How Winter Weather Affects Pest Control

While some pests will migrate to warmer climates for the winter months, some insects will spend the winter in hibernation. It's important to continue regular pest control treatments during the colder months, however, the weather does affect it. Your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company takes a look at how winter affects pest control. 

Insects During The Winter

While some pests may migrate to warmer climates during the winter season, some insects spend the winter in hibernation. This is because they're cold blooded creatures who need to conserve their energy during the frigid winter months. Other insects, like bees and wasps, will hide under fallen logs and warm underbrush to keep as warm as possible. Since those insects rely on the pollen from trees and plants, they must use as little energy as possible due to the poor food supply. 

Why Continue Pest Control During Winter

It's important to continue pest control treatments inside and outside your home throughout the winter months to keep pests that are seeking warmth from gaining access. Rodents, termites, carpenter ants and spiders all can invade homes during the winter, and when they do they tend to take up residence inside the walls, which could make it more difficult to find and treat.

 - If pests are inside the walls of your home, they are not affected by the cold temperatures outside.

- In addition to insects living in the walls, attics provide shelter to wasps and spiders, as they try to escape the cold.

- If there are points of entry that are not sealed up, rodents can find their way into your home.

- When a professional pest control company treats your home, they will ensure there are no pest related issues or identify any conditions that could lead to the future pest problems.

- When a pest control company removes spider webs, egg cases and wasp nests, it prevents them from reemerging when the weather warms back up.

How Winter Weather Affects Treatment

However, the weather could have some effects on the treatments. During this time of the year, most treatments are performed around the foundation of homes, where there are eaves and overhangs that tend to be sheltered, so they don't usually receive large amounts of moisture. Treatments around the outside of the home are usually ok during light rain or snow. However, if there is no shelter or if there's heavy rain and snow, it may be best to reschedule the treatment for a different day. Once pest control treatments have been applied and have had a chance to dry, precipitation will not usually affect the treatment. 

This month has been unusually warm, which have caused some pests to not go into hibernation since there hasn't been a hard freeze. If you need pest control services this winter, call A B Pest Control & Insulation at 573-964-1100. We can help you keep your home pest free this season! 

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The Importance Of Regular Pest Control

Many people are fixing their winter blues by thinking about all the fun they are going to be having this summer. However, one thing that may not be on your mind is pest control. Now is the perfect time to begin scheduling your pest control treatments for the year. Regular pest control treatments from a Lake of the Ozarks professional pest control company are important to keeping your home pest free. 

Pest Control Management

Taking preventative measures to control pests before they become an issue is one of the best ways to avoid an infestation. Having your home regularly sprayed for pests can help get rid of and prevent a pest infestation. In addition, technicians can help you further prevent any infestations by looking for any warning signs, such as possible entrance points. In addition to having your home regularly sprayed for pests, it is also a good idea to have your dock and boat sprayed. Docks are a magnet for pests like mosquitos and orb spiders. Don't let these pests ruin your fun day on the lake this summer, have your home, dock and boat sprayed! 

Scheduling Pest Control Treatment

How often you have your home, dock and boat sprayed depend on the type of treatment plan you want. Our expert team of technicians can visit your home as often as you want. Having your appointments scheduled in advance helps make sure your home gets treated in a timely manner even during the busy season! Once summer hits, many pests control companies get extremely busy, especially during the summer holidays, so make sure your house is protected from pests all summer long by scheduling the appointments out in advance! 

Keep Pests Out!

Getting your home and dock sprayed regularly for pest helps control and prevent any infestation. Make sure your home is ready for the summer and call a professional pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks to schedule your pest control treatments! A B Pest Control & Insulation is here to make sure there are no pests making themselves at home this summer. To schedule your pest control treatments this year, call A B Pest Control & Insulation at 573-964-1100. 

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3 Tips To Stay Safe During The Freezing Rain

A B Pest Control & Insulation wants to make sure you and your family are safe during the upcoming winter storm. This weekend, the Lake area is expected to have freezing rain, which could cause some issues, such as extremely slippery roads and even power outages. Your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company offers three things you should know about staying safe during freezing rain. 

1. Be Aware of Falling Branches & Electrical Wires

The ice from a winter ice storm can accumulate on branches, electrical wires, and other structures. If you need to go outside while it is still icy, it is important to pay attention to nearby trees and power lines, as they can collapse under the ice that has been accumulated. In addition, large chunks of ice can fall from the roofs, so be aware of your surroundings at all times while outside after an ice storm. If an electrical wire has fallen due to accumulated ice, never touch it. A hanging wire can still be live with current and can electrocute you. Ice, branches and electrical wires can continue to fall several hours after the precipitation ends. 

