5 Places You May Find Wasps at Your Home

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Wasps are annoying, but they can also become quite dangerous. When threatened, wasps release pheromones that call out to other wasps so they can swarm and attack the perceived threat. Unlike bees, which typically die after stinging someone, wasps can sting repeatedly, causing serious harm to any of their victims. For this reason, it is crucial that you locate any wasp nests in your home, and then call a professional pest control service that can remove them for you safely. Below are the top five places you may find wasps in your home, so you can locate and remove the insects as soon as possible.

Under Eaves

One of the most popular places for wasps to create a nest is under the eaves of a home, along with porch ceilings and any other type of overhang. Certain types of wasps will create a nest anywhere that has a sturdy horizontal base to hang from. Under the eaves of a home and other small spaces are ideal because the wasps can create the nest in a corner, which offers more protection around the entire structure. Removing a wasp nest is always difficult, but due to the fact that these nests are at a height, it can make removal especially difficult.

Trees

Certain species of wasps will find greenery such as trees, shrubs, and bushes to build their nests. Typically, these nests look like gray footballs. Wasps prefer these areas because the shrubbery provides them the protection they need around their home. As the greenery starts to branch out and bloom in the middle of summer, the nest becomes even more hidden, making it a great spot for wasps to hide and seek shelter. It is always advised to move around these areas with a large amount of shrubbery very carefully, as these nests are difficult to spot.

Underground

While most people will look up when they are searching for a wasp nest on their property, some people should be looking down. Certain types of wasps, including the yellow jacket, will sometimes burrow underground and build a nest there. Wasps that create nests underground have the potential to be very good for homeowners because they often eat the other insects that can cause harm to the yard, such as flies, caterpillars, and beetle larvae. 

However, even though underground wasps do hold some benefits for homeowners, it is important to identify these nests so you do not step on them. If you do, the wasps will consider it a threat to their home and may swarm and attack the perceived threat.

Barbecues and Grills

When the weather turns warmer, people want to go out and enjoy backyard barbecues once again. Few people expect to be met with a swarm of wasps when they open up the grill for the first time of the season, but it happens more often than people think. Barbecues and grills are full of nooks and crannies, including openings and vents. Wasps will make their way inside the grill and set up their nest and colony because it provides great protection from inclement weather and possible predators, such as spiders. To prevent wasps from making a home of your barbecue or grill, always keep it covered with a tarp, which will make it much more difficult for the wasps to get in.

Inside

When the weather starts to turn cooler in the fall, wasps no longer have any use for their nest and will abandon it. Over the winter, the nest will break down and wasps will not return to it the following year. However, during this time, the queen may look for a place to take shelter and start the process all over again. Sometimes, the queen finds that the inside of a home is the perfect spot to start her new colony.

If a wasp does make its way inside to nest, it will likely build its new home inside of a window, or in the attic. Attics provide shelter and allow the wasps to live in the nest relatively undisturbed. Wasps may create a nest in the interior of a window because it provides them access to light, which allows them to see their prey better, and also provides warmth. After a wasp builds a nest and colony in the home, the situation can become very dangerous, so it is important to call a professional that can remove it.

Our Missouri Pest Control Experts are Here to Help

If you have a wasp problem inside or outside of your home, our St. Charles pest control experts can remove it so you can take control of your space once again. At Amco Ranger, we will locate the source of the problem and know how to remove wasp nests safely and effectively. Call us today at (636) 441-BUGS (2874) to schedule a free inspection.

Backyard Mosquito Control

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Missouri has gorgeous summertime weather and it makes people anxious to get outside and enjoy their backyard barbecues. Unfortunately, mosquitoes do not always make that possible. Mosquitoes are incredibly annoying, and their bites can become infected, particularly when people scratch at them and break the skin. However, mosquitoes pose a much bigger risk than this. They carry diseases, such as Zika and West Nile Virus, which can be fatal to humans and can be transmitted through just one mosquito bite. To avoid the problems that mosquitoes bring, anyone that has a mosquito problem should call an exterminator that can provide backyard mosquito control.

