The Best Insulation For Your Crawl Space

The summer heat is upon us, and many people are focusing on keeping their homes nice and cool. If your home has an uninsulated crawl space, you could be at risk of transferring heat into your home, which can cause your air conditioning unit to work overtime to continually pump cold air into your home. At A B Pest Control & Insulation, we have a couple solutions to help keep your crawl space nice and cool this summer season (& warm in the winter too).

Benefits of Crawl Space Insulation

1. Prevents Mold & Odor

One of the most common problems with crawl spaces that do not have insulation is the high level of moisture. This could lead to mold growth, as spaces with the high level of moisture create the ideal environment for mold growth. By having your crawlspace insulated, you can greatly reduce the moisture levels, which will prevent mold from growing and forming.

2. Control Temperature In Rooms

Moisture that's trapped in the crawl space can affect the temperature in the house. It can make it too hot, too cold, too stuffy or too dry depending on the season. It happens because the moisture in the crawl space absorbs the warmth from the house or keeps it from escaping. Insulation can help seal off the crawl space and keep your house at the temperature you desire.

3. Helps With Energy Efficiency 

Because the moisture in the crawl space affects the temperature inside your home, having your crawl space insulated can act as a sealant to control the moisture levels, making your home more energy-efficient and help lower the energy costs. If the crawl space is not insulated, you will have to spend more money on heating and cooling costs to control the temperature in your home. Keep your energy costs down by insulating the crawl space.

4. Protect The Pipes

The crawl space in your home most likely houses a variety of pipes that supply the water and power to your home. Having the crawl space insulated can help prevent the pipes from bursting. If moisture comes into this area and gets to your pipes, it's likely they'll start rotting, which can lead them to burst or break. Insulation can help keep the pipes dry, which can lead to increasing their lifespan, which means fewer repair costs to have to worry about.

Two Types Of Crawl Space Insulation

Vapor Barrier System

A crawl space vapor barrier system prevents ground moisture evaporation from entering the crawl space. It's designed to resist the flow of air. The vapor barrier system turns the crawl space into a semi-conditioned area by stopping the air movement and making the temperature close to the living spaces in your home above. When the temperature in the crawl space is similar to the temperature in the home's living areas, your floors will feel warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Foam Spray

Spray foam insulation can help seal things up for good and eliminate any worries you may have about your crawl space. Spray foam is highly dense, and a little bit goes a long ways. It's non-permeable so it can help seal up any air gaps to eliminate moisture and keep your space free of mold, mildew and rot. While the only guarantee of a rodent-free home is ongoing pest control service, spray foam makes it less likely you'll be invaded by rodents. Spray foam is hard and an unwelcoming substance for them, unlike fiberglass insulation.

For more information on our insulation services at the Lake of the Ozarks, give us a call at 573-964-1100. If you're not sure if your home is properly insulated, you can even request a FREE quote. We can help keep your home comfortable no matter the season!

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The Busy Pest Control Season Is Here!

The summer season is in full swing, which means everyone has pest control on their minds. From mosquitoes and gnats to fleas and ticks, summer is full of pesky pests. People don't want these little guys ruining their summer fun, so they call a Lake of the Ozark pest control company. At A B Pest Control & Insulation, our phones have been ringing off the hooks! While we would love to get everyone in as soon as possible to make sure their homes are ready for summer fun, sometimes we have to ask them to be a little patient. Here are 3 reasons why our services are worth the wait.

Quality Products That Work

While DIY products may be cheaper than using a professional pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks, they may not work, and they certainly won't keep the bugs away forever. At A B Pest Control & Insulation, we stand behind our all our work, and we have trained professionals who know how to treat the pests that affect central Missouri. It's important to do your homework before hiring a pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks, as you want to make sure you're using a reputable company. 

