5 Home Maintenance Items to Tackle to Prevent Pests

As the fall season takes hold and the temperatures begin to cool off, bugs, rodents and other pests will be seeking refuge for the coming winter months. Will they find it in your home? By continuing to be proactive in your pest prevention and lawn maintenance, you can prevent these unwanted pests from making themselves cozy in your humble abode. Here are 5 home maintenance items to tackle to protect your home from a Fall invasion.

1. Secure Access Points
Pests are clever when it comes to finding their way into wherever they want to hide. If there's even the smallest of entry points to get into your home, they'll likely find it. We recommend checking all of your entry doors, windows and screens for any gaps or tears that could be an easy access point for pests. Caulking window frames, installing weather stripping and replacing torn screens can be a very quick and inexpensive fix to prevent pest infestations. If you're unsure of where pests are entering from, we recommend contacting a professional who can locate and fix any potential hazards. Don't forget to check your attic and crawl space as well!

2. Eliminate Temptation
Many times, the reason pests are attracted to your humble abode is because they've found an easy food source. Whether it be your kitchen pantry, bathroom soap scum buildup, left out pet food, or dishes in the sink, these are all things that can and likely will attract pests. An easy meal and a warm place to hide make for the perfect spot for rodents and bugs alike. Some simple tips to eliminate the temptation is to regularly clean out your pantry and check packaging for pest damage, keep your shower, sink and toilet area clean, don't leave your pet food bowls left out - pick them up and clean them once they're done eating. Simple housekeeping items like this will help prevent pests from finding a delicious meal in your home.

3. Remove Leaf Piles
Another way to prevent pests from entering your home is to keep leaf piles away from your home's foundation and entryways. Pests and rodents will hide out in leaf piles because it offers a dark, damp and safe place to hide. If that leaf pile is up against your home's foundation or near a doorway, it could create opportunity for them to make the run into your home's safety.

4. Have Your Insulation Checked
If pests DO get into your crawlspace or attic, chances are you may have some insulation damage that's causing energy loss. Poor insulation quality can really make those energy bills jump in the fall and winter months. At A B Pest Control & Insulation, we offer pesticide-infused insulation that helps to prevent pests from taking over. If you want to check on the health of your current insulation and get a quote to have it replaced with pesticide-infused insulation, give us a call. We'll provide you with all the information you need to make a decision.

5. Schedule Routine Pest Control
A sure-fire way to prevent pests is to get on our schedule for routine pest control treatments. Treating once or twice a year simply isn't enough to ensure a pest-free home. Typically a single treatment will last up to 30 days, and then begins to wear off. It's essential to have your home and lawn treated on a regular basis for the best preventive outcome. At A B Pest Control & Insulation, we offer flexible scheduling to work with your schedule and budget.

Don't Leave Your Pest Control to Amateurs
By tackling these 5 home maintenance items, you should be able to enjoy the fall season without the hassle of pests! 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 roaches and everything in between. Make sure pests don't invade your home 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.

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Getting to Know the Bats of Missouri

Most people know a bat when they see one: It looks something like a mouse with wings. But besides what they look like, how much do you really know about bats, more specifically, the bats we're likely to encounter in Missouri? There are more than 1300 estimated species of bats in the world, making up one-fifth of Earth's total mammalian population, the second largest order after rodents. With that many species in the world, some people may just find it easier to classify them all as simply bats. But every species of bat is different and each offers their own kind of benefit to the world.

Missouri Bat Species
While Missouri has seen about 9 common species of bats within its state lines, only one family of bats predominates in Missouri: the evening bats. More than this have been spotted, but are not commonly seen in Missouri. This week, we at A B Pest Control & Insulation want to share with you a bit of information about all the different species common to Missouri.

Evening Bat
The evening bat (Nycticeius humeralis), the most common Missouri bat, is present during the spring, summer and early fall. It migrates south in winter. It roosts in buildings in summer. If you've encountered a bat in your attic, these (along with brown bats) are likely the culprits.

Little Brown Bat
The little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) is a brown, mouse-sized bat that occurs throughout Missouri. It hibernates in small numbers in Ozark caves during winter. In summer, it sometimes takes up residence in attics and buildings, where it rarely causes damage.

Norther Long-eared Bat
The northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) is a small bat much like the little brown bat, except that the ears extend beyond the nose when flattened against the head. These bats are rarely seen. They usually roost in crevices of caves.

Big Brown Bat
The big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) is a large bat, perhaps twice the size of the little brown bat, but still weighs only half an ounce. This species lives throughout Missouri and roosts by itself or in small groups in caves. Big brown bats commonly roost in buildings, where they sometimes hibernate.