Breeding Grounds For Mosquitoes

Backyards are full of places for mosquitoes to breed, which will only exacerbate any mosquito problem you are currently experiencing. Mosquitoes require water to breed, and they also require it during the early stages of their life. Some mosquitoes lay their eggs directly in the water, and those eggs will hatch within two days, typically. Others will search out undisturbed areas, such as tin cans or old tires, and use these places to lay their eggs. Once the eggs become covered in water, they will then hatch, which could happen with just one rainfall. It is important to understand how mosquitoes breed, so you can keep them from invading your yard and becoming unwanted guests at your barbecue.

How To Prevent Mosquitoes

Due to the fact that mosquitoes require standing water to breed, it is of utmost importance that you first remove all standing water and any containers that hold it. Remove birdbaths and kiddie pools, and also overturn canoes, boats, and anything else that could collect water.

Although certain areas are obvious mosquito breeding grounds, others are not. Recycling bins and trash cans can easily collect moisture, particularly if they are left outside. To prevent water from accumulating in these areas, drill holes in the bottom so excess water will drain out. You should also clean out the gutters, as leaves and other debris can also cause moisture to collect. Outdoor faucets should also always be tightly closed and repaired quickly when they start to leak.

Eliminating standing water from your yard can help control mosquito populations, but it may not stop mosquitoes from entering your yard altogether. Due to this, it is important that you understand what control measures work and then implement them as soon as possible.

Find A Mosquito Control Solution That Works

There are several mosquito solutions on the market today. Some homeowners use electric zappers that kill mosquitoes when they fly into it. Other people use scents to keep mosquitoes out of their yard, such as citronella candles and sprays that contain DEET. These solutions are not effective and homeowners will continue to battle mosquitoes in their backyard. Even when these solutions work, they are only temporary and mosquitoes will soon come back into the yard. 

Backyard mosquito control requires a long-term solution to get mosquitoes out of the yard, and keep them out. Usually, this requires the help of a professional backyard mosquito control company. When using this form of mosquito control, a technician will visit the yard and conduct a complete inspection. During this inspection, the technician will determine the items in your yard that are attracting mosquitoes, such as tall grass, bushes, and weeds. After considering the many different factors, the technician will then develop a customized plan to control the mosquitoes.

Once a plan has been created, the technician will use a potent spray that will keep mosquitoes out of the yard, and kill the ones that are already there. This spray, while deadly to mosquitoes, is safe for the people that want to sit in their backyard and enjoy it during the beautiful weather months. To ensure that the mosquitoes do not return, a technician will also come back regularly to spray again. While there may be a few mosquitoes still present after a technician has sprayed, the numbers should drop significantly. Eliminating the objects in the yard that attract mosquitoes, such as standing water, can help ensure the mosquito control program is effective and kills and deters mosquitoes in the yard.

Our Backyard Mosquito Control Professionals Are Here To Help

Everyone should be able to fully enjoy their backyard in the summer, without worrying about mosquitoes that can bite or transmit disease. If you have mosquitoes in your yard, our St. Charles backyard mosquito control professionals at Amco Ranger are here to help. We provide inspections free of charge so we can create a customized plan for your yard to get the mosquitoes out and keep them out. Call us today at (636) 441-2847 to learn more about how we can help.

How To Get Rid Of Mice Inside Of Walls

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Just as humans prefer living inside their home rather than in the great outdoors, so too, do mice. Mice come inside looking for shelter from the elements, food, and moisture. When they do make their way inside, they will often live within the walls, so they can continue living in your home unnoticed, and damage the structure, along with your food and personal belongings. Mice also carry several diseases that you do not want anywhere in your home. For this reason, it is important that all homeowners understand how to keep mice out of the home, and what to do when they still make their way inside.

How Do Mice Get In Walls?

To stop mice from making your home theirs as well, it is important to know how the critters are getting inside in the first place. There are many places in and around your home that make it easy for mice to get inside, including:

  • Roof vents and chimney pipes
  • Siding that is damaged or deteriorated
  • Doors and window frames that are not properly sealed
  • Gaps in building materials
  • Weep vents in brick walls

It is important to remember that mice can squeeze through cracks and crevices that are smaller than a dime, so it is crucial to fix any signs of damage or disrepair.