Top Notch Customer Service

At A B Pest Control & Insulation, we pride ourselves on exemplary service, because we stand behind all our work. Summer is our busy time, and our technicians are hard at work making sure your home, yard and dock are pest free. While we may not be able to get you in right away, we will try our best to get you into our schedules. When it comes to pest control services at the Lake of the Ozarks, it's best to plan ahead. Holiday weekends are a busy time for everyone, so if you know you will need your home, yard and dock sprayed, just give us a call a few weeks (or more) out and we will make sure your pest free for the weekend. 

Technicians You Can Trust

When you decide it's time to call the professionals, there are a few things you should look for in a pest control company. The two biggest things to look for include proper license and proof of insurance. At A B Pest Control & Insulation, we carry seven licenses in addition to the core pest control license every pest control company is required to have. Our other licenses include ornamental & turf, aquatic pest control, right-of-way pest control, general structure pest control, termite pest control and public health pest control. In addition to the licenses we carry, we also have general liability insurance and workmen's compensation. We are bonded and we run criminal and background checks on all our employees, so you can trust our technicians when they come to your home to spray for pests. 

The best way to ensure your home is pest free this summer is to is to get on our monthly application schedule. When you sign up for our reoccurring pest control spray, our technicians will make sure to come to your home and spray for pests every month, so you will know that your home is pest free all summer long. To learn more about our services, call 573-964-1100 today!

Lake of the Ozarks
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Fourth Of July At The Lake Of The Ozarks

Lake of the Ozarks is a great place to celebrate the 4th of July! From fireworks to live music, there is no shortage of fun to be had. If you're going to be in the area for the 4th, A B Pest Control & Insulation has all the details on fireworks happening at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Old Kinderhook Fireworks Fun Fest

Date: Friday, June 30

Time: 5:00 PM; Fireworks begins at dusk
Where: Old Kinderhook in Camdenton
Phone: 573-314-3560

City of Eldon

Date: Saturday, July 1
Time: Parade begins at 10:00 AM; Fireworks begins at dusk

Where: Downtown Eldon & Eldon Model Air Park

Phone: 573-392-2291

Photo Credit: FunLake.com

Bear Bottom Resort

Date: Saturday, July 1 & Tuesday, July 4
Time: 9:45 PM
Where: Land at 123 Bear Botton Drive / Water at the 38MM of Osage Arm
Phone: 573-374-6905

Fireworks at The 5MM Main Channel

Date: Saturday, July 1 (Rain Date July 2)
Time: 9:30 PM
Where: 5MM of Main Channel

Email for details: patrick.obrien@charter.net

Runaway II Resort & Campground

Date: Saturday, July 1
Time: 9:30 PM
Where: Land at Runaway II Resort & Campground in Climax Springs / Water at the 45 MM
Phone: 573-345-4116

Windermere's Freedom Celebration

Date: Sunday, July 2
Time: 5:00 PM; Fireworks 9:00 PM
Where: Windermere Conference Center in Roach
Phone: 573-346-5200

Celebration Cruises Bagnell Dam

Date: Sunday, July 2
Time: 8:00 - 10:00 PM

Where: 1006 Bagnell Dam Blvd. in Lake Ozark
Reservations: 573-480-3212

Captain Ron's Bar & Grill

Date: Monday, July 3
Time: Fireworks begin at dusk
Where: Land at Captain Ron's Bar & Grill in Sunrise Beach / Water at the 34.5 MM
Phone: 573-374-5852

Point Randall Resort

Date: Monday, July 3
Time: 9:15 - 10:00 PM
Where: Land at Point Randall Resort in Lake Ozark for guests / Water at the 2MM
Phone: 573-365-2081

Playin' Hooky Fireworks Cruise

Date: Tuesday, July 4
Time: 8:30 - 10:00 PM
Where: Departing from Millstone Marina in Gravois Mills
Price: $25 per person
Reservations: 573-434-2627

The Lodge of Four Seasons

Date: Tuesday, July 4
Time: Fireworks begins at Dusk
Where: Land at The Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark / Water at the 13MM
Phone: 573-365-3000

