What Diseases Do Mosquitoes Carry?

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Mosquitoes are more than just buzzing-in-your-ear nuisances causing itchy skin when you get bit. They also carry deadly diseases. In fact, mosquitoes are one of the deadliest creatures in the world because of the many diseases they can transmit.

The primary diseases they carry include:

West Nile virus

In the United States, the West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease. It can be largely asymptomatic, but 20 percent of people who get the disease develop symptoms such as a fever, diarrhea, stiff neck, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle weakness. The virus can develop to the point where it starts to impact your central nervous system, too, which causes violent convulsions and paralysis. There were more than 2,500 West Nile cases reported in the United States in 2018, according to the CDC.

Malaria

This is the most deadly mosquito-borne disease. In 2015, there were hundreds of millions of cases of malaria reported, and nearly 500,000 deaths because of the disease. This makes up more than half of all deaths that come from mosquito-borne illnesses. The primary symptoms of malaria are high fever, chills, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Yellow fever

This disease is named after the yellow-ish hue it can cause in patients as a result of jaundice (a condition that affects the liver), which is a symptom of yellow fever. Other symptoms include headaches, fever, and fatigue. Yellow fever is a highly fatal disease if it’s contracted – half the people who get it die within a week to 10 days, according to the World Health Organization. However, it is preventable with a vaccination. It is currently most prevalent in Central America, South America, and Africa, and it causes between 30,000 and 60,000 deaths per year.

Zika

This disease is largely asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic. If it does show symptoms, they may appear in the form of a fever, skin rash, headache, joint pain, and more. However, Zika has proven to have more severe effects on pregnant women and leads to babies being born with brain and head defects.

Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis reveals itself with vomiting, headaches, a high fever, and joint and muscle pain. The symptoms take anywhere from a few days to two weeks to show up after you’ve been bitten. The disease is present in mosquitoes ranging from northern Asia all the way to almost every tropical region in the world, according to the CDC. There is a vaccine for Japanese encephalitis.

It should be noted that just because you are bitten by a mosquito, doesn’t mean you have been infected with a disease. If you suspect you may have a mosquito-borne illness, see your doctor.

We Can Help

If you are having issues with mosquitoes, give Amco Ranger a call to get a free quote for professional, ongoing defense in your yard. Treatments are tailored to your property and are applied by certified, trained technicians. Give us a call today if you need help getting rid of pests in your home in Cottleville, St. Peters, O’Fallon, St. Charles, St. Louis, and surrounding communities.

What Causes Moths In The Home?

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Although people think of protecting their clothes when it comes to moths, did you know that moths love breeding in your carpets? That is why they are often referred to as carpet moths. But what causes carpet moths, and why do they eat your clothes and carpets?

Identifying Carpet Moths

Carpet moths are easy to spot and generally have the following traits:

  • Small with a mottled brown color and black spots across their front wings
  • Have a wingspan measuring between 9 and 16mm
  • Both their hind and forewings have hairy fringes.
  • The moth larvae leave their casing behind. If you find something in your carpet that looks similar to rice, this is a sign that you probably have moths.

 

What Causes Carpet Moths?

The larvae of carpet moths eat the keratin proteins found in skin and hair. They have a strong attraction to fur, silk, wool, and other high quality and natural materials. If you don’t have silk or wool carpets in your home, there’s still a chance you will get moths. They can fly in from outside and will happily make a home in synthetic carpet fibers too.

Within the pile of a carpet or rug, moths can hide their eggs safely out of harm’s way. Once the eggs hatch, they turn into hungry larvae. Even if the larvae don’t eat the actual fibers, they will still eat dirt that collects in them, such as food crumbs, hair, skin, and other household dirt. These are filled with all the nutrients they need to grow.

They also like eating dirty clothes for similar reasons. These items will be covered in hair, skin and sweat, all rich in keratin.

Another contributing factor to carpet moth infestations is the climate. They prefer warm temperatures, so are more active during the summer.

Prevent Carpet Moths

The best remedy is to not have any carpeting. However, if that’s not possible, cleaning and especially vacuuming your carpet regularly can control carpet moths from becoming an infestation.

Keeping clothing freshly laundered before going back in your closet or drawers is another strategy. Also, using pheromone moth traps can help curb the population.

We Can Help

If you already have a moth infestation, give Amco Ranger a call. No matter how intimidating or pervasive your pest problem, you can trust that we know exactly how to handle it and make sure it doesn’t happen again. Give us a call today if you need help getting rid of pests in your home in Cottleville, St. Peters, O’Fallon, St. Charles, St. Louis, and surrounding communities.

