Will termite treatments kill ants too?

Each year ants and termites plague homeowners in much the same way. Both carpenter ants and termites can cause wide-scale destruction to the wood supporting your home.

How long does the average mosquito live?

Since females are infinitely more useful than males, at least as far as mosquitoes go, a female mosquito lives considerably longer than the male does.

How many pest control sessions are needed to clear an infestation?

While certain infestations may require a couple of treatments, other infestations may require a service plan that reduces the pest population on an ongoing basis. This depends on the type of infestation.

How much do pest control services cost?

Amco Ranger offers guaranteed pest control programs as low as $55 per month for most homes. We have several options and can also create custom services to suit your needs.

Are your services safe for kids and pets?

Yes. Amco Ranger uses only EPA-approved products and strictly follows all application guidelines. Before any product can be used, the EPA must ensure that pesticides are safe for human health and the environment.

What types of pests do your services control?

Our services control all common household and commercial pests – from ants, mosquitoes, and termites, to mice, squirrels, and everything in between. We also specialize in challenging pest problems including brown recluse spiders and bed bugs.

How often should I have pest control services done?

Bugs are a big part of life in Missouri. Since pests never stop looking for food and shelter, services work best when performed on a regular schedule. Six times per year (every other month) about eight to ten weeks apart is ideal for most customers.

Do I have to be home when services are done?

No. Most of our pest and termite control programs are designed to control pests from the outside before they get in. This means fewer pesticides used inside and less scheduling hassle for you.

How do I get started solving or preventing pest problems?

We always recommend starting with our free, no-obligation pest inspection. We can identify your specific pest issues and find the best solutions for you. Your pest-free home or business starts with a call to 636-441-BUGS (2847).

What diseases do mosquitoes carry?

Mosquitoes carry a number of diseases and in many instances, a person may contract one or more of those illnesses with just one bite.

What is attracting mosquitoes to your home?

Mosquitoes are attracted by standing water and outdoor conditions around your property. If mosquitoes are entering your home, the source is usually from outside areas where they breed and gather.

Are there dangerous mosquitoes in Missouri?

When the weather turns warm in Missouri, mosquitoes can invade and make outdoor activities unpleasant. Some species in Missouri are capable of transmitting diseases such as West Nile virus.

Pet Safe Bug Spray: What Homeowners Should Know

If you share your home with pets, you already know they’re more than animals — they’re family. But when ants, mosquitoes, and other pests start invading your space, protecting your pets while keeping bugs at bay can get tricky.

Many homeowners reach for over-the-counter sprays without realizing that what’s safe for humans isn’t always safe for cats, dogs, or other household companions. Before you spray, it’s worth knowing the facts and how professionals, like Amco Ranger, can help you achieve a pest-free home that’s also pet-safe.

Understanding “Pet Safe” Bug Sprays

“Pet safe bug spray” doesn’t always mean “non-toxic.” In fact, many products marketed as “natural” or “eco-friendly” can still contain ingredients that cause harm if your pet ingests, inhales, or even walks through treated areas.

When you see the term pet safe bug spray, it usually means the product is formulated to minimize risk after it has completely dried. However, safety depends on proper use, ventilation, and timing — three steps that are often overlooked by DIYers.

Common Ingredients to Watch Out For

According to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), even low-toxicity pesticides can pose a risk if used improperly around pets. Some of the most concerning ingredients include:

Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids: These are derived from chrysanthemum flowers but can be dangerous for cats in particular, often causing tremors or drooling if inhaled or ingested.
DEET: Found in many mosquito repellents, DEET is not recommended for pets and can lead to vomiting, skin irritation, or even neurological symptoms.
Organophosphates and Carbamates: These older classes of insecticides are especially toxic to both dogs and cats and are rarely used in modern residential pest control for good reason.

If a product’s label doesn’t specify its ingredients or safety guidelines for pets, it’s best to avoid it entirely.

Pet-Friendly Alternatives and Natural Options for Pet Safe Bug Spray

You can still protect your home without putting your furry family at risk. According to the Animal Humane Society, certain ingredients, when used properly, can help repel pests naturally, such as:

Cedarwood oil
Lemongrass
Rosemary
Geranium oil

However, even natural oils can cause allergic reactions or stomach upsets if pets lick or rub against treated areas. Always test in a small space and keep pets out of treated zones until surfaces are completely dry.

For a more complete list of safe alternatives and best practices, BetterPet recommends checking for EPA-approved, pet-safe formulas and using targeted treatments instead of broadcast sprays.

When DIY Pest Control Isn’t Enough

Store-bought sprays can help with minor issues, but infestations — especially ants, spiders, or fleas — require strategic, long-term solutions. That’s where professional pest control makes a real difference.

Amco Ranger specializes in eco-conscious, pet-safe pest control designed around your home’s unique environment. Their licensed technicians use precise application methods and advanced, low-toxicity treatments that eliminate pests at the source while keeping your pets protected.

Here’s how Amco Ranger sets itself apart:

Targeted Treatments: Instead of spraying every surface, technicians focus on entry points and problem areas.
GreenPro-Certified Solutions: Environmentally responsible and safe for households with children and pets.
Ongoing Protection Plans: Keep pests out year-round with maintenance that adjusts to seasonal threats.
Expert Guidance: Technicians clearly explain what’s being applied, where, and how long to keep pets away post-treatment.

Practical Steps to Protect Your Pets During and After Treatment

Even with pet-safe products, a few extra precautions go a long way toward keeping your animals healthy:

Remove Food and Water Bowls: Store them away until treated surfaces have dried.
Cover Aquariums or Terrariums: Pesticides can affect fish and reptiles more severely than mammals.
Wait Before Reentry: Allow at least one to two hours, or as directed by your technician, before letting pets back inside.
Clean Pet Bedding: If your pest issue involves fleas or mites, wash bedding in hot water to eliminate eggs and larvae.
Consult Your Vet: If your pet has respiratory issues, ask your veterinarian about additional precautions before spraying.

Why Professional Pest Control Is the Safer Choice

Pest control doesn’t have to come at the expense of your pet’s safety. Professional exterminators like Amco Ranger understand the chemistry, dosage, and timing needed to balance effectiveness with household safety.

Rather than relying on guesswork or broad-spectrum sprays, their team tailors every treatment to the home, the pest type, and the presence of pets — creating long-term results without unnecessary exposure.

That kind of peace of mind is hard to get from a can of bug spray.

When It’s Time to Call Amco

If you’ve been struggling to keep bugs out without risking your pet’s health, it’s time to get help from local experts who treat your home like their own. Amco Ranger Termite & Pest Solutions has been keeping Missouri homes safe since 1965, using proven, pet-conscious methods that work.

You can schedule your free, no-obligation inspection right at Contact Amco Ranger for a pet safe bug spray. Because protecting your pets shouldn’t mean living with pests.