Signs Of An Infestation

You may think that because mice are in your walls, there is no way to determine if you have an infestation. However, there are still common signs you can look for. These include:

  • Urine and droppings
  • Nests
  • Damaged insulation
  • Ducts that are gnawed or chewed

When mice are in the walls, you can also hear them scurrying around inside, or you may hear squeaking and gnawing noises. Most often, these signs are most notable at night, as mice are nocturnal.

How To Get Mice Out Of Walls

When mice are within the walls of a home, it seems even more difficult to get rid of them. There are some steps you can take on your own. 

You can set up traps that will kill or capture the mice and if it is a live trap, you can then set the mouse free outside of your home. With this option, it is important that you seal up the entry points so the mice do not simply come back in. As mice emerge from the walls in order to find food or moisture, they will then enter the trap, helping to eliminate your problem.

Sometimes, homeowners find that these traps do not work, most commonly because the traps were not set in areas the mice frequent. This is especially difficult when you do not see the mice in the home and so, do not know where to place the traps.

For this reason, the best solution is to phone a pest control service that can help eliminate the mice from the walls, and anywhere else in your home. A pest control service will inspect all areas of your home mice could use to get inside, including the roof and the crawl space, to ensure that mice can no longer enter the home. Based on the layout of your property, and how the mice are getting inside, the pest control specialists will then develop a plan customized for your property that will eliminate all mice from your home.

Pest control specialists understand the behaviors of mice, including how they enter homes and the areas in which they are likely to frequent. As such, they will get rid of mice in your home far faster, so you can take back your home once again. Pest control specialists will also provide you with prevention tips to ensure that once the mice are out, they stay out and do not return.

Our Missouri Pest Control Specialists Can Get Rid Of Mice For Good

It is incredibly unsettling to hear mice in your home and know that you are sharing your home rodents that will damage your home, and potentially bring various diseases inside. However, you do not have to deal with mice or the many problems they bring. At Amco Ranger, our St. Louis pest control specialists will identify the problem you are dealing with, and take the necessary steps to eliminate it. When you have mice in your walls, or anywhere else in your home, call us at (636) 441-2847 or contact us online to schedule a free inspection to learn more about how we can help.

What is the Best Way of Getting Rid of a Termite Infestation?

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Termites cost approximately $5 billion in property damage every year. What is worse is that homeowners’ insurance policies typically do not cover these costs. Many homeowners try prevention tactics to deter termites from their home and avoid this extremely costly problem. Unfortunately, prevention tactics do not always work and sometimes, homeowners have to consider how to get rid of termites that have already invaded their home. When that is the case, it is best to enlist the help of a pest control company that can eliminate a termite infestation effectively, and make sure it does not return.

Soil Treatments

Soil treatments are particularly effective against subterranean termites that live in the soil. When applying these treatments, a pest control treatment will use a termiticide, a type of pesticide, directly in the soil. The first step in applying this treatment is digging a trench around the foundation of a home, the area in which termites first enter. These trenches are typically dug to an approximate depth of 50 millimeters from the top of the foundation.

Once the trench is dug, the soil is then treated with either repellant or non-repellent chemicals. Repellent chemicals are the more traditional form and they simply deter termites from entering the home. Due to the structure of the soil, this method is not always effective because termites may still find an area that is not treated and make their way through. On the other hand, repellent chemicals actually kill the termites and are much more effective.

After the soil is treated, the trench is then filled again with the treated soil, effectively creating a barrier that keeps termites out. Soil treatments are very effective and will usually keep termites out of the home for five years, on average.

Wood Treatments

Wood treatments are particularly interesting because these treatments affect the actual wood of the home and not the soil around it. These treatments are also not limited to just one type of treatment, but several. Wood treatments include spraying the surface of the wood, injecting sprays and foams, and using Borate treated wood.

Termites often enter a home when there is exterior wood that sits on the ground or close to the ground, making for easy access for termites. Borate is a chemical that penetrates the wood and creates a barrier that termites cannot pass. When the critters eat this wood, they are poisoned and die. The borate must also be treated afterwards to seal in the chemical and ensure its effectiveness. These applications should never be done by homeowners on themselves. Protective gear is crucial, as the poison that affects termites can also adversely affect people, so a pest control company is critical in applying these treatments.