Tri-Colored Bat
The tri-colored bat, formerly known as the eastern pipistrelle bat, (Pipistrellus subflavus) is Missouri's smallest cave bat (only 3 inches long) and is a pale yellowish brown color. It is rarely found in buildings, but instead prefers caves and rock crevices.

Gray Bat
The gray bat (Myotis grisescens) is an endangered species. It is a medium-sized, grayish bat that is usually found in large, active clusters. Gray bats use caves as roost sites year-round. They roost in large numbers; roosting caves contain huge amounts of bat guano (manure). Typically, they use many caves during the summer and only a few during the winter.

Indiana Bat
The Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) also is an endangered species. It is a small, pinkish brown bat. In Missouri, the Indiana bat spends the winter hibernating in caves in the Missouri Ozarks. Indiana bats form large, dense clusters during the winter but do not deposit piles of guano under these roosts. They disperse across the state during the summer.

Red Bat
The red bat (Lasiurus borealis) is smaller than the big brown bat. Its fur is rusty red, washed with white. It roosts among leaves of trees and is seen in abundance statewide, often foraging around large lights in towns. It is solitary. Many will migrate in winter. In southern Missouri, some red bats remain during the winter and may emerge from their roosts on warm winter days to catch insects.

Hoary Bat
The hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) is larger than a big brown bat and about twice the weight (one ounce). It is the largest bat in Missouri. Its color is a rich, dark brown, overcast with grayish white. It roosts among the leaves of trees, but is less common than the red bat. It is solitary and migrates.

Now that you know a little more about some of the common bats we'll see around Missouri, you can be better equipped to identify one roosting in your attic! Remember, bats in Missouri are protected and it is illegal to kill them unless they're causing damage to your property. Rarely are bats a nuisance, and can often be more of a benefit to have around than a pest as they feed on pesky insects. If you do happen to come across bats in your attic or outdoor building, contact A B Pest Control & Insulation. We'll come out and safely remove these nocturnal harmless creatures and relocate them where they can thrive and continue to benefit our ecosystem!

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Itchy Business: What do Bug Bites, Poison Ivy & Insulation have in Common?

All three of these situations cause uncomfortable itching, skin irritation, and sometimes infections. To prevent contact with these pesky issues, contact A B Pest Control to take care of you and your home! We can rid your home and lawn of pests and weeds, and we can also install your insulation with an added level of protection with pesticide infused insulation. Read on to learn more about how bug bites, poison ivy, and insulation cause itchy skin and irritation… and how we can help!

Bug Bites
Some of the most common biting bugs are fleas, mites, and chiggers.

• Fleas are small, visible brown/red bugs that are known for their jumping. They typically spread from dogs, cats, or rodents in the home. Their bites are most often concentrated around the ankles and cause small, red, very itchy bumps. 
• Mites appear as tiny, moving specks. They spread from the nests of birds and rats and burrow into skin around the waist, in the bends of knees and elbows, and in warm sensitive areas. 
• Chiggers are not visible to the naked eye. They often bite through clothes where they are tight to the skin. The bites can take about 1-2 days to appear and cause intense itching.

To remove pests from your home and yard, give us a call at A B Pest Control, the best pest control at the Lake of the Ozarks! We can get rid of the larger pests, like rats and mice, that are spreading biting bugs to your house. We can also spray your yard for bugs to help prevent any from hitching a ride on your family pet.

Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy causes skin irritation via an oil resin that is present in the leaves, stem, and even roots. The same oil is present in Poison Sumac and Poison Oak plants. Contact with skin causes redness, itching, swelling, and even blisters. The oil can also transfer to other people and objects if not washed off properly. Our team at A B Pest Control can help by improving the health of your lawn and getting rid of pesky weeds with turf management.

Insulation
Pink fiberglass insulation is made with very fine glass fibers. If the insulation comes in contact with your skin, it causes itchiness, irritation, and sometimes an allergic reaction. A B Pest Control can also assist with insulation services in Lake of the Ozarks and would be happy to handle your next project. We can do foam, cellulose, fiberglass, and pesticide infused insulation for additional pest protection in your home.

When you encounter any of these itchy situations, make sure to take care of yourself. Clean the affected area of skin, use soothing anti-itch products, and see a doctor if necessary. Call us at A B Pest Control to come out to your home for preventative care on all these issues. We can treat your home and lawn for pests, implement turf management, and handle your insulation installation for you. Let us take care of you!

