Squirrels In The Attic? How To Prevent Them

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There’s nothing more spooky than waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of scratching noises in your ceiling or walls. Those creepy noises are created by squirrels, and while squirrels might appear cute and harmless they can do a lot of damage to your attic. Their bodies are small, they can make their way into your home through tiny entry points, as well as a hideout in the hard-to-reach places of your attic and walls.

Not only is it important to learn how to safely remove squirrels from your home, but also how to keep them out of your home. In this article, we’ll give you a few effective steps that help to make your home squirrel free and keep them from coming back.

Look For The Entry Point

If you’re hearing the sounds of pests living in your walls and ceiling, that means those critters are getting into your home from an entry point. Go outside and walk around the perimeter of your home, look at the roof, and around the gutters to see where the entry point is. If you’re having a hard time finding it, go up in the attic with a flashlight and look for any entry points. But be careful when going up into the attic while squirrels are living there, they scare easily and can run into other parts of the attic or other parts of the house.

If you do find holes in the roof, gutters, etc, repair the holes with animal-resistant patches. Another great solution is to apply seals with caulk or plaster around electrical wiring and plumbing fixtures to prevent squirrels from entering.
Another point of entry for critters is the chimney. By placing a chimney cap on top of the chimney it keeps critters like squirrels from entering, and it allows the smoke to escape the chimney.

Give Squirrels A Reason To Leave

Squirrels are stubborn and may not leave on their own, especially if a mother squirrel just gave birth to a litter. If a squirrel is feeding its litter, it will leave and reenter bringing food to its litter, but if you cover up the entryway while the mother squirrel is away, you’re left with a litter of squirrels. If that’s the case, that’s when you call Amco Ranger and we’ll safely remove the litter of squirrels (dead or alive). To prevent that scenario, remove the squirrel as soon as it’s detected. A cheap and easy to run them out is to soak a rag in ammonia and then place it near the nesting site or entryway in the attic. The strong smell of ammonia will irritate the squirrels and they view the attic as a bad place to live, driving them to leave.

Prevent Re-Entry

Yay, so you got rid of those squirrels living in your attic, now it’s time to protect your home from critters reentering. Take a look at your roof, and if you notice and tree branches that are hanging out next to your roof, cut them off. Squirrels will use tree branches as a bridge to your home, and that tree could be the squirrels main home and uses your attic as a space to nest and keep comfortable during the winter months and bad weather. Plus, having too much plant matter next to or on your home can give other pests like insects, mice, and mites easy access to your home.

Keep Critters Out With Insulation

You’re probably going to ask how insulation will keep squirrels out of the attic, but our InCide® Pest Control Insulation is infused with a powerful pesticide that kills pests once it’s been ingested. The active ingredients that are used to treat our insulation are safe to humans and pets, and there are no irritating side effects related to the insulation or inhalation of this EPA registered product.

The best way to deal with squirrels in attics, walls or around the home is to call a pest solutions group, like Amco Ranger. A professional from Amco Ranger not only knows how to get squirrels out of the attic (safely), but how to keep them out for good. Give us a call today, and we’ll put an end to the critters living in your space.

4 Ways To Get Rid Of Pantry Moths In The Kitchen

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You’ve probably seen these guys in your pantry or near your clothes. You may have dismissed them or did some light vacuuming as a result of their presence. While you might fear the common house spider and kill them, pantry moths do more damage and are an enemy of the home. If you spot one of these flying menaces in your pantry, it’s safe to say that there are plenty more moth eggs and larva around. Here are some tips and tricks on how to effectively handle a moth infestation.

1. Dispose of All Dry Goods

To effectively remove the moths and risk spreading the infestation, bag up all the dry goods in your pantry. While that might seem like an extreme move, if you find one moth in your oatmeal chances are there’s more; an adult female moth can lay up to 400 eggs. To be on the safe side, ditch the flour, sugar, rice, pasta, and other dry goods in your pantry. After you’ve bagged all the dry goods, be sure to take them out to the curb.

2. Deep Clean The Pantry

Once you’ve disposed of the infested dry goods, do a deep clean of the pantry, just because their food source is gone does not mean they are. Moths’ tiny bodies can hide out in the smallest of cracks and the crevices of containers, so be sure to bleach the food containers. Wipe down the pantry with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution, add some peppermint oil to the solution–moths hate the smell of peppermint. After cleaning and vacuuming, wait a week or so to restock the pantry to make sure the infestation is gone.