2. Don't Drive On Ice

While four-wheel vehicles may do fine on snow, ice is a whole other ball game. Freezing rain, even in small quantities, can make the roads very slippery. Tires have less traction on ice, which make it hard to accelerate, brake and turn. It's a good idea to avoid driving during freezing rain, and for several hours after the storm, in order to allow maintenance team time to spread salt on the icy roads. 

3. Stay Warm

As mentioned earlier, ice (and even snow) can bring down trees and power lines, which could cause power outages. It is important to know how to stay safe and warm if your power does go out during a winter storm, as it can be difficult to stay warm without power. Stay inside and dress in warm layered clothing. Close off any rooms you are not using to ensure the heat stays in the rooms you are using. In addition, use your blinds, curtains and other window treatment to ensure the heat doesn't escape. If you still have power, make sure your furnace isn't overworking, which could cause it to overheat, by using alternative heat sources, such as fireplaces, heated blankets and space heaters.  

Stay Safe!

This ice storm could cause roads and sidewalks to be slippery and power outages, so please be safe. Don't go outside if you don't have too. It's best to stay inside until the storm passes. After it passes, allow time for the ice to melt or for salt to be put out on the road before traveling. Be aware of your surroundings while outside and be on the lookout for falling branches, electrical wire and ice. Your Lake of the Ozarks pest control team wants to ensure your home stays nice and warm this winter season. While we are closed today, January 13, you can call 573-964-1100 for a FREE insulation quote next week. 

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Here's To A Pest Free 2017!

It's the beginning of a new year and many people are thinking of ways they can make this year even better with New Year's resolutions. From losing weight to traveling more, there are lots of different New Year's resolutions out there. However, there is one thing that you may have missed on your resolutions list - pest control! Your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company has a few tips for you so you can have a pest free 2017! 

1. Seal Up

Sealing up your home can not only help keep your home insulated, it can also help keep out creepy crawlers. Check for leaks around your windows and doors and seal them up with caulk if needed. It doesn't take a huge opening for mice and other pests to get inside, so if there are any places that are exposed to the outside, make sure to get it sealed. A professional Lake of the Ozarks pest control company can help you identify any points of entry. 

2. Clean Up The Clutter

With the new year approaching, now is the perfect time to get rid of some things you might not need. Clutter attracts pests, so cleaning up can also help prevent pests from getting comfortable in your home. If you have an attic or basement, sometimes these areas become a place for storage, so if you have a lot of boxes in these areas, take some time to go through them and get rid of the things you no longer need. However, it is important to be cautious while doing so, as you may come across some reclusive pests. 

3. Keep It Clean

Kitchens get dirty quickly, and they are also a common source for pest infestations. After cooking, it's important to wipe down your work area to avoid ants and other insects from enjoying your meal as well. Cover any food that is left on the counter for an extended period of time tightly. If you are entertaining, don't leave any food out overnight, put it away in airtight containers. 

4. Maintain Your Yard

Pests come into your home from the yard. Keep them at bay by keeping the lawn cut, getting rid of debris and weeding often. It is also important to keep plants, bushes and tree limbs that overhang the roof trimmed. If you have a pile of wood, keep it as far away from your home as possible.

5. Get Organized

Keeping pests under control is all about taking preventative measures from keeping your home clean and tidy to maintaining your lawn. However, you can take your preventative measures one step further by having your home and yard regularly sprayed by a professional pest control company. A B Pest Control & Insulation can not only help you once you get an infestation, but we can also help prevent them!

Happy New Year From A B Pest Control & Insulation! 

A B Pest Control & Insulation wishes you a happy and healthy New Year! Hopefully, with these tips, you will have fewer pests making themselves comfortable in your home this upcoming year. However, if they do find their way inside, call A B Pest Control & Insulation. As a professional Lake of the Ozarks pest control company, we can safely and effectively get rid of pests and make sure they don't come back with regular preventative pest control spraying. To schedule an appointment to have your home and yard sprayed this new year, call 573-964-1100.  

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The History Of New Year's Celebrations

It's almost the end of the year, and many people are planning their New Year's Eve festivities. There are many ways people celebrate the ending of one year and the start of a new one. Civilizations around the world have been celebrating the start of each new year for thousands of years. Today, most New Year’s festivities begin on December 31 and continue into the early hours of January 1. Common traditions include attending parties, eating special New Year’s foods, making resolutions for the new year and watching fireworks displays. However, this isn't always how people celebrated. Your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company looks at how our New Year traditions began.