5 Things To Know About Protecting Your Home From Termites

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Termites are an unfortunately common problem for property owners in our area. Feeding on wood structures, materials used in home construction, and debris typically found on your property, an infestation can cause heavy damage and may leave you facing structural issues that eventually make your home unsafe to live in. At Amco Ranger, our termite control experts have been helping clients address and eliminate termite problems for more than 50 years. Based on our experience, the following are five things you need to be aware of in protecting your home against termite damage:

1- Wood-to-soil contact provides the perfect breeding ground for termites.

The University of Missouri advises that one of the most important steps you can take in preventing termite damage is to eliminate the conditions under which they typically live and breed. Subterranean termites live underground and in wood that is in close contact to the soil surface.

Wood siding, door or window frames, and other wood structures, such as lattice, should all sit at least six inches above the ground to avoid providing a food source for termites and an easy way for them to chew their way in.

2- Keep moisture away from the foundation of your home.

Termites require a moist habitat to live and breed in. Keep the ground around your home dry by grading it at a slight downward slope and routinely check that all gutters are clear and in good working order. Make sure all downspouts are pointed at least a foot away from your home, and use gravel to line drainage ditches. Check air conditioning units regularly for signs of condensation as well and eliminate all leaks in plumbing.

3- Keep crawlspaces dry and vents free of debris.

Crawl spaces and attics tend to get humid and accumulate moisture as well as debris. Consider installing a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from the outside getting in and make sure adequate vents are installed and cleaned regularly. Avoid keeping firewood or wood construction materials in these locations and clear out any leaves, paper, dirt, or other debris regularly.

Make sure your basement is adequately drained as well and that windows or doorways are properly sealed. Avoid keeping wood furniture or other supplies in this area and consider covering dirt floors with concrete. 

4- Avoid mulch or placing bushes too close to your home.

To avoid attracting termites, use caution in your home landscaping too. Play it safe and make an effort to avoid wood mulch when possible, relying on stones or other materials instead. If you do mulch, keep it a foot from your home. If you cut and store firewood outside in a wood pile or have a wood burning fire pit, keep it 20 feet away. Take care when watering your garden or when installing lawn sprinkler systems to always spray away from your home’s foundation

5- Use only treated wood for construction projects.

When installing fencing on your property or in planning to build porches, decks, or sheds, be certain to use only specially treated wood designed to prevent water damage and repel termites. Unfortunately, while this does provide you with a certain level of protection, it is important to be aware that termites can still infest cut edges of the wood or rotten sections.

Routinely inspect all wood structures around your home or property for signs of termite damage or decay. One way to do this is by stabbing the wood with a screwdriver. Termites burrow and eat their way through wood, leaving tunnels as they go. These will immediately collapse under sharp pressure. Note the location where damage has occurred or where termites are suspected and notify our termite control experts immediately.

Our St. Louis Termite Control Experts Are Here to Help You

Termites can cause extensive damage to your home and are a problem that must be addressed at the very first signs of infestation. To avoid structural problems that could make your home unsafe to live in, call in our St. Louis termite control experts at Amco Ranger today.  

We rely on products that are proven safe, environmentally friendly, and reliably effective for addressing termite issues. You can rest easy, knowing our termite control service comes with a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee. Call or contact us online to request a free, no obligation inspection today.  

Warning Signs Of A Possible Cockroach Infestation

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In addition to being unsightly pests, cockroaches can also be a health hazard. When an infestation occurs, the presence of cockroaches in large numbers increases the dangers presented by these insects.

 

Health risks of cockroaches

Because they are drawn to human food, cockroaches are a cause of food contamination. Cockroaches both defecate and regurgitate on the food that they eat. While this is disgusting on its own, it also spreads bacteria and parasites that may be living inside of them.

 

How do you know if you have a cockroach infestation? Look for the following warning signs:

 

Cockroach feces

Feces can take on one of two forms depending on what cockroaches are eating. Solid feces look like small, black droppings while liquid feces look more like black streaks. You’ll see them on floors, worktops, baseboards, and other surfaces.

 

An odd & offensive odor

Cockroaches gathering in large numbers produce an odd and offensive odor that is easily recognized by pest control professionals. If you see what appears to be cockroach feces accompanied by a smell you don’t recognize, there’s a good chance you’re looking at an infestation.

 

Shed skins

Cockroaches shed their skins numerous times between the nymph stage and adulthood. A shed skin looks a lot like a live cockroach but without a head and legs. You’ll know one when you see one.