Wood treatments can be applied prior to the construction of a home, but homeowners currently experiencing a termite problem can also benefit from these wood treatments.

Bait Systems

Bait systems are extremely effective at destroying termites and eliminating an infestation. Using this method, a pest control specialist will install bait stations around the perimeter of a home where termites are likely to reside and travel to get into the home. 

Sometimes these bait stations are called traps, but that is misleading. These systems do not actually trap the termites, but they contain bait, such as wood or cellulose, that is treated with a substance that is poisonous to termites. That bait also does not necessarily kill the termites instantly. The bait is slow-acting so that termites can return to their colony and spread the bait to others, effectively eliminating the entire problem.

Bait systems are one of the best ways to get rid of termites, particularly for homeowners that find that wood surface treatments do not work. Bait systems are often used in locations where wood surface treatments are not effective, such as close to foundation drains and areas covered by certain types of flooring that may require drilling.

Bait systems are available for purchase, but to gain the most effectiveness from these types of treatments, a professional pest specialist should always be called to set up these systems. A professional will know how to effectively set these bait stations so they eliminate the most amount of termites in the least amount of time. A professional will also continue to monitor the bait systems to ensure their continued effectiveness.

Our Missouri Pest Control Specialists are Here to Help

Although homeowners have many solutions that can help them kill termites that invade the home, it is always best to call a St. Charles pest control specialist for help. At Amco Ranger, we understand the best ways to kill termites in the home, and to keep them from coming back. If you are having a termite problem, call us today at (636) 224-6099 or contact us online to schedule a free inspection.

What is Attracting Ants Inside of My Home?

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Ants are more commonly seen in the spring and summer months in Missouri, but they can become a household pest regardless of the season. Ants are extremely interesting creatures and live within a complex social structure that can include thousands of colony workers. When one ant is seen within the home, there is a good chance that the colony has already infested. To prevent this from happening, it is important to know what attracts ants inside a home, and to ensure your home does not have any of these temptations, so you can keep the ants outside where they belong.

Food

Food is by far the biggest draw to ants. Worker ants are always on the hunt for food. Although ants typically prefer sugary substances, they will eat just about anything. As they hunt for food, they also leave a scent or pheromone trail behind them. This trail allows them to easily find their way back to the colony, but it also provides a path for other ants to follow so they too can forage for food and bring it back to the queen. 

To deter ants from entering a home, it is important to keep the kitchen area particularly very clean. Refrigerate produce when possible, always quickly clean up spills, and ensure that countertops and the pantry is always clean of crumbs and other food spills.

Water

Like all animals, ants need water to live, but they do not always need a direct source. Many ants get all the water they need through the food they eat. The amount of water any ant will need will largely depend on the type of ant. Pharaoh ants, for example, must nest close to a reliable water source, while carpenter ants are drawn to damp wood. Of course, it is important to ensure there is no standing water outside, but also address any plumbing issues, such as a leaky faucet, that could also act as a draw for ants.

Climate

Ants, like all other insects, are cold-blooded and rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. When the weather starts to turn colder in the fall months, ants may come inside where it is warm and where they can expand their colonies. Being inside during this time also allows ants to remain close to a food source, and find the moisture they need. Unfortunately, due to the fact that humans also need to live in a comfortable environment, there is little that can be done to prevent ants from coming into the home for this reason.

The best way to prevent ants from turning your home into theirs during the cooler months is to continue with ant prevention practices. Keep a clean home, ensure that fixtures are watertight and are not leaking, and ensure all garbage cans in your home, including a garage or shed, have tight-fitting lids. One of the best prevention tactics is to also inspect the outside and inside of your home, particularly the areas around doorways and windows. Ants can make their way in using the smallest of gaps or cracks. Sealing these off will block any entry points, so ants can remain outside all year long.

