Is the Summer Heat Driving Brown Recluses Indoors?

Temperatures around Missouri have already reached 100 degrees! Many people are staying indoors with the nice AC to stay cool. However, you may not be the only thing taking refuge inside your home. Many people around the Lake area are seeing an increase of spiders in their home, and it could be due to the high heat.

Summer Heat Driving Spiders Inside

This summer's extreme heat is bringing more spiders out of the yard and into homes. Whether you see them or not, almost every home has pests of some sort living inside. Just like us, these pests want to stay out of the heat, so with temperatures reaching nearly 100 degrees, these pests are seeking cooler places. Spiders, such as the brown recluse, like cool dark places, so they typically spend their time in the places like attics. Although with the extreme heat, attics are becoming hot and muggy, so they're starting to venture into places you don't want them to be. 

Brown Recluses Out & About

Brown recluses are not very big spiders, as they are about the size of a quarter. They're tan in color and have a dark spot in the shape of a violin on its body. Brown recluses act just like their name suggest - reclusive, so don't expect to see them roaming around during the day. They typically hide in dark corners of the home or in stored items like boxes and closets. Because these spiders like cool dark spaces, you may see them searching for new places to hide during the heat wave. 

Be Aware Of Brown Recluses

Brown recluses are not likely to go out of their way to bite people. They will only bite people when they feel threatened. With this extreme heat, it's best to take precaution to avoid these creepy crawlers. 

- Shake out clothing and shoes before dressing.

- Don't garden or handle firewood without gloves.

- Keep doors and windows shut.

- Minimize outdoor lights. Lights attract insects, which could attract spiders.

- Don't go out barefoot. 

- Shake out bedding before going to bed. 

- Eliminate as much clutter as possible in storage areas. 

- Frequently dust and vacuum around windows, corners of rooms and under furniture. 

Spider Bites

As previously stated, brown recluses are not likely to bite unless they feel threatened. People commonly get brown recluse bites in areas that the spiders have been hiding. It's common to get a brown recluse bite when changing clothes, putting your hands into a pocket or putting on shoes. Although a bite from a brown recluse is painless at first, within a few hours the bite site will become swollen, red and tender to the touch. In most cases, the irritation ends there and the bite will heal on its own. However, in some cases, the venom begins to break down the cells in the skin and progress into a necrotic lesion that will need immediate medical attention. It's best to get medical attention right away after being bitten to ensure you're aren't allergic. 

Get Rid Of Spiders

Brown recluses are one of the trickier pests to get rid of in the area, so it's best to call a professional Lake of the Ozarks pest control company. A B Pest Control & Insulation can help you control the spiders that are making their way into your home to escape the summer heat. Call us today at 573-964-1100 to learn more and to schedule your appointment.

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PEST CONTROL COMPANY

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How to Keep Bed Bugs from Hitchhiking Home With You

It's that time of year when families are taking vacations and staying over in hotels, rental properties, and extended family's homes. We're traveling, whether by car or by plane, and we're coming into contact with a lot of new people and places. This is, after all the point of summer vacation, is to go and explore! But, it's these times that we're not the only ones doing the exploring... this week, we're talking the ultimate hitchhiking pests: bed bugs.

 

So, how do we keep from traveling and bringing bed bugs back home with us? It can be a very scary thought to know you could inadvertently come home with these tiny little parasites that are so hard to see, and even harder to get rid of once they've infested themselves in your home. It almost makes traveling scary! But there are things you can do to prevent bed bugs from hitchhiking back home with you. Read on to learn more. 

1. Familiarize Yourself with Signs of Bed Bugs. 

If you know what (and where) to look for, you can easily spot signs of a possible bed bug infestation before they become a problem for you. Bed bugs are oval, flat, brown and wingless insects about a ¼-inch long. They can be found in box springs, mattresses, bed frames, wall outlets, floor cracks and behind clocks and pictures. They occasionally leave behind casings and deposit fecal or blood spots, which look like dark red or brown smears, on bed sheets, pillowcases and mattresses. 