Tan-Tar-A Resort

Date: Tuesday, July 4
Time: 8:30 - 9:30 PM
Where: Land at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach for guests / Water at the 26MM
Reservations: 573-348-3131

Tropic Island Cruises

Date: Tuesday, July 4
Time: 7:30 - 10:00 PM
Where: Board at Tan-Tar-A Resort

Reservations: 573-348-0083

Lake Valley Country Club

Date: Tuesday, July 4
Time: Fireworks begins at dusk.
Where: Lake Valley Country Club in Camdenton
Phone: 573-346-7218

A B Pest Control & Insulation wants to wish you a safe and fun Fourth of July weekend. If you're having company come down for the holiday to your Lakehouse, call A B Pest Control & Insulation. We can help get your home ready for the fun with our pest control and lawn care services at the Lake of the Ozarks. Call 573-964-1100 to schedule your appointment today.

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

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Bagworms vs. Webworms

Webworms are often called bagworms, but the two are quite different, and so are the treatment plans, so that is why it's important to properly identify what kind of pest have taken residence in your trees. A B Pest Control & Insulation takes a closer look at the difference between bagworms & webworms.

What Are Webworms?

Webworms appear as white webbed nests on the ends of branches. The caterpillars hide in the webbed nest during the day and feed on the trees at night. These caterpillars are relatively harmful to otherwise healthy trees, however, if the webworms eat more than 50 percent of the foliage, then the tree health could be compromised. If there are enough nests, the entire tree could be completely eaten. For more information on webworms, read our blog all about webworms.

What Are Bagworms?

Bagworms are a completely different story compared to webworms. Bagworms feed on a wide variety of trees and shrubs. They're called bagworms because they spin their own individual cases or bags around them for protection. As they grow, so does the bag that contains them. They'll add leaf fragments to the outside of the bag for camouflage.

Signs Of Bagworms

You will know if your tree is infested with bagworms, not only because of the pinecone shaped bags on it but also because your tree will have brown stressed needles at the end of the branches. If the infestation is severe enough, the tree overall will have a brown tint to it. Heavy infestations of older bagworms are capable of completely defoliating a tree or shrub. This can cause enough stress to the tree to even kill it if the damage is great enough.

Bagworm Treatment

There are several different options when it comes to the treatment of bagworms, but the best way to take care of them is to call a professional pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks. While you can treat them yourself, if you don't get all the bags, they could come back in full force. It's important to make sure you get them all the first time, so make it easy and call the professionals.

A B Pest Control & Insulation can take care of all of your Lake of the Ozarks pest control needs. From spiders to wasps and everything in between, our technicians can help your home become pest free. To schedule your appointment with our Lake of the Ozarks pest control technicians, call 573-964-1100.

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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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Dealing With Grubs

Lawn grubs are the immature form of different scarab beetles like the Japanese Beetle and the June Bugs. These white, C-shaped creatures feed on grass roots and other organic matter in the soil, which causes sections of the lawn to die. These beetles will turn into adult beetles that will lay eggs, which hatch into even more grubs. Your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company has a few tips to help you deal with grubs this year.

Life Cycle of Grubs

In the spring, grubs will awaken from winter and begin feeding on the grass roots. After feeding, grubs change into pupae that will later become beetles. In the summer, pupae turn into beetles, which emerge to feed on garden foliage and flowers. Beetles will lay eggs in the lawn soon after. In the fall, eggs hatch into new grubs, which feed on grass roots. It's important to take care of the problem early, as to not let the destructive cycle continue.

Does Your Lawn Have Grubs?

As your lawn continues to grow, keep your eye out for brown patches that never turn back to green after the winter hibernation. Those dead patches could be dead due to grubs feeding on the roots. You can check if grubs are the culprit by lifting up the turf. If it is grubs, the dead patch will easily roll up or you'll be able to see there are no roots. Irregularly shaped dead patches will appear in the late summer or early fall in well-irrigated lawns. Birds, skunks, armadillos, raccoons and moles eat grubs and will tear up your lawn to uncover them. Spongy turf is also a sign that grubs may have taken up residency in your lawn.