Reproduction and Propagation

Homeowners are most likely to encounter flying ants in the spring. Flying ants are reproductive ants and as the colony matures, its population grows. Flying ants develop within their colonies before they emerge and perpetuate the species. After the ants mate, the males die and the female becomes the queen that will search for places to build their new colonies. When these swarms are seen in the winter, it may mean that carpenter ants are nesting within the structure, which is a very serious problem and may require professional help. Without the help of a professional pest control company, the only real way to get rid of these ants is to vacuum the swarms and take the vacuum or the bag outside to release the ants.

Our Missouri Pest Control Company can Help with Your Ant Problem

Unlike other insects, ants do not generally pose a threat to humans, but they are annoying and can sometimes cause damage to a home. If you are dealing with an ant infestation in your home, our St. Charles pest control company can help. At Amco Ranger, we have the necessary experience to eliminate ants from your home, and keep them out. If you have a problem with ants or any other pest, call us at (636) 223-5703 or contact us online to schedule a free inspection.

Guarding Your Home Against Summer Pests

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Even when you cannot keep pests out of your backyard, you should always try to keep them out of your home. Pests are not only annoying, but they also create unsanitary conditions and carry diseases they can transmit to humans. In some cases, by the time you discover pests in your home, you may already have an infestation. To prevent that from happening, and to guard your home against summer pests, follow the tips below.

Seal All Entry Points

The smallest gap or crack in any part of your home can serve as an invitation to pests. Always ensure that your door is properly sealed and install an aluminum or sturdy steel threshold under the door. Also seal windows and other places pests may find their way in.

Install and Maintain Screens

The urge to throw open the windows and doors once the nicer weather hits is quite natural. Unfortunately, this time of year is also when pests such as mosquitoes, fleas, and other creatures are out in full force. A screen can allow the fresh air in, while keeping critters out. Screens should be 20-mesh or finer and tightly installed to ensure there are no gaps that would allow pests to make their way inside. You should also check existing screens to make sure there are no holes or rips that could provide an entrance for pests.

Outside Maintenance

There is only one way pests can find their way into your home, and that is from outside. Eliminating certain elements outdoors can greatly help prevent pests from coming into your home. Do not keep standing water in your yard, as it is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and provides drinking water for larger pests, such as mice and rats. Keep gutters and drains free of leaves, grass clippings, and debris, as these are great places for pests to hide.

Indoor Maintenance

No matter how hard you try to guard your home against summer pests, there is still a good chance a few will make their way inside. This is particularly true for smaller pests, such as ants and mosquitoes. These pests will only come inside, however, if there is something that is attractive to them. To ensure there is not, always keep proper maintenance and cleanliness inside the home by eliminating clutter, removing water sources, and keeping all counters and surfaces free of food.

Cover Large Openings

Of course, you cannot fill your chimney or vents with caulk, but you should still cover them, all the same. Fine wire mesh placed over chimneys and other areas is a great way to prevent large and small pests from making their way inside. Certain animals, such as squirrels and rats, also do not like to walk on these surfaces. Pre-fabricated chimney caps are also very effective at keeping pests out, especially small pests, such as mosquitoes and ants. Grilles, registers, vents, and crawl spaces should also be covered with fine wire mesh.

Store Garbage Properly

There is only one place for food waste in a home, and that is the kitchen garbage. The garbage can should have a lid and should be emptied regularly. When emptied, the garbage should be taken to a larger garage or outdoor trash can. This garbage can should have a tight-fitting lid that locks, and should be cleaned and sanitized regularly. Composts bins should also have a lid and cloth lining. Composted materials should be removed every three to six months.

Focus on the Foundation

The very foundation of a house makes the home very susceptible to pests. Termites, ants, spiders, and fleas thrive in these areas that are damp, and the foundation is the part of your house closest to the ground. Combined, these conditions make it very easy for pests to get into your home through gaps and cracks. Check for these regularly along the foundation, as well as in your siding joints. Siding that is not secured properly also provides a gateway for pests. After finding any areas where pests could get in, make sure to seal them properly.

Attract Birds

Birds will not protect your home from all pests, but they will certainly help with some. Warblers and swallows, for example, love feasting on mosquitoes. Bird feeders with sunflower seeds and suet are a great way to draw these animals into your yard, where they will also eat other pests.