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September Events at the Lake of the Ozarks

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

Hot Summer Nights - Salute To Our Heroes
Sep 06, 2019Bagnell Dam Strip
Lake Ozark MO 65049
Hours of Operation: 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm

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

Camdenton Arts in the Park ArtsFest
Sep 07, 2019Camdenton City Park
380 City Park Road
Camdenton Missouri 65020
Hours of Operation: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Art! Music! Food! Fun! Camdenton MO Parks & Recreation's ArtsFest & The Child Advocacy Council's Arts in the Park are merging. That's right, one large Arts event in Camdenton City Park is scheduled this year for Sat. Sept. 7th - 9a-3p, Camdenton City Park Aquatic Center. Rainsite location will be the Community Christian Church about a block from the Aquatic Center. Rain or shine! There will be Art For Sale, Art Demonstrations, Food Trucks & a Performing Arts Stage. There will even be a 12' x 30'' Kid's Tent where they can create several art projects to take with them, and best of all it's FREE, YES FREE to the Public!

13th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest
Sep 11, 2019 - Sep 15, 2019Lake Wide Event
Osage Beach MO 65065

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

LOMDA Fall In-Water Boat Show
Sep 20, 2019 - Sep 22, 2019Captain Ron's Bar & Grill
80 Aloha Ln
Sunrise Beach MO 65037

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

Lake of the Ozarks Wingfest
Sep 25, 2019Regalia Hotel & Conference Center
250 Racquet Club Dr.
Lake Ozark Missouri 65049
Hours of Operation: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

All the wings you can eat plus a free drink! Purchase tickets in advance for $10 at any Central Bank of Lake of the Ozarks location. ($12 at the door). All proceeds benefit local charities. Event located at Regalia Hotel & Conference Center. Proceeds benefit Lake Area Charities.

Pumkin Chunkin' Palooza
Sep 28, 2019
Ozarks Amphitheater
2629 MO Hwy 5
Camdenton Missouri 65020
Hours of Operation: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Lake of the Ozarks Family-Friendly Fall Event!
This year the event will host its first Pumkin Chunkin' Competition! Enjoy this and more complete with great MO microbrews and MO wines and tantalizing foods as u browse through all MO artisans and crafters. Throughout the day the stage will great live music all day. Lots for the young ones to enjoy - from bounce houses, corn pits, hay rides, pony rides, face painting and games upon games. Plenty to keep everyone entertained; so grab your friends and family and spend the day at the Pumkin Chunkin Palooza soon to become your family's tradition!

Heartland Classics Classic Boat Rendezvous
Sep 29, 2019LandShark Bar & Grill, located at Margaritaville Lake Resort
494 Tan Tar A Drive
Osage Beach MO 65065
Hours of Operation: 4 pm - 11 pm

It’s a “Cruise-In” Rendezvous at Margaritaville on Lake of the Ozarks. All classic boats, their guardians, and those who love the classics are invited for a Sunday Rendezvous, September 29, 2019. There will be plenty of dock space and room for some land displays. - No Rain Date - Event is Rain or Shine - Food & Drink available for purchase at LandShark Bar & Grill - Contact Margaritavillle Lake Resort directly for any lodging needs - Must register in advance to reserve slip or land display space Contact Mark Engstrom via email for a no cost slip reservation.

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

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

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Celebrate Labor Day Weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Labor Day Weekend is quickly approaching. This holiday weekend marks the end of the summer season at the Lake of the Ozarks, but that doesn't mean the fun is ending! There are many fun things you can do as a family to celebrate Labor Day Weekend, including fireworks, live music, golf tournaments and more. Check out all the fun happening this weekend:

Photo Credit: FunLake.com

Fireworks at the Lake of the Ozarks

Bear Bottom Resort Labor Day Fireworks
Date: Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1
Time: Live Music, 7:00 pm; Fireworks Display, 9:45 pm
Hwy 5 to 123 Bear Bottom Drive in Sunrise Beach
Live music by Alderwood both nights.
View fireworks by land at Bear Bottom Resort or by water at the 38 Mile Marker.
Parking is limited; Arrive early.
Call for details: 573-374-6905

Inn at Grand Glaize Labor Day Fireworks
Date: Saturday, August 31, 2019
TIme: Approximately around sunset
5142 Osage Beach Pkwy, Osage Beach
See website for full schedule of activities.
Live Music + Fireworks on August 31st!!! ~ 3 Night and 2 Night Room Rates ~ www.innatgrandglaize.com
Reservations: 573-348-4731

Margaritaville Lake Resort Labor Day Weekend
Date: Friday, August 30 – Sunday, September 1
Hwy KK to 494 Tan Tar A Drive in Osage Beach
See website for a full schedule of family fun activities happening all weekend long.
Fireworks at dusk Sunday, September 1. Viewing by land on the Tan-Tar-A property reserved for resort guests only.
View fireworks by water at the 26 Mile Marker
Call for details: 573-348-3131