How To Treat

Once you have confirmed that grubs are in your lawn, it's time to consider treatment. However, not every lawn needs to be treated. A healthy lawn can easily support a small number of grubs (zero to five, and possibly up to nine.) However, if animals are digging to feed on the grubs, you may want to consider treatment (we can also trap those animals to make sure they don't hide out in your home). If there are 10 or more grubs per square foot, grubs will likely create visible damage to your lawn, so you should plan to treat.

Timing is key when it comes treating grubs. Immature grubs are most susceptible to pesticides while young, which for most grubs means treating in the mid to late summer and early fall. Grubs are difficult to treat yourself, so it's best to hire a professional Lake of the Ozarks pest control company. A B Pest Control & Insulation can help you determine if your lawn has grubs and treat them if any are found. To schedule your appointment with A B Pest Control & Insulation call 573-964-1100.

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Steps To Controlling Your Ant Problem

With the warm weather comes pesky pests. Wasps, spiders, termites and ants are becoming more and more frequent the closer we get to the first day of summer. Summer in the Midwest is also the rainy season. Recently, the Lake of the Ozarks has been experiencing a lot of storms. Ants will typically come into houses to escape the extensive moisture in the ground until it dries out. While ants are not always dangerous, they can be a nuisance and they can also contaminate food. Your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company has a few tips to help you control the amount of ants coming into your home this summer.

1. Know The Spots

Most ants are found in the kitchen, as they contain both things that they need to survive, which are food and water. However, bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, basements, inside walls and HVAC systems are also known to attract ants. Ants typically come inside to search for food, so essentially no space is off-limits to them.

2. Eliminate The Water Sources

Reducing moisture and standing water around your home can go a long way not only in helping to prevent ants but also other pests as well. Repair leaky pipes and routinely check under sinks for areas of moisture. If your home has a lot of moisture naturally, it may be wise to use a de-humidifier to help control the excess moisture. Take a look around the outside of your home and check that the downspouts and gutters are functioning properly so that the water flows away from your house.

3.Eliminate The Food Sources

Keeping your kitchen clean and tidy can help discourage ants and other food-loving pests. Wipe down counters and sweep the floors regularly to eliminate any crumbs or anything left behind from spills. Make sure to store leftover food in a tightly sealed container. In addition, if food is left out, it's a good idea to put it away or make sure it's covered to avoid a feast for ants. Finally, use a tightly sealing lid on trash cans and dispose of garbage regularly.

4. Keep Pets Clean

Pets can unintentionally invite ants into our homes. Their food and water bowls are an attractant for pests, so be sure to keep pet bowls clean and clean up any spilled food or water promptly. It's a good idea to store dry pet food in a sealed container rather than the paper bag they often come in. If the food is left in the paper bag, it could be an easy access for ants and other pests getting into it. In addition, inspect dog/cat doors to ensure pests cannot get through. Ants can fit through even the tiniest of openings.

5. Cover Points of Entrance

Take the time to inspect your home to look for easy access points. Trees and bushes should be trimmed away from the home, as they can provide a roadway to your home. Seal any cracks and crevices on the outside of the home with silicon caulk.

6. Use A Professional

Battling ants can be an uphill battle. The best way to win is by using a professional pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks. If ants are not properly treated, they could continue to grow. Some ants, such as carpenter ants, can cause serious property damage. Make sure ants don't come into your home and call a professional.

A B Pest Control & Insulation can help you protect your home from all pests that affect Central Missouri from ants and spiders to termites and wasps and everything in between. Make sure pests don't ruin your summer fun and contact a professional Lake of the Ozarks pest control company today. You can schedule an appointment with A B Pest Control & Insulation at 573-964-1100.

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

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