 

What you should do

If you suspect you might have a cockroach infestation in your home, we recommend several things. First, use a flashlight to thoroughly search areas where cockroaches might be hiding. Look under the fridge, behind the stove, and in kitchen cabinets. Check the bathrooms as well. Even though kitchens are where cockroaches most often congregate (that’s where they find food) they are also known to like the dark, moist areas of bathrooms.

Next, do a few night inspections. Wearing shoes to protect your feet, visit the kitchen without turning the lights on. If there are cockroaches present, you should see them scurrying around when you enter the room.

Finally, call a pest control expert, who will have the tools, skills, and experience to eradicate these unpleasant pests from your home. If you believe you might have an infestation, please don’t wait to call. Cockroaches reproduce rapidly and do not need much time to become a big problem.

 

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 it doesn’t happen again. Give us a call today if you need help getting rid of pests in your home in Cottleville, St. Peters, O’Fallon, St. Charles, St. Louis and surrounding communities.

Learn more about pest control myths.

Spring Pest Control

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Spring is here, which means warmer weather, shorter sleeves, and flowers in bloom. It also marks the return of some nasty pests. With the seasonal shift, once dormant creatures emerge hungry, homeless, and ready to mate. As you begin your spring cleaning, it’s the perfect time to protect against potential unwanted bugs and rodents.

 

Here are the top tips for ending your spring pest problems.

 

Know your enemy

Pest management can be difficult if you don’t know what to expect. While some pests are around all year, certain culprits are more active in the spring. Some pests start their mating season during this time of year. Termites begin their swarms and rats start their mating cycles. Additionally, after the winter thaw, there is an abundance of standing water for mosquitos to thrive.

 

As the weather turns warmer, other pests start to become more active. Ants begin searching for food and spiders emerge. Typically, an increase in temperature means an increase in travel and the spread of the hitchhiking pests: bed bugs and ticks. Once you’ve identified your problem, it’s easier to fix it.

 

Inspect your exterior

Winter weather is harsh. Changes in temperature and heavy winter snow can lead to some major repairs for your home’s exterior. These weaknesses in your property can be exploited by pests looking for a cozy spot to live. Pests can sneak into your home through cracks in the stone, chipped windowpanes, or gaps around doors. Roof damage or loose siding can also be entry points for sneaky invaders. To keep pests out, perform yearly wear-and-tear maintenance.

 

Inspect your interior

After inspecting your property’s exterior, the next step is to examine the interior. Spring cleaning is more than just washing your curtains. Attics and basements are two prime spots, as well as any areas where your home utilities are kept. Damp basements are a draw for insects like silverfish and spiders, while attics are prime spots for nesting animals like rodents. Be thorough to make sure no pest made its way inside.

 

Maintain your yard

As the snow melts and temperatures rise, it’s time to look to your yard. Fall and winter leave potential pest hazards behind, such as debris, dead leaves, melted snow, and mud. Any damp wood or thick overgrowth can house potential spring pests. Additionally, any stagnant or standing water from puddles or in clogged gutters can be ideal for mosquito breeding. Maintain your property to avoid potential pest problems.

 

Monitor food & waste

After the winter thaw, pests are on the lookout for the essentials: food, water, and shelter. One way to keep these creatures out of your home is to be mindful about how you store their potential food source. Keep food – including pet food – stored in airtight containers. Clean up dishes and spills quickly, and make sure your indoor and outdoor garbage dumpster/trash can is kept closed.

 

Control moisture

The transition to spring often means dealing with a lot of moisture: rain, snow, runoff, and overflow. Pests are drawn to water either because they are searching for a drinking source, or they thrive in a damp environment.

 

Leaky pipes, blocked gutters, and pooling water can be a draw to many different creatures. While you can’t help how much it rains or snows, be sure to keep your gutters clean and maintain your plumbing.

 

Keep things clean

Spring is the best time of year to clear out any potential dirt and clutter gathered over the winter. Clutter and build-up can lead to serious pest problems, because extra junk means more areas for pests to hide. If you want to keep pests out, keep your home clean and tidy.

 

Contact a professional

Following these pest control tips is a great way to deter unwanted houseguests. However, even the most vigilant homeowner can face a pest management problem. If you suspect you may have an infestation, contact a professional pest control company for a thorough inspection.

 

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 it doesn’t happen again. Give us a call today if you need help getting rid of pests in your home in Cottleville, St. Peters, O’Fallon, St. Charles, and surrounding communities.

Check out our bug survival guide for additional information. 

Common Pest Control Myths Debunked

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There are many pest control myths that sound like they might be true. It’s time to debunk those myths and make sure you’re getting the proper help for your home to keep bugs away and keep your family safe.