Call a Missouri Pest Control Company

Although there are many do-it-yourself methods for protecting your home against summer pests, you may still run into a problem with critters at some point. When that is the case, our St. Louis pest control company at Amco Ranger can help. Our knowledgeable technicians can eliminate any pests from your home and prevent them from coming back in the future. Call us today at (636) 223-4804 or contact us online to schedule a free inspection.

3 Pests to Avoid This Summer

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When the cold and snow finally break in Missouri and give way to warmer days, one of the first signs of spring and summer are the pests that also come out to enjoy the beautiful climate. While summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy all of the sunshine, it is also sometimes a dangerous place. There are many pests that seem innocuous enough, but truthfully they bring many risks, such as disease. Below are the three pests that are best to avoid this summer, and how to do it.

Mosquitoes

Of all the pests that creep and fly around during the summer months, mosquitoes are some of the most dangerous. Although these annoying insects may just seem like minor inconveniences, the truth is that they pose a major danger. West Nile virus, Yellow Fever, Malaria, and Dengue and Encephalitis are just a few of the diseases mosquitoes carry and transmit to humans. At the very least, their bites can become incredibly itchy and swollen, and have the potential to become infected. In the worst of cases, a person may not survive a mosquito bite.

Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, so it is crucial to try and avoid being outdoors during these times to prevent bites and the risks they bring. Standing water also provides mosquitoes with an ideal breeding ground, so it is just as important to eliminate these areas by dumping buckets and other containers of water, such as bird feeders.

Ticks

Ticks also begin to emerge as the weather becomes warmer. These insects pose a great threat to humans, as they transmit Lyme disease, and their numbers are increasing every year. Untreated, Lyme disease can result in damage to the joints, heart, and the nervous system. Once a person has developed Lyme disease, it may remain with them for several months, and sometimes even years. Due to this, it is essential that everyone tries to avoid ticks as much as possible during the summer months.

To avoid a tick bite, long pants and long-sleeved shirts offer the best protection. This is particularly true when spending time in tall grass or wooded areas. Ticks also love to hide in grassy, bushy areas so it is important to keep greenery trimmed as much as possible. Repellents that contain at least 20 percent DEET and tick-resistant clothing is also a great help when trying to avoid these pesky critters while enjoying time in the beautiful outdoors.

Stinging Insects

Many insects are more than just a nuisance. The anatomy of some insects also includes a stinger that is in the best case scenario, quite painful. In other cases, these stingers can be fatal to some individuals. Stinging insects include yellow jackets, wasps, hornets, and bees, to name just a few of the most common. Even individuals that are not allergic to these stings often must visit an emergency room for urgent treatment, but the case is much worse for those that do suffer from an allergy.

Although avoiding a sting from a flying insect may seem impossible, it is not. Many people instinctively swing at these insects to bat them away, but that can in fact, increase the aggression in these pests and increase the likelihood that they are going to sting. Stinging insects are also typically drawn to sweet and sugary smells, so avoiding perfumes and colognes is very important. Some of these critters, such as yellow jackets, are also looking for food in any area they can find it. As such, they are attracted to garbage and refuse. Keeping garbage cans tightly closed and cleaning up outside debris is an extremely important prevention method when dealing with stinging insects.

In some cases, homeowners find they have a real problem because an insect has made its hive close to their home. No one should ever try to remove these on their own, as swarming stinging insects pose a much greater threat. In these situations, a professional should always step in to safely remove the hive.

Our Missouri Pest Control Specialists are Here to Help

Everyone should be able to enjoy backyard barbecues when the summer warms up, but many pests often make that quite difficult. If you have a pest problem or you want to prevent them from invading your outdoor space, call our St. Charles pest control specialists at Amco Ranger. We know how to remove these pests and give you your backyard back so you can enjoy the nicer weather, as well. Call us today at (636) 224-6099 or contact us online to schedule your free inspection.

Do Mosquitoes Hibernate?

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Mosquitoes are not only pesky insects that cause those red, itchy bumps on the skin. They also carry many harmful diseases, such as malaria. This is why, as much as many people hate to see summer come to an end, they are also very happy that it typically also means the end of mosquitoes. Where do mosquitoes go once the summer months are over, though? Do they all die and if so, how do they come out in such great numbers at the start of spring and summer? Although many mosquitoes simply die off once a chill starts to fill the air, many others go into hibernation and are ready to come out once the air starts to turn warmer.