3. Set Out Moth Traps

Think twice before you grab the pesticides, as they don’t work well on moths and it’s not safe for the kitchen. Save the moth balls for other places in the house, since their scent is so strong the food in your pantry may end up smelling like moth balls. A great odorless and food-safe option are moth traps. The traps are sticky and release pheromones that attract male moths. The moth will get stuck inside and die; this type of trap puts a wrench in moths’ mating process, less males moths mean less eggs.

4. Prevention

How do moth infestations begin? A lot of times they get into your home by hitching a ride on food products that came from moth infested warehouses. When you’re at the store, double-check the cans and packaging of food items before putting them in your cart and when you get home give the can a rinse–just to be safe. Purchase airtight glass or plastic containers to store your dry goods in, as this will help decrease the chances of another infestation. Another trick is to put peppermint leaves, bay leaves, or cedar chips in a sachet and place it in the back of your pantry or cupboard, that will deter moths from making a home in your food.

If you tried the methods mentioned above and are still having with moths, give Amco Ranger a call and we’ll come out and assess the situation. Our goal is to deliver the highest quality service and answer any questions you may come across so you can live a pest-free lifestyle. We’ll happily come to your home and provide you with a FREE inspection.

Can Bed Bugs Make You Sick?

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Nothing can disturb a good night’s sleep worse than an invasion of tiny, biting pests in your bed. Bed bugs are found in cities across the country, including towns throughout Missouri. While bed bugs are often mistakenly associated with poor hygiene and a lack of proper cleaning practices, the fact is even the tidiest home can be subject to a bed bug infestation. At Amco Ranger Termite and Pest Solutions, we work to quickly and effectively eliminate this problem, relying on products that are proven to work yet still environmentally friendly and safe for your pets. 

If you suspect bed bugs or have confirmed an infestation, you may be worried about the risks these pests carry in terms of spreading disease. While scientists thus far claim it is unlikely for bed bugs to transmit any type of virus, they can have a major impact on both your physical and mental health. 

The Problem With Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are flat, tiny creatures that are reddish-brown in color and feed on the blood of humans and animals. They often infest bedding and furniture and can be found on mattresses, sheets, curtains, or other fabrics throughout your home. 

Bed bugs are hitchhikers by nature and spread easily from one location to another. You can pick them up from traveling and staying in hotels to visiting other people’s homes. Even the fanciest places have them and outward cleanliness does not mean you are safe. Bed bugs often lurk in hiding and may attach themselves to your handbag, clothing, luggage, or other items. You can even pick them up from clothing purchased in thrift shops and through other items you bring into your home. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bed bugs do not pose a public health risk nor are they known to transmit any serious diseases, such as those carried by other pests such as cockroaches, flies, or mosquitoes. However, they do bite and can leave victims with lines of rash-like bumps spreading over their face, neck, back, or other parts of the body. These bites tend to itch and scratching could result in an infection. They can also result in serious allergic reactions. You should see your doctor if you suffer any of the following symptoms:  

  • Redness, pain, or oozing at the site of the bed bug bites;
  • Swelling at the site or in surrounding areas;
  • Bed bug bites that do not heal after several weeks;
  • Fever, dizziness, headaches, or other signs of possible infection. 

Bed Bugs and Known Health Risks

While bed bugs may not be classified as a public health risk, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claims they are a public health pest. This is due to how fast they spread, the number of places infested with bed bugs, and how difficult they can be to eliminate. The EPA also warns that while the risk of transmitted disease is low with bed bugs, there are some major health impacts they can have beyond bite infections. These include: 

  • Secondary infections, such as impetigo, ecthyma, and lymphangitis, which are all bacterial infections that are difficult to treat and can wreak havoc with your health. 
  • Mental health issues, due to anxiety and lack of sleep caused by bed bug bites and worry over the problem. 
  • Anemia, in situations involving infants, pets, and cases where considerable blood loss occurs due to large scale and long term bed bug infestations.  

Addressing Your Bed Bug Problem

Aside from the telltale bite marks and itching, signs of a bed bug infestation include black or brown marks along the seams of bedding and mattresses. Both the EPA and CDC advise calling in professionals if you have any doubts or suspect an infestation. 