2. Inspect your hotel or rental home's bed.

When traveling or staying somewhere outside of your home, always check your bedding first thing before unpacking your bags. Pull back the sheets and scan near the corners of the mattress and around the headboard. You're looking for bugs, dark brown and red blood spots and casings. Then, lift the mattress and check underneath. If you find any of the signs or wake up to any bites, you need to report it to hotel management immediately and ask for a new room in a separate part of the building at least a floor or two away if moving locations entirely isn't an option. 

3. Guard your suitcase.

When traveling it's important to think about your suitcase and all the possible things it can collect between travels. Bed bugs included. Consider wrapping your entire suitcase in a trash bag when you arrive at a hotel to eliminate any potential infestation during your trip. And, instead of leaving your suitcase on the ground or throwing it on the extra bed, place your baggage on a desk or in the bathroom, where there are fewer areas for the bugs to hide. When you arrive home from vacation, vacuum your suitcases to make sure no bugs are entering your home.

4. Be careful when buying second-hand furniture.

While this may not be travel related, it's a very common way that people unknowingly bring bed bugs into their home without thought. In particular, used bed frames and mattresses have the greatest chance of harboring bed bugs and their eggs. If you do purchased used furniture, it’s crucial that you carefully inspect the items for signs of a bed bug infestation and treat them with insecticide sprays that kill bed bugs and their eggs on contact. This will ensure that even if you do bring second hand furniture into your home, you'll be less likely to encounter an issue with bed bugs. 

5. Talk to your kids about sharing clothing and other articles at school.

Another non-travel consideration is that school is getting ready to start back up, and kids tend to share more than just summer time stories once they get back into close proximity of one another. Lice and bed bugs are all too commonly passed throughout schools. So, it's important to talk to your children about sharing items, and make sure to check their backpacks and bedrooms often for any signs of bed bugs. 

Call A B Pest Control & Insulation for Your Pest Control Needs!

Now that you know of some super simple ways to avoid bringing home hitchhiking bed bugs while you're traveling, you can be on the look out and prevent them from making their way into your home. Rest easier knowing the signs to watch for, and know that you've got a pest control company who can take care of any problems that might arise in the event of a bed bug crisis. If you notice any signs that point to a bed bug infestation, give us a call. We can come out and take care of the problem for you! Give A B Pest Control and Insulation a call today for your pest control needs and more!

LAKE OF THE OZARKS
PEST CONTROL COMPANY

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Get Ready for Back to School!

The schools around the Lake of the Ozarks will be starting back up within the next few weeks, which means it's time to start getting things back on a normal schedule. This week A B Pest Control and Insulation wants to provide you with a checklist of things to help you and the kiddos get back on track for a bright and smooth start to the school year.

Review School Material and Information
For most parents, schools send home a packet with a ton of information regarding their child’s new teacher, important dates to remember, emergency forms, and transportation routines. Make sure that you read through this information carefully, and mark down all important dates on your calendar. This is also a great time to get all the supplies your child will need for the school year, as most schools typically include a supplies list as well.

Get Back into a Sleep Routine
Going to bed late and sleeping in until mid-morning become the normal during the summer. But once school starts back up, those early mornings are going to feel unbearable for both parents and kids if a sleep schedule isn't established. Studies show that children five to 10 years old need 10 to 11 hours, and adolescents 10 to 17 years need eight-and-a-half to nine-and-a-half hours of sleep each night. So, it's a good time to start implementing bedtimes again.

Make an After-School Game Plan
Make a plan for where your child will go after school lets out for the day. Depending upon the age of your child, figure out if they will go to a neighbor’s house, an after-school program, or be allowed to stay home by themselves. This will help eliminate any confusion during the first few weeks. Plus, you'll feel much more at ease knowing your child is where they're supposed to be while you're finishing up your work day. 

Prepare for the Unexpected
Working parents know that it can be difficult to find a sitter when your child is sick. And with the current pandemic still going on, it's likely that classes may be postponed due to COVID. Before school even begins, it’s a good idea to have a sitter already lined up in case you get that phone call home from the nurse saying your child is ill, or the letter from the school saying your child's classes have been moved to online temporarily. It's also a great idea to think about the possibility that your child may unexpectedly contract pests like lice, or bed bugs. The nurse may be calling you to pick up your child if they've shared any of these little pests, as well. Having a sitter lined up beforehand will help to alleviate some of the stresses of trying to find a sitter last minute when you're also trying to work. 