How Mosquitoes are Able to Hibernate

Like reptiles, mosquitoes are cold-blooded pests. This means that their body temperature quickly adjusts to the temperature of their environment. It is for this reason that mosquitoes, like most other insects, are seen more often in the warmer months. When mosquitoes do reside in colder temperatures, they will likely die off once winter hits. Mosquitoes that live in climates with milder temperatures, though, typically enter hibernation when the weather becomes a bit cooler. 

In the first few weeks of spring, female mosquitoes stop hibernating and start immediately consuming blood meals and then laying eggs. Typically, the only females that enter hibernation are the ones that were more mature at the end of the prior summer months. 

Mosquito eggs that were laid but not hatched prior to the colder months can also hibernate. This is known as embryo hibernation. The mosquitoes inside these eggs can survive the winter weather, even when they do not have any water. Mosquito larvae can even make it through winter, although this is much more rare. When larvae have to make it through a winter, they typically reside in freshwater marshes so they are buried under several layers of mud, where it is warmer.

Hibernation Means Longer Lifespans

The lifespan of a mosquito is not very long. Males typically only live between ten to twenty days, while females can live as long as 100 days. However, hibernation can lengthen the life of a mosquito. When males enter hibernation, even though they are completely inactive, they can live between six and eight months.

Arctic mosquitoes, which have an incredible ability to stay alive through hibernation in the most frigid temperatures, can live even longer once they hibernate. These insects are often able to live up to one year.

Locations for Hibernation

In order to hibernate, mosquitoes need a secluded and protected area. They often choose hollowed logs, and even dens where other animals reside. When able, they will enter into man-made structures, such as homes and sheds. 

Our Missouri Pest Control Company can Help with Your Mosquito Problem

Although the winter months in Missouri are sometimes harsh, it is nice that they are also free of mosquitoes. If you need help with a mosquito problem this spring, our St. Louis pest control company is here to help. Call us at (636) 223-4804 to schedule a free inspection so we can get started on your infestation right away.

Can You See Bed Bugs?

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Many people are worried about bed bugs, but the fear that bed bugs are hiding in plain sight and cannot be seen by the human eye only increases this concern. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to see bed bugs with the human eye, even if people have to go searching for them in between folds of sheets and other fabric. Bed bugs do not typically come out of their crevices unless they are looking for food. It is for this reason that anyone that suspects that they have a bed bug problem should search for them, know what to look for, and know what to do if they see one or more of these pesky insects.

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

To spot bed bugs, you of course have to know what they look like. Adult bed bugs are typically five to seven millimeters long, about the size of an apple seed. Bed bugs lay eggs and these are typically more difficult to identify. Young bed bugs are not typically visible because they are extremely small and translucent in color. The eggs of a bed bug are usually about the size of a pinhead. 

Bed bugs are brown or reddish-brown in appearance and their bodies are slightly elongated and have an oval shape. Bed bugs do have wings, although they do not fly. Sometimes, particularly when there is a very large infestation, people may smell bed bugs before they see them because they emit a musty smell. 

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?

Desire their name, bed bugs do not only make beds their place of residence. Other places bed bugs like to reside include:

  • In between the folds of curtains
  • In the joints of drawers
  • Within loose wallpaper
  • In the seams of chairs and other soft furniture

Bed bugs are often found when people are cleaning their homes, such as vacuuming couch cushions or changing sheets on a bed. Even when the bed bugs are not seen, signs that they are around may be noticed. These signs include red or rust-colored stains on mattresses and bed sheets. This is typically because they have been crushed. Dark dots, which are sometimes blurry, are evidence of bed bugs defecating, which is indicative of an infestation. Additionally, while it is very difficult to spot the eggs of a bed bug, it is sometimes possible and some may even find the shells of the eggs left behind once the larvae leaves them.