Bed bugs are nearly impossible to eliminate on your own. Let our Missouri bed bug control experts determine whether you have a problem and the steps needed to address it. Once you have received treatment, actions you can take to help keep bed bugs from returning include the following: 

  • Wash towels, bedding, curtains, and other fabrics in hot water;
  • Vacuum your bed, furniture, and carpets regularly;
  • Inspect all second-hand clothing or furniture before bringing it into your home;
  • When traveling, check the bedding and curtains in your room before settling in.  

We Can Help You Today

If you are struggling with a bed bug problem, Amco Ranger Termite and Pest Solutions is here to help. To schedule a free, no-obligation inspection, call or contact our Missouri bed bug control experts online today.  

Do Ants Hibernate?

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Ants are one of the most common pests. Depending on the type, they may originally invade your yard, garden, landscaping, or outdoor structures, such as porches and decks. Eventually, these persistent bugs will more than likely make their way into your home. At Amco Ranger Termite and Pest Solutions, we help businesses and residential property owners eliminate ants quickly and safely, using environmentally friendly products and methods designed to keep them from returning in the future. 

While ants in Missouri are most likely to wreak havoc with property owners during the warmer spring and summer months, ants do not hibernate. This means that if there is a nest or colony of ants nearby that was previously not dealt with properly, there is a good chance you will spot them over the winter months as well. 

Where Do Ants Go When the Weather Turns Cold?

Ants are common invaders at summer picnics and barbecues. In warm weather, they often get in through open windows or cracks in your siding. During this time, you are likely to notice them marching across countertops, walls, and floors in kitchen and pantry areas. 

The Missouri Department of Conservation advises that in some cases, they may be coming from colonies formed outdoors, sometimes from as far as 100 yards away. These are generally worker ants, who go off in search of food while the queen remains in the nest, mating and watching over any eggs or ant larvae that are hatched. This is characteristic of yellow ants, acrobat ants, and odorous house ants, all of which are common in Missouri. Other ants you may spot in your home over winter include: 

  • Pavement ants, which usually live outdoors and underground, mainly along sidewalks and in pavement cracks as their name implies.
  • Carpenter ants, one of the more destructive species, feed on wood both outdoors and inside your home. 
  • Pharaoh ants, which usually nest in void indoor spaces, such as behind walls and in electrical outlets. Colder weather draws them out, where they can be spotted crawling along your baseboards or heating vents. 

All of the above may become more visible in you  home during the winter months. Ants do not hibernate but their bodies do require warmer temperatures to survive. Even field ants and other outdoor types not commonly seen in homes will build deeper tunnels and trenches in order to escape the cold. 

Why Am I Still Seeing Ants In My House?

If you are still seeing ants in your home despite freezing outdoor temperatures, there is a strong chance they may have moved their nest inside. Either that, or your previous attempts at exterminating them failed. 

Many home and business owners attempt do-it-yourself methods to keep ants at bay. Unfortunately, in addition to being unsafe, these are generally ineffective for the following reasons: 

  • Over-the-counter insecticides are simply not strong enough to eradicate an ant colony, nor are they generally applied the right way. 
  • Simply spraying will not do the trick. The University of Missouri advises that different types of ants require different elimination methods. For example, to effectively eliminate acrobat ants, you must find and thoroughly spray the nest, whereas pharaoh ants require the use of baits. 
  • You have to eliminate the entire nest. Another common mistake made among DIYers is killing only the queen. While this does prevent her from hatching more eggs, it does not prevent other queens from taking her place.
  • Even once the queen and the nest is removed, you need to address nearby conditions that may have served to attract ants to your home. This means sealing up cracks at windows, doors, and the exteriors of your home, eliminating food sources, attending to areas in your yard where ants are likely to nest. 

Half measures and the wrong methods will not yield the desired results and you will likely continue to see ants over the winter months. 

Reach Out to Us Today for Help

If you are experiencing problems with ants in your home despite the cooler temperatures, Amco Ranger Pest Control Services provides the professional help you need. You can expect fast, effective, friendly service backed by our 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee. When dealing with pest control problems, it is important to remember that the longer you wait, the bigger your problem is likely to get. To eliminate ants permanently from your home or business, call or contact our Missouri ant control experts online and request a free, no-obligation inspection today.  

 

Can Bed Bugs Survive in the Cold?

