the gift of pest or weed control services at the Lake of the Ozarks, give A B Pest Control & Insulation a call at 573-964-1100. Your Dad will appreciate a day off! From everyone here at A B Pest Control & Insulation, Happy Father's Day!

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

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www.abpest.net

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Manage Unsightly Weeds for a Healthy Lawn and Garden

Don't let ugly weeds take over your landscaping. This is the perfect time to get your yard and garden in shape and weeds cannot only be unsightly but rob your yard of its nutrients. To keep your lawn and garden looking lush throughout the season, consult a company that offers lawn services at the Lake of the Ozarks. A B Pest Control and Insulation can tailor a turf management program for any type of yard to eradicate weeds. We will discuss why weed control is critical to produce a healthy lawn:

Why Weed Control Is Important

A weed is an unwanted plant that grows basically anywhere there is dirt on your property. Dandelions and other weeds can creep up through your landscaping rock and yard giving your grass less room to grow. Weeds can spread throughout your landscape and do serious damage if not treated the right way by a professional weed control company at the Lake of the Ozarks.  

The Two Common Types of Lawn Weeds

For the most part, weeds that show up on lawns in the United States fall into two main categories: broadleaf and grassy weeds. Broadleaf weeds generally include dandelion, chickweed, purslane, and clover. While some broadleaf weeds flower like dandelions and wild violets do, they still are weeds. Grassy weeds include weeds such as crabgrass. The problem with grassy weeds is that they grow under the same conditions as regular grass does, so treating your lawn could mistakenly produce grassy weeds. This is why it is important to talk to an expert on how to eliminate grassy weeds.

Weeds Are Annual and Perennial

All weeds cannot be treated the same way. This is because they can be both annual, where the growing season is one year or less, or perennial, where the weeds come up multiple seasons. Generally speaking, annual weeds start with a seed brought into your yard by a bird or the wind. Annual weeds can grow several times during the same season. Perennial weeds are tougher to get rid of because they establish roots in your yard and can come back multiple seasons. If the roots are not removed entirely, the weeds will continue to grow.

Different Weeds Grow in Different Seasons

Different weeds grow best at different times of the year. There are literally hundreds of varieties of weeds and effective treatments could vary. Treatment will depend on the time of the year and the variety of weeds that grow during that particular season.

Let A B Pest Control and Insulation Get Rid of Your Weeds

If your lawn and garden is engulfed in dandelions and other unsightly weeds, let A B Pest Control and Insulation help you fight back. Weeds are a symptom of a more serious problem in your yard and we will develop a turf management program tailored just for your yard. Good turf management is the first step in effective, environmentally sound weed control at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

Visit Our Website:
www.abpest.net

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