Our Missouri Pest Control Company can Help With Bed Bugs

If you have seen bed bugs around your home, or signs such as their shells, our St. Charles pest control company is here to help. At Amco Ranger, we know how difficult it is to eradicate bed bugs, but we also know how to do it effectively and efficiently so you can reclaim your home. Call us today at (636) 224-6099 to schedule a free inspection so we can examine your space and provide more information about how we can help.

How To Get Rid Of Mosquito Larvae

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Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying and potentially dangerous types of pests. They can ruin picnics and other outdoor events while leaving you covered in itchy red bites that can easily get infected. Mosquitoes can also transmit a variety of different diseases that are dangerous to both humans and pets. At Amco Ranger Termite and Pest Solutions, we have been helping residents in our area eliminate mosquitoes for more than 50 years. The best time to go after them is when they are in their larval stage.  

What Are Mosquito Larvae?

St. Charles County warns that there are more than 50 different types of mosquitoes in Missouri. While they have a short life span ranging from a week to several months, they can do a lot of damage during this time. A female mosquito can lay up to 200 eggs per pregnancy. They typically hatch after several days into a larva. These live in shallow water, where they hang suspended right below the surface. They breathe air through a siphon tube, similar to a snorkel. 

Killing mosquito larvae can help to prevent large infestations, but you have to act quickly. They typically have a 4 to 14-day lifespan, which provides only a short window of opportunity. If you do not eliminate them during this time, they will molt and eventually become full-fledged mosquitoes, wreaking havoc in your yard and continuing to populate in large numbers. 

Where Are Mosquito Larvae Found?

Mosquito larvae require still, shallow water, which allows them to penetrate the surface for air. The University of Missouri advises that common breeding sites include flood-prone areas, slow-moving streams, ditches, marshes, and wetlands around lakes. Once they have made their way onto your property, places you are most likely to find mosquito larvae include: 

  • Birdbaths and ornamental ponds;
  • Wading pools;
  • Fishponds;
  • Water barrels;
  • Old watering cans and plant pots;
  • Clogged gutters and catch basins;
  • Hollow tree stumps;
  • Old tires and other debris that collects water on your property.

Anything that holds even a small amount of water could provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes and their larvae. While you can keep larvae from growing by eliminating yard debris and emptying birdbaths or water barrels regularly, ponds and more permanent water features require additional efforts. 

Ways To Eliminate Mosquito Larvae

The Missouri Department of Conservation warns that mosquitoes can be carriers of West Nile and the Zika virus, both of which have the potential to be life-threatening. They also can cause yellow fever and transmit the parasites responsible for malaria. In dogs, mosquito bites can result in heartworm, a fatal condition if left untreated. To protect yourself, your family, and your pets, eliminating mosquito larvae is a top priority. In addition to eliminating the potential places for mosquitoes to breed, natural ways to accomplish this on your own include: 

  • Applying a thin coat of cinnamon, eucalyptus, or other essentials oil to the water’s surface: Mosquito larvae require air to breathe. Applying a thin coat of essential oil to standing water makes it impossible for them to penetrate the surface, which cuts off their oxygen supply. 
  • Applying garlic juice: Yes, mosquitoes are bloodsuckers, but this remedy has nothing to do with vampire lore. Instead of biting humans, mosquito larvae rely on organisms in the water for nutrients. Garlic juice applied to standing, stagnant water acts in the same way as an essential oil in helping to suffocate the larvae. 
  • Applying an apple cider vinegar solution: Alongside oil, vinegar and water do not mix. As a result, it also blocks the surface and can be a natural and effective treatment to kill mosquito larvae. 
  • Bleach tablets or solution: The same as you use bleach tablets in your pool to kill various organisms, bleach acts as a poison for mosquito larvae. 

Reach Out To Us Today For Help

While all of the above methods may be somewhat effective in killing mosquito larvae in small areas around your home, none of them address the threat posed by ponds, creeks, lakes, or similar areas of standing water near your property. To ensure all mosquito larvae are eliminated and to prevent reinfestation, call in the professionals at Amco Ranger Termite and Pest Solutions. 

Providing the best customer service in the industry and a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee, you can trust us to keep mosquitoes from threatening you and your family. Call or contact our Missouri mosquito control experts online and request a free, no-obligation inspection today.