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When homeowners learn that their house is infested with a pest as pervasive and invasive as bed bugs, they immediately start to think of ways to get rid of them. Of course, one of the best ways to do this is to determine what bed bugs like, and then apply the opposite treatment. Bed bugs, it is known, like warm bodies that they can feed off of. Although the bodies may not be able to be removed from the home, is it possible to remove the warmth? Many people will take bedding and other moveable items they believe are infested and place them in the freezer. So, can bed bugs survive the cold?

Optimal Temperature for Bed Bugs

Bed bugs often burrow themselves into small, warm places such as into the nooks and crannies of beds, couches, and other cozy places. They do this for many reasons. The first is that they are not easily found in these areas and so, they can continue to increase their population and come out only when it is time to feed. The second reason they like these places is because they are warm, usually about 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the ideal temperature for bed bugs.

Cold Temperatures and Bed Bugs

Although bed bugs prefer temperatures that are fairly mild, they can survive cold temperatures for an extended period of time. To kill bed bugs below the freezing point, they usually must be exposed to the cold temperatures for approximately four days. An article in Yale University School of Public Health states that female bed bugs can better withstand cold temperatures than their male counterparts. 

Females will freeze at temperatures between -4 degrees Fahrenheit and -20 degrees Celsius. Female bed bugs will not die at this stage, but instead, freeze. Their egg production will also greatly slow down at any temperature under 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as well. This could mean that even though freezing temperatures will not kill bed bugs right away, they may prevent an infestation from quickly becoming worse.

To treat bed bugs with cold treatments, they must be exposed to below freezing temperatures of at least -30 degrees Celsius, which is -22 degrees Fahrenheit. Bed bugs must be exposed to these temperatures for a period of three or four days in order for this cold to affect them. Most home freezers do not reach these temperatures and so, when placing bedding and other materials inside of them to kill bed bugs, the length of time these items are left in the freezer will need to be extended.

Bed Bugs and Hibernation

Like all insects, people tend to wonder if bed bugs hibernate in the winter and then show up again in the spring. These pests do not hibernate the same way bears do. Instead, they freeze their body liquid and enter a dormant state known as diapause. This is partial hibernation. Going into this state allows bed bugs to remain dormant and go without food for several months. Bed bugs typically enter this state at temperatures of approximately 61 degrees Fahrenheit. They will remain in this state until temperatures improve and allow them to function normally again. However, even in this state, being exposed to extreme cold is enough to kill bed bugs.

Bed Bugs and Winter Colors

Flannel is big in Missouri during the winter months and it turns out that bed bugs are not only attracted to cozy surroundings, they are also attracted to cozy colors. Flannel is primarily made up of red and black colors, two hues that bed bugs happen to love. Flannel is used not only in clothing, but also in blankets, bedding, and home decor. No one really knows why bed bugs are attracted to flannel, although it is thought that they allow bed bugs to hide better.

Contact Our Missouri Pest Control Specialists for Help With Your Bed Bugs

Bed bugs do not have a season in Missouri. Although they thrive in warm temperatures, they can survive extremely cold temperatures, if only for a short period of time. Due to the fact that bed bugs are so hearty, and so resistant to different temperatures, it is best to call a St. Charles pest control specialist when you have an infestation. At Amco Ranger, we know the bed bug remedies that can eradicate your infestation and keep it out for a long time. Call us today at (636) 223-5703 to schedule a free inspection and to learn more about our bed bug control methods.

What do Baby Bed Bugs Look Like?

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Baby bed bugs are known as nymphs and if you see them, it means there is a very good chance that you have an infestation. Nymphs indicate that there is an infestation with females laying eggs. It also means that all of the adult bed bugs are feeding on human hosts, which is an annoyance and can make going to bed a little less comfortable. Due to this, it is crucial that all homeowners know how to identify nymphs that can indicate a much bigger problem.

The Appearance of Baby Bed Bugs

Nymphs are typically quite flat and no larger than a grain of rice. They are white and their shell is very soft, which makes them easy for homeowners to kill simply by pressing on them. Many people believe that baby bed bugs, or nymphs, are so small that they cannot be seen by the naked eye, but that is not true. However, because they are so small in appearance, they can be difficult to spot. Nymphs do not go through a metamorphosis like other insects and so, they look very similar to adult bed bugs. 