Early New Year's Celebration

The earliest recorded New Year festivities date back around 4,000 years ago to ancient Babylon. For the Babylonians, the first new moon following the vernal equinox, which is a day in late March where there is an equal amount of sunlight and darkness, was the beginning of a new year. They marked the occasion with a massive religious festival called Akitu, which is derived from the Sumerian word for barley, which was cut in the spring. The festival lasted 11 days and involved a different ritual on each day.

January 1 - The New Year

The early Roman calendar consisted of 10 months and 304 days and the new year began at the vernal equinox, which was in late march. Per tradition, it was created by Romulus, the founder of Rome, in the eighth century. Numa Pompilius, a later king, is credited with adding the months of Januarius and Februarius. However, over the centuries, the calendar fell out of sync with the sun, and in 46 B.C. the emperor Julius Caesar decided to solve the problem by consulting with the most prominent astronomers and mathematicians at the time. The new solution was the Julian calendar, which closely resembles the more modern Gregorian calendar that we use today. As part of this reform, Caesar marked January 1 as the first day of the year to honor the month's namesake Janus, which is the Roman god of beginnings. The Romans celebrated the new year by offering sacrifices to Janus, exchanging gifts with one another, decorating their homes with laurel branches and attending lavish parties.

In medieval Europe, Christian leaders temporarily replaced January 1 as the first of the year with days that carried more religious significance, such as December 25 (the date of Jesus' birth) and March 25 (the Feast of the Annunciation). However, Pope Gregory XIII reestablished January 1 as the beginning of the new year in 1582.

New Year Traditions

Today, there are many different ways that people celebrate the new year. In many countries, New Year's celebrations begin on the evening of December 31 and continue into the early hours of January 1. It is very common for people to enjoy meals and snacks that are thought to bring good luck in the coming year. In Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries, people enjoy grapes right before midnight, which symbolizes their hopes for the months ahead. In many different parts of the world, traditional New Year's dishes feature legumes that resemble coins, which will bring them financial success. In some cultures, pigs represent progress and prosperity, so it is common for pork to appear on the New Year's menu. Ring-shaped cakes and pastries are often served in the Netherlands, Mexico and Greece as a sign that the year has come full circle. In Sweden and Norway, they will serve rice pudding with an almond hidden inside and whoever find the nut can expect 12 months of good fortune.

Happy New Year From A B Pest Control & Insulation

The team at A B Pest Control & Insulation wants to wish you a safe and happy New Year! We hope this upcoming year is filled with joy, happiness and good health. Please be safe if you plan to go out for New Year’s Eve. If you have any home maintenance improvements on your New Year's resolution list, keep A B Pest Control & Insulation in mind. We can help you with anything from pest control to lawn care maintenance. To schedule an appointment with us, call 573-964-1100.

Lake of the Ozarks
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Christmas at the Lake of the Ozarks

Christmas is just around the corner! To get into the spirit of this holiday, your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company has looked into the history of the man in the red suit. In addition to some fun facts on Santa Claus, A B Pest Control & Insulation also included some holiday light displays you can see around the Lake of the Ozarks and where you can get a delicious Christmas dinner.

The Legends of Santa


- St. Nicholas first appeared into American pop culture towards the end of the 18th century. 


- The name Santa Claus evolved from the Dutch nickname, Sinterklaas, a shortened form of Sint Nikolaas, which is Dutch for Saint Nicholas. 

- In the U.S. and Canada, he is known as Santa Claus. In China, he is called Shengdan Laoren. In England, he is Father Christmas. In France, he's known as Pere Noel. In Russia, he is called Grandfather Frost. In Germany, children get presents from Christindl, the Christ Child. 

- Kris Kringle comes from the German term "the Christ Child."

- Santa may be real! He is loosely based on a real person who was born around the year 270 A.D. St. Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra, a town in what is now Turkey. He earned a reputation as an anonymous gift giver by paying the dowries of impoverished girls and handing out treats and coins to children - often leaving them in their shoes, set out at night for that very purpose. Since his death, St. Nicholas has been canonized as the patron saint of children. 

- "Twas the Night Before Christmas" was the poem that introduced and popularized many of Santa's defining characteristics, mainly that he drove a sleigh guided by "eight tiny reindeer."

- When Father Christmas first began showing up in illustrations, he wore many different colored robes including green, purple, blue and brown, among many others. However, beginning in the 1800s, it became popular to outfit Santa in a red suit. 

- The modern image of Santa Claus that we have today is credited to an artist named Haddon Sundblom, who illustrated him for a widely-circulated campaign for Coca-Cola. 