Have a Great 2021-2022 School Year!
Through preparation and organization, you can ensure that your child will have a smooth transition to the start of the new school year. If you've been in 'Summer mode' yourself and need a friendly reminder of some things you should be doing to prepare your home for the fall months to come, now is a great time to schedule routine fall pest control and turf management. While we can't help you and the kids establish your back to school routine, we can help you with your pest control and lawn service needs. Give A B Pest Control and Insulation a call today for your pest control needs and more!

LAKE OF THE OZARKS
PEST CONTROL COMPANY

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What’s Going On in August at the Lake?

Summer will be winding down soon, and the kids will be heading back to school before we know it. But there's still plenty of time to squeeze in some last minute summer fun at the Lake of the Ozarks. A B Pest Control & Insulation has the scoop on some fun events taking place in August. Your summer is sure to end with a bang at the Lake of the Ozarks with these popular upcoming events.

Community Events 

LAKE OF THE OZARKS SHOOTOUT GOLF TOURNAMENT

Aug 1, 2021
Lake Valley Golf Club
367 Blair Ave
Camdenton, MO 65020
Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m.

Golf Tournament sponsored by Lake Valley Golf Club & Lake of the Ozarks marine Dealers Association. August 1st, 2021 Shotgun Start: 9am

ZZ TOP WITH GEORGE THOROGOOD

Aug 6, 2021
Ozarks Amphitheater
2629 North Business Route 5
Camdenton, MO 65020
Hours of Operation: 7 PM

ZZ Top with George Thorogood in concert at Ozarks Amphitheater on August 6, 2021. Tickets are on sale now on the Ozarks Amphitheater website or at Bridal Cave. Show time is 7 pm.

BEST DAM FIREWORKS DISPLAY

Aug 10, 2021
Various Locations
Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Enjoy an amazing firework show from all over the lake!

BEST DAM BIRTHDAY BASH

Aug 11, 2021
Ozark Amphitheater
2629 North Business Route 5
Camdenton, MO 65020
Hours of Operation: 8:00PM

KANE BROWN AT OZARKS AMPHITHEATER

Aug 12, 2021
Ozarks Amphitheater
2629 North Business Route 5
Camdenton, MO 65020
Hours of Operation: 7:00

Kane Brown in concert at Ozarks Amphitheater on August 12, 2021. Tickets are on sale now on the Ozarks Amphitheater website or at Bridal Cave. Show time is 7 pm.

VINCE NEIL LIVE AT REGALIAS HIPPOPOTAMUS SWIM UP BAR

Aug 14, 2021
The Regalia Hotel and Conference Center
250 Racquet Club Drive
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
Hours of Operation: Gates open at 5 pm

Who is ready to rock? Vince Neil to perform Live at the Regalia's Hippopotamus stage. August 14th!!!!!!

Vince Neil, the legendary front man of Mötley Crüe, is an international superstar, accomplished businessman and heartfelt philanthropist. His unmistakable voice leads some of the greatest rock songs of a generation including “Wild Side”, “Shout at the Devil,” “Home Sweet Home,” “Girls, Girls, Girls,” “Dr. Feelgood,” “Kickstart My Heart,” “Same Ol’ Situation,” and many others.

WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY

Aug 16, 2021
Ozarks Amphitheater
2629 North Business Route 5
Camdenton, MO 65020
Hours of Operation: 6:30

Willie Nelson & Family in concert at Ozarks Amphitheater on August 16, 2021. Tickets are on sale now on the Ozarks Amphitheater website or at Bridal Cave.
Show time is 6:30 pm.

TROPROCKIN' OZARKS FEST

Aug 19, 2021 - Aug 22, 2021
Margaritaville Lake Resort
494 Tan-Tar-A Drive
Osage Beach, 65065
Hours of Operation: 1:00 pm ? 1:00 am Each Day

A huge weekend of Troprockin' music and fun open to all; Hosted by The Free Range Parrots at Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake of the Ozarks. All proceeds go to benefit USO of Missouri.