All bed bugs are flat, but there is an exception when they feed. After they eat, their abdomens expand because of the food they have just consumed. This, however, is not visible with the naked eye and requires a microscope to observe. As such, it is not a viable method of distinguishing nymphs from adult bed bugs.

The Size of Baby Bed Bugs

Although the term ‘nymphs’ refers to baby bed bugs that have just been born, all bed bugs go through five juvenile stages before they are adults. During the first two of these stages, baby bed bugs are considerably smaller than adults. Still, even during these stages, bed bugs will become bigger with each stage. They will be larger in the second stage than they were the first, and larger still in the third stage than they were in their second. During the third stage, a bed bug will be approximately half of the size it will be as an adult.

The Color of Baby Bed Bugs

When bed bugs first hatch, they are entirely white or off-white in color. Bed bug eggs are the same color, which is why some people confuse the two. Bed bug nymphs will remain this color until they begin to feed. 

After a bed bug feeds for the first time, it will have a round red spot in its abdomen. This is where they store the blood after they feed. Once they have digested this food, they will shed their skin and grow bigger. As nymphs begin to digest and grow, they will start to turn from white to brown. This is caused by the bed bugs using the nutrients from the blood that they eat from their host. As the bed bug babies grow into an adult bed bug, they will start to get browner and browner.

Adults are brown throughout their entire body. This is a result of feeding on a host on a regular basis. Once brown, bed bugs never return to their white color again.

Do Nymphs Crawl?

Anyone that has a bed bug infestation in their home may have seen them crawling around at some point. There is a good chance that when this happens, people are seeing adult bed bugs. 

Bed bugs in general, no matter their age, do not crawl very quickly. The first reason for this is that they simply do not need to crawl fast. Their main method of survival is to hide rather than run away. Bed bugs also do not have very long legs. Rather, they are quite short and stubby. As a result, bed bugs are unable to run very quickly. Bed bugs also rarely travel at full speed. They reserve this only for when they sense danger but even then, they cannot move very quickly. 

Baby bed bugs are even slower than adult bed bugs. Although they can crawl, they do not do so very often. Instead, they prefer to remain hidden rather than attempt to run away from a threat. They come out mainly at night, also to avoid running into any threats. 

Contact Our Missouri Bed Bug Specialists for Help with Your Infestation

It is important to be able to identify bed bugs during all stages of their life. This is the only way to determine if you have an infestation. If you believe your home is infested with bed bugs, call our St. Louis bed bug specialists at Amco Ranger. We will conduct a free inspection to determine the severity of the infestation and advise on the methods we use to get rid of it. Call us today at (636) 223-4804 and say good-bye to bed bugs tomorrow.

Benefits of Pest Control Insulation

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Whether you are replacing old insulation or insulating a brand new home, insect controlling insulation will allow you to save money on energy bills while protecting your home from insect infestations.

 

How does it work?

InCide® Pest Control Insulation is infused with an extremely effective pesticide – sodium polyborate. This ingredient prevents insect infestations by killing them on contact or when they ingest minute amounts of the insulation. Additional benefits include the following:

 

Save money
Because traditional fiberglass insulation tends to deteriorate over time, it can leave gaps for cold or hot air to sneak into your home, which leads to energy waste. Adding pest control insulation to your attic, crawlspace or other areas of your home can help you prevent this from happening, which saves you money.

 

Keeps your family safe
Though deadly to pests, our pest control insulation is safe for your family and pets. Also, there are no irritating side effects related to the insulation or inhalation of this EPA registered product.

 

Protects against mold

If left to grow, mold can cause serious health issues, such as nasal stuffiness, coughing or wheezing, throat irritation, eye irritation, and in some cases skin irritation. Pest control insulation helps inhibit the growth of mold.

 

Fire resistant

Pest control insulation also contains a fire retardant that makes homes safer in the event of a fire. The fire retardant will not hold a flame and ultimately limits the spread of fire.

 

We can help
No matter how intimidating or pervasive your pest problem, you can trust that Amco Ranger knows exactly how to handle it and make sure the pests don’t return. We are a local, family-owned business, and we’re ready to help you. Give us a call today if you need help getting rid of bugs in your attic in Lake St. Louis, Wentzville, O’Fallon, Cottleville, St. Peters, St. Charles, St. Louis, and surrounding communities.