The Lodge of Four Seasons Family Labor Day Festival
Date: Sunday, September 1
Time: 10:00 am - 9:30 pm
315 Four Seasons Drive in Lake Ozark
See website for full schedule of family fun activities.
Fireworks at dusk. View fireworks by water at the 13 Mile Marker.
Call for details: 573-365-3000

Tropic Island Cruises Fireworks Cruise
Date: Sunday, September 1
Time: Boarding 7:00 pm; Departure 7:30 pm
494 Tan Tar A Drive in Osage Beach
View the Tan-Tar-A Resort fireworks display from the water at the 26 Mile Marker, aboard the Tropic Island Cruises yacht.
Call for reservations and details: 573-348-0083

Celebration Cruises Bagnell Dam Sunset & Fireworks Cruise
Date: Sunday, September 1
Time: Boarding 7:30 pm; Departure 8:00 pm; Return 9:30 pm
Celebration Bagnell Dam: Next to Bagnell Dam on Bagnell Dam Blvd. in Lake Ozark
Call for reservations and details: (573) 480-3212

Events at the Lake of the Ozarks

Dr. Zhivegas Labor Day Weekend
Aug 30, 2019 - Sep 01, 2019
Horny Toad Entertainment Complex at Camden on the Lake
2359 Bittersweet Rd.
Lake Ozark MO 65049

Hours of Operation: 9:00 pm – 1:00 am Each Night

Hop on over to the Horny Toad Entertainment Complex for more quality live entertainment. This weekend it's Dr. Zhivegas, a unique group that has reigned supreme as one of the most beloved and talented dance rock acts out there. You won't want to miss this show!

Uncle Kracker at Shady Gators
Aug 30, 2019
Shady Gators
132 Sweet Williams Rd
Lake Ozark MO 65049

Hours of Operation: 7 pm

The Shady Gators Epic Summer Concert Series continues with Uncle Kracker- back for his 2nd year! Call to check availability on private tables & cabanas for this great show!

SELLOUT! Final Weekend 2019
Aug 30, 2019 - Sep 01, 2019
Beavers at The Dam
1076 Bagnell Dam Blvd
Lake Ozark MO 65049

Hours of Operation: 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Dance and Party to the Huge Hits from the 60's to Today! Come join the Fun! Gene, Slash, Marilyn, Dorothy, Clark and Axl.

Photo Credit: FunLake.com

A B Pest Control & Insulation wishes everyone a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend! Although summer is winding down, pests will be out and about a little while longer. Make sure your home is pest free by hiring a Lake of the Ozarks pest control company. Call A B Pest Control & Insulation at 573-964-1100 to schedule your appointment today.

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Pest Control Company

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Does Rain Impact Pest Control Treatments?

As Missourians, one of the things we can be certain of is the uncertainty of what kind of weather we might get at any given time. Although it's summer, and typically that would mean sunshine and heat waves, we know all too well that Missouri weather tends to have a mind of its own (take last week's hail storm for example...) A question that often comes up in our field of work, is 'does the rain impact my pest control treatment?' The answer is double-sided, and here's why.

Rain is a Good Thing!

Pest control treatments typically are not negatively affected by the rain because most of the walls in your home are protected by overhangs and rarely get wet. In fact, it is usually dry around the windows, door frames, and cracks where your pest control professional sprays.

Also, rain can soften the soil, which helps to draw insects out. This is why you may sometimes see a trail of ants traveling indoors on a rainy day. If the insects are already out of where they live and breed, being exposed by the rain, it is easier for exterminators to rid your home of these pests.

Another reason why rain can be beneficial to pest control is because specially formulated granular pellets are placed on the lawn during pest control treatments that actually need water to help activate them. The rain carries these granular insecticides deep into the soil and prevents ants, crickets, spiders, earwigs and other pests from sneaking into your home.

You May Need to Treat Sooner

While rain can be a great benefit to aiding in pest control treatment, you need to also understand that an overabundance of rain can shorten the time between treatments. Like many things, rain is a good thing, but too much of a good thing can wear down the chemicals much quicker. Typically a treatment will protect for around 30 days, but too much rainfall could make that time lesser.

Let A B Pest Control & Insulation Handle Your Pest Control Treatments!
By treating even when it rains, you should be able to enjoy your summer without the hassle of pests! 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 even on the rainy days 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.

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Pest Control Company

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Get Back On Track for Back to School

The schools around the Lake of the Ozarks will be starting back up next week, 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, this week is 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.

Prepare for the Unexpected
Working parents know that it can be difficult to find a sitter when your child is sick. 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. Inform the school staff of your pickup/dropoff preferences and anyone who is permitted to pick up the kids on your behalf to avoid any issues with your child being released to someone other than yourself.

Have a Great 2019-2020 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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