33RD ANNUAL LAKE OF THE OZARKS SHOOTOUT

Aug 28, 2021 - Aug 29, 2021
Captain Ron's
82 Aloha Lane
Sunrise Beach, 65079

The Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, held at Captain Ron's Bar & Grill and the 33MM-34.5MM, will bring top powerboat racers and off shore racing power boats from across the country, topping 200 MPH. The largest unsanctioned boat race in the Midwest with over 100 racers and 100,000 spectators. Proceeds will benefit the Lake Area Rescue Teams, and other charitable organizations!
Make a whole week of it! Enjoy Shootout events happening all week leading up to the main event. Events include: R/C Mini Powerboats Shootout, Golf Tournament, Treasure Hunt, Shootout Strip Street Party, Vendor Villages, Live & Silent Auctions, Poker Runs, Live Entertainment and much more.
For more information and a complete schedule visit the official Lake of the Ozarks Shootout website.

You Can Count on A B Pest Control & Insulation

For monthly events at the Lake of the Ozarks, you can count on your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company. Summer is all about having fun with your friends and family and enjoying the warm weather, so don’t waste your time worrying about pests invading your lake home! You can count on A B Pest Control & Insulation to take care of all of your pesky problems so you can focus on all the good times that summer brings.

LAKE OF THE OZARKS
PEST CONTROL COMPANY

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5 Common Kitchen Pests

As most of us can probably agree, the kitchen is the heart of our homes. We prep and eat meals here, often have many family gatherings here and tend to find our way to the refrigerator or pantry several times throughout the day. It's definitely a high trafficked area for many. But as you may have realized, we're not the only ones frequenting this room in our homes. Pests tend to find it highly attractive as well. What pests? This week, A B Pest Control & Insulation is discussing 5 common kitchen pests we all too often run into.

 

1. Ants
Ants are one of the most common nuisances homeowners deal with when it comes to pests. With the convenience of food and water sources so readily available to them, it's no wonder they're drawn to the indoors. 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.

2. Cockroaches
Roaches enter homes in search of shelter, food and water. And your kitchen offers all of that! This is one pest you definitely don't want to see in your home for many reasons: they can multiply quickly, they're hard to get rid of, they can pose health threats, and they're just plain scary. Daily cleaning and proper food storage is the easiest way to prevent these nasty little bugs from infesting your home. But be sure to seal off any potential entryways, too.

3. Rodents
Mice love to eat, which is one reason they are in your home, and frequenting your kitchen. If you look in your pantry and find that a box of cereal has a hole in it, it may be the work of a mouse. Homeowners will often find holes in items like dog food, bird seed and, of course, pantry items. Often times the damaged item will show teeth marks, or droppings will be left behind, so it will be clear it is mice doing the chewing.

4. Flies & Gnats
House flies and gnats are another very common insect we see in homes. They breed and feed in filth, including garbage, feces, and rotting or spoiled food. Poor sanitation, ripped screens and unsealed cracks in windows and doors can lead to house fly or gnat infestations. House flies can be a real nuisance when they are flying around. But they can also transmit diseases, so it is important to get rid of them. Gnats are more of a nuisance than a danger, but they're still very unwelcome in our homes.

5. Grain Beetles
Grain beetles are more common than you might think. Grain beetles may have invaded your home by being inadvertently pre-packaged at commercial food packing facilities which they invade to feast on grains. Once in the home, they will be on the hunt for even more varieties of foods and places to lay eggs. While they enjoy grains, grain beetles will eat just about anything, including furniture, clothing, fabric and wallpaper.

Contact A B Pest Control & Insulation for Your Pest Control Needs!

Now that you know what the 5 most common kitchen pests are, you can be on the look out for them. Regardless of what pest you might come across in your kitchen, one thing remains true. If you keep your kitchen clean, you'll be less likely to find pests creeping around in it. If you notice any of these pests taking residence in your home, don't wait until the problem becomes an infestation. Act now! If you need pest control services to get rid of any unwelcome guests in your kitchen, call A B Pest Control & Insulation at 573-964-1100. We can help you keep your home pest free all year round!