 

How to Keep Mice Out of Your Home This Winter

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The weather outside is getting colder and as it does, it drives people into the warmth of their home. It’s not only people that look to head inside at this time of year, however. Mice are also looking to escape the cold and find a warm place to wait out the winter months. Your home is the perfect place for them to do it. No one wants to open their doors to mice though. Luckily, there are ways you can protect your home and make sure mice stay outdoors where they belong.

Block Off Points of Entry

Of course, the best thing you can do to keep mice out of your home is to not let them enter in the first place. Mice can fit through any space that’s the width of a pen, so it really doesn’t take much. Inspect the outside of your home and seal off any cracks in the foundation or in the walls with wire mesh. If you find gaps around the areas where pipes enter your home, fill them with caulk and place mesh around them.

Keep All Areas Free of Food

Mice don’t only like warm spaces, they prefer warm spaces that have a plentiful food supply. Cutting off this food supply is a good way to deter mice from entering your home. Don’t leave food lying around and always keep counters, appliances, and fridges clear of crumbs and loose food at all times. Always keep food in containers that close tightly and clean up food that falls on the floor promptly. Also remember to keep pet food sealed, as well. This is something that many people overlook, but it’s just as attractive to mice as food meant for people. 

Store Firewood Off the Ground

Firewood and the winter season seem to go hand in hand. There is after all, nothing better than curling up by the fire in the colder months. However, mice love wood chips and lumber because it provides them with great hiding spots and a structure to support their bedding. Firewood should never be stored right up against the walls of your home, and it should always be elevated at least 18 inches from the ground.

Use a Brush Strip on All Doors

The gap between a door and the floor can be significant sometimes, particularly in older homes. There are brush strips, sometimes also called sweep strips, that have adhesive backs and can simply be placed on the bottom of the door. This blocks those gaps so mice can’t get inside. You’ll also get the additional bonus of lower utility bills, as these strips will also help keep more heat inside your home.

Clear the Clutter

Clutter also provides a place for mice to hide, so clearing it is a great way to get mice out of your home. Clutter often collects in areas of the home that aren’t frequently used, such as in the attic and basement. When this is the case and mice make these places their home, they can quickly multiply and soon, there is an infestation throughout the entire house. Don’t leave laundry on the floors, store boxes off the ground, and tidy up stacks of newspapers and other junk. Mice also love cardboard boxes that are stacked right next to each other, so use plastic containers when possible.

Maintain Landscaping

Remember that mice and other pests come from outside. Mice love climbing and will run quickly up trees, onto your roof, and into your siding or any other warm spot they can find. To prevent them from doing so, make sure that any branches or overhang from trees is trimmed so mice cannot jump from the branch onto your home. Before it gets too cold, it’s also important to trim the grass and remove excess vegetation. These are great places for mice to hide and removing them will make the area less attractive to rodents. 

Did Mice Get Into Your Home? Call Our Missouri Pest Control Service!

If you’ve seen mice in your home, there’s a good chance you are already dealing with an infestation and must take action quickly. At Amco Ranger, we are the St. Charles pest control service that knows how to get mice out of your home and can help you keep them out for a long time to come. Call us today at (636) 441-2847 to schedule an inspection and we’ll come out to your home and tell you how we can help.

Preparing Your Home for Winter Pests

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The weather is getting colder in Missouri. As you start unpacking winter jackets and boots after storing them all winter, you should also start thinking about how to winterize your home to protect it from pests. Mice are often the first winter pest homeowners think of, but raccoons, spiders, and cockroaches will all also look for warm places to stay once the weather gets colder. To make sure the spot they find isn’t your home, follow the below tips.

Inspect the Exterior of Your Home

Pests of course, move into your home from outside. Due to this, the first place you should focus on when preparing your home for winter pests is outside. Search the perimeter of your house looking for any holes, gaps, or cracks that make a great entryway for pests. If you do find a hole or gap, use a sealant or caulk that will prevent them from getting inside. The foundation of a home very commonly develops cracks, and holes are often found around pipes in the areas where they enter the home.

Prepare Your Chimney

Raccoons in Missouri are a problem. Not only do they pick through garbage and carry diseases, but they are also incredibly skilled at making their way into a home. They can rip away siding from a home, and they really love to enter homes through open chimneys. Other animals, such as squirrels, mice, and rats can also enter your home through the chimney. To prevent this from happening, place a cap on the top of your chimney, or cover it with a screen.