Holiday Lights

Enchanted Village of Lights

When: Through January 1
Where: Laurie Fairgrounds
Time: Open Nightly 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (10:00 pm on Weekends)
Price: Donations Welcome

St. Patrick's Festival of Lights

When: Through January 1
Where: Shrine of St. Patrick | Mothers Shrine
Time: Open daily from 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Deck the Docks Holiday Light Cruises

When: Through December 30
Where: Celebration Cruises
Reservations: 573-480-3212 or www.cruiselakeoftheozarks.com
Time: 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Price: $25.00 per person

Versailles Unity Circle Of Lights

When: Through January 1
Where: Versailles City Park
Time: From dark until midnight

Osage Beach Holiday Lights

When: Through December 31
Where: Osage Beach City Park & Osage Beach Pkwy
Time: Wednesday through Sunday evenings

Christmas Dinners

Christmas Dinner at J. Bruner's

When: December 24 & 25
Where: 5166 Osage Beach Pkwy.
Reservations: 573-348-2966
Time: Opens at 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve. & opens at  3:00 p.m. Christmas Day.

Christmas Day Buffet at Tan-Tar-A
When: December 25
Where: 494 Tan Tar A Drive
Reservations: 573-348-8619
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Merry Christmas From A B Pest Control & Insulation

A B Pest Control & Insulation wants to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! The holidays are a great time to get the entire family together, however, you don't want any uninvited guests like pests showing up for the holidays. Make sure your home is pest free this holiday season and call a professional pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks at 573-964-1100. Seasons greetings!

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

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8 Fascinating Facts About Hanukkah & Kwanzaa

Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration that is held around the world to celebrate the victory of the Maccabees or Israelites over the Greek-Syrian ruler, Antiochus around 2,200 years ago. This year, Hanukkah will start the evening of Saturday, December 24 and will end the evening of Sunday, January 1. Kwanzaa is another holiday that is celebrated this time of the year. Beginning December 26 and lasting for seven days, Kwanzaa is a celebration of community, family and culture, established as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their African roots and heritage. In this week's blog, A B Pest Control & Insulation has interesting facts you may not know about these two holidays so you can learn more about these holidays.

Hanukkah

1. 44 Candles

Throughout Hanukkah, there are at least 44 candles that are used, enough for adding a candle each night, plus the "shamash" - the helper candle. In ancient times, oil was used in the menorah. Over time, candles were substituted for the oil. Today, candles come in a variety of colors, wax types and scents. 

2. Lots of Sweets

During Hanukkah, families eat latkes (potato pancakes), sufganiyot (jelly donuts) and other foods which are fried in oil, to celebrate and commemorate the miracle of the Festival of Lights. Israelis devour around 24 million jelly donuts during the eight-day holiday, which adds up to 10.8 billion calories. 

3. Hanukkah, Chanukah or Hannuka? 

Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights or the Feast of Dedication. In addition to these other names, the holiday also has a variety of English spellings. This is because the guttural Hebrew sound of the first letter cannot be rendered properly in English. 

4. Dreidel, dreidel, dreidel

During the times that the Greeks forbade Jews to learn Torah, kids would meet up in secret to learn. If a Greek soldier happened upon their meeting, they would grab their dreidels and pretend to be playing a gambling game. Dreidel is derived from the Yiddish word 'drei', which means to turn or spin. The dreidel features four Hebrew letters, Nun, Gimel, Hay and Peh. The letters stand for the Hebrew phrase "A great miracle happened there."

Kwanzaa

1. Happy Birthday Kwanzaa

This year, Kwanzaa will celebrate its 50th year. The holiday was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor of Africana studies, activist and poet, in 1966 to celebrate family, culture and heritage. This holiday is modeled after the first harvest celebrations in Africa. 

2. The Number Seven

The number seven is important in the Kwanzaa celebration. There are seven days to represent the seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Along with the seven principles, there are seven primary symbols that represent values and concepts reflective of African culture and contributive to community building and reinforcement. 

3. Umoja is Unity

With over 2,000 languages spoken on the African continent, Kwanzaa adopted one of the many unifying languages, Swahili, which is spoken by millions on the African continent. The name Kwanzaa comes from a Swahili phrase meaning "first fruits."

4. Red, Black & Green

The colors of Kwanzaa are a reflection of the Pan-African movement representing "unity" for people of African descent worldwide: Black for the people, red for the noble blood that unites all people of African ancestry and green for the rich land of Africa. 

Happy Holidays From A B Pest Control & Insulation

There are many holidays that occur this time of the year, which means families and friends will be coming together, enjoying delicious meals and having fun. Make sure you don't have any uninvited guests, such as pests, crashing your festivities. Call A B Pest Control & Insulation and make sure your home is ready for the holidays! 

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Pest Control Company

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