LAKE OF THE OZARKS
PEST CONTROL COMPANY

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Do You Have a Brown Recluse Problem in Your Home?

Imagine walking into your kitchen one evening, flipping on the light, and seeing a spider skitter across the floor. Your first instinct is to squeal and smash it, and then to tell yourself 'oh it's probably just a common house spider', right? But, could it have been a Brown Recluse? In our region, Brown Recluses are more common than you realize... and could be finding shelter in your home. So, this week, A B Pest Control & Insulation wants to share with you some information on identifying them, warning signs to look for, and the dangers of their bite. Read on to learn more. 

Identifying a Brown Recluse Spiders
Brown recluse spiders are typically dirt or sandy brown colored. There are no additional stripes on its legs, so if a spider has striped legs, it’s not a brown recluse. These spiders are easily identifiable because they will have a dark brown marking in the center of its body in the shape of a violin. Although these spiders are typically nonaggressive, they will bite when disturbed or handled. Brown recluse spider bites are most dangerous to children and the elderly.

Warning Signs of Brown Recluse
Brown recluse spiders typically build their webs in hard to spot areas, in places that haven’t been recently disturbed. They seek out and prefer seclusion. Outside, brown recluse spiders are typically found around rocks, utility boxes and woodpiles or under bark. Indoors, they can be found in any undisturbed area, such as inside boxes, among papers, in seldom-used clothing and shoes, under furniture, or in crevices such as baseboards and window moldings. In the hot summer months of July and August, we typically tend to hear of more sightings of them in the main living areas due to attics getting too warm even for them.

Be sure to look for their loosely built, off-white or gray web. Also, make sure to shake out any towels or other linens on your dock or in your boat. Open storage containers that have been left untouched during the winter months slowly and carefully. Shake out clothing and shoes before putting them on, and use extra caution when handling items that are not used often, such as boots, baseball mitts, skates and gloves.

Dealing with a Spider Bite

As previously stated, brown recluses are not likely to bite unless they feel threatened. People commonly get brown recluse bites in areas that the spiders have been hiding. It's common to get a brown recluse bite when changing clothes, putting your hands into a pocket or putting on shoes.

Although a bite from a brown recluse is painless at first, within a few hours the bite site will become swollen, red and tender to the touch. In most cases, the irritation ends there and the bite will heal on its own. However, in some cases, the venom begins to break down the cells in the skin and progress into a necrotic lesion that will need immediate medical attention. It's best to get medical attention right away after being bitten to ensure you're aren't allergic.

Make Your Home Spider Free with A B Pest Control and Insulation.
Make sure your home is spider free by calling A B Pest Control and Insulation today at 573-964-1100! These spiders are not the only ones you have to worry about this time of year. There are many other pests in the area. Your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company is here for all your pest and insulation needs.

LAKE OF THE OZARKS
PEST CONTROL COMPANY

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5 Tips for Keeping Ants Away

As the summer continues to heat up, we're seeing more and more pests make their way indoors. However, recently, we've seen a lot of rain in this region, making one certain pest particularly noticeable this time of year: Ants. 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 keep ants away this summer.

1. Eliminate Points of Entrance
Take the time to inspect your home to look for easy access points. Ants can gain entrance to your home through cracks and crevices around entry points such as the window sills, door frames, laundry vents, gaps around water pipes, A/C vents, tree branches and utility lines touching the house, and through the chimney. 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.

2. Remove Attractants
Keep the kitchen counters clean, as well as the counter tops in the bathrooms. Store food in airtight containers or in the refrigerator. Additionally, make sure the lids are tight on all your trash cans, both inside and outside. Don’t leave anything to chance. Hose down the area around the trash cans at least once a week to wash away the pheromones ants leave behind.

 
3. Get Rid of Moisture
The reason you find ants in the bathroom is that they are always on the look for water. Once they find a good source of it, they will return and stay nearby.  Don’t let moisture to sit on counters and other sources. 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.

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. Call on A B Pest Control & Insulation
Battling ants can be an uphill battle. Sometimes, the best thing to do is to call in professionals. If you have a huge ant invasion, it can be hard to control them yourself.

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

Visit Our Website:

www.abpest.net

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