Clean Your Gutters

While still working on the outside of your home, it’s also important to clean your gutters. The moisture in clogged gutters provides a great breeding ground for many pests, such as ants and mosquitoes, while the leaves and other debris offer a warm hiding spot for larger pests such as mice and squirrels. Cleaning the gutters will deter pests from setting up camp on your property, and help keep them out of your home.

Remove All Moisture

Just like humans, pests need moisture, too. Pools of water, even a very small one, can attract pests because it gives them the sustenance they need. To prevent moisture from coming indoors, which can attract other pests such as cockroaches, insulate your plumbing with heat tape to your pipes don’t freeze. This can also prevent significant damage to your home.

Put All Food Away

Like water, pests also need food, just as humans do. To prevent them from hanging around your home, put all food away. Make sure that any food inside the home is in a sealed container and is stored properly. Always keep counters clear of all food and sweep regularly to pick up crumbs that inevitably fall to the ground. Outside, keep all garbage and recycling items in animal-proof containers or in a garage where pests cannot get to them.

Store Firewood Away from Your Home

There is a proper way to store firewood, and it involves more than simply stacking it up outside of your door. It’s important to cover it with a tarp so that the water doesn’t collect and attract more pests to your property. Also, it must be stored at least 20 feet away from the home. Pests love to hide in these stacks because they offer some warmth and a solid structure for their nest. While you may not be able to completely prevent critters from getting into your wood pile, you can make it harder for those same pests to make their way into your home.

Remove Clutter

Many pests such as mice, stink bugs, spiders, and more, love hiding out in clutter. Things like piles of old newspapers, stacks of cardboard boxes, and junk in general make great hiding spots and many pests will also use these materials to build their nests. Removing them is a great preventative measure to control pests and to keep them out of your home. When clearing clutter, remember to clear it both inside and outside of your home. 

Contact a Missouri Pest Control Service

Many people wait to call a St. Louis pest control service until they’ve seen pests in their home. However, at Amco Ranger, we not only help remove pests from your house, but can also help prevent them from entering in the first place. When you need to protect your home, call us at (636) 441-2847 to schedule your free inspection.

Avoid Getting Bit By A Brown Recluse Spider

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It’s the time of year when people pull their cold-weather clothes, blankets, hunting gear, and holiday decorations out of storage. When you do this, be extremely watchful for brown recluse spiders. Their venomous bite can make a person quite sick and cause necrosis (skin cell death) at the bite location. A good indication you’re dealing with a brown recluse is the violin-shaped marking on its head.

 

Most bites occur when the brown recluse becomes pressed up against the skin, like rolling onto one in your bed or putting on a sweater, boots, or gloves that haven’t been worn in months. Pest control of brown recluse spiders is very important.

 

Precaution

In an infested home, you can reduce the chance of being bitten by shaking out shoes and clothing before putting them on, keeping bed sheets from touching the floor, and hanging clothes in closets rather than leaving them on the floor. You might also wear protective gloves when cleaning cluttered areas to guard against being bitten.

 

Elimination

Eliminating brown recluse spiders from your home may be difficult, but it is possible using an integrated approach that emphasizes eliminating the spider’s habitat. There are several protective actions you can take to control brown recluse spiders:

 

  • Begin by removing clutter, especially in low-traffic areas such as basements, attics, closets, and storage areas.
  • Frequent cleaning, using a vacuum wand to reach between boxes and other tight spaces, will help eliminate spiders, egg sacs, and potential food sources before spiders emerge and reproduce.
  • Store seasonal clothing and shoes in tightly sealed plastic storage containers and avoid placing them close together or against walls.
  • Knock down all the spider webs you encounter, focusing on the outside of your home.
  • Seal both interior and exterior cracks and crevices to prevent spiders and their insect prey from moving into your house.
  • Sticky traps or glue boards can be used to capture brown recluse spiders. Place traps around the house in areas where spiders are likely to travel: under furniture, along walls, in attics, basements, and closets.

 

We can help
No matter how intimidating or pervasive your pest problem, you can trust that Amco Ranger knows exactly how to handle it and make sure the pests don’t return. We are a local, family-owned business, and we’re ready to help you. Give us a call today if you need help getting rid of brown recluse spiders in your home or business in Lake St. Louis, Wentzville, O’Fallon, Cottleville, St. Peters, St. Charles, St. Louis, and surrounding communities.