 

Some common pest control myths debunked:

 

It’s just a season. These pests will go away soon.

Ignoring a pest problem is a great way to end up with an infestation. If you see a pest, even just one, know that it has friends and family. It’s best to call a professional early to prevent infestation.

 

Bug zappers will help my mosquito problem.

Everyone loves a good zap, but you may be attracting other bugs besides mosquitoes, while mosquitoes run rampant on your property. Mosquitoes don’t actually care about the bright light, and are much more attracted to you and your family members. Plus, zappers explode the bugs into tiny bits that rain down on anyone in the area. Yuck.

 

My home is clean, so I don’t have to worry about pests.

Just because you have a clean, organized home doesn’t mean you’re invincible. Many pests like bed bugs and flies can feed on human blood to survive; they don’t need a dirty home. While a dirty or disorganized home may give pests more space to hide, keeping a clean home will never fully eradicate a pest issue.

 

I can treat a pest issue on my own.

We’re all for empowering you to get handy and fix some problems around your home. However, not when it comes to pest control. In order for an insecticide or treatment to work as intended, it’s important to know what kind of pest you’re dealing with and how to best deal with them. That’s why hiring a professional pest control company is so important.

 

I only need to call a pest control company if I notice a problem.

The best kind of pest control is preventative, not reactive. If you don’t have a reliable pest control technician that treats and inspects your home regularly, there’s no telling what might be lurking in your basement, attic, walls, closets, and cabinets.

 

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 it doesn’t happen again. Give us a call today if you need help getting rid of pests in your home in Cottleville, St. Peters, O’Fallon, St. Charles, and surrounding communities.

Spring Bug Survival Guide

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We’re finally on the verge of spring. We love it, and so do the bugs. Here is all you need to know to survive another spring and summer, no matter how many of these insects cross your path.

 

Ticks

Ticks can be a serious concern for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors, especially hiking or camping, specifically because of Lyme disease. These spring bugs latch onto exposed areas of skin (or fur for your pets) and begin sucking blood immediately. The longer it’s attached, the higher your risk for infection.

The best way to avoid ticks is by covering up. If you’re hiking or walking through a heavily wooded area, wear long sleeves and pants, and wear closed-toe shoes. Check your skin regularly throughout your time in the woods, and thoroughly check for ticks when you get home. If you do find any on your skin, promptly, but gently, remove them using tweezers, grabbing close to its mouth and not around its body.

 

Flies

Flies are more annoying than anything else, but some flies, such as horseflies, can actually bite, leaving behind painful welts.

Most flies are inactive at night until sunrise, so it’s only during the day that you typically need to make efforts to prevent them. Cover up! Wear long sleeves, long pants, a hat, and closed-toe shoes. If you do get bit, disinfect the bite with soap and water. You typically won’t need more than an antihistamine or anti-allergy pill.

 

Bees & Wasps

Bees inject all of their poison at once, lose their stinger, and then die. However, wasps keep their stinger after stinging, meaning they can inject smaller amounts of venom several times. Venom is quite different between the two as well, meaning your reactions can vary depending on which one stings you.

To prevent stinging insects from bothering you, avoid wearing perfume, cologne, or bright colors outdoors. Also, keep the sweet foods and drinks to a minimum, disposing of empty cans and wrappers immediately. If you get stung, wash it with soap and water, then apply a cold pack to the wound to reduce swelling and pain. Consider using an antihistamine or pain reliever, and if you notice increased swelling over the next few days, see a doctor.

 

Mosquitoes

We’ve heard a lot about the Zika Virus in the media, but mosquitoes can cause other issues as well (from infections to diseases like West Nile). While these diseases are very uncommon in our area, it’s important to be aware and still remain careful.

 When outdoors, always use a repellent like DEET or natural remedies such as essential oils. You can also use fire, citronella candles, and tiki torches to keep them away. Protect your skin by wearing pants and sleeves, and stay away from stagnant water. If you get bit, hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion will typically relieve itching. Learn more about protecting against mosquitoes.

 

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 it doesn’t happen again. Give us a call today if you need help getting rid of pests in your home in Cottleville, St. Peters, O’Fallon, St. Charles, and surrounding communities.

Also check out our tips on spring pest control.

Why DIY Pest Control Can be Dangerous

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There are many areas in our lives where DIY (Do It Yourself) projects come in handy. DIY home improvement projects and decorating projects can make our lives easier, and they’re often fun. However, pest control is one area where you need to proceed with caution.

 

Here are several reasons you should be careful when it comes to pest control.

 

Bugs can be misidentified

If you’ve never had any type of training or education in the pest control world, it can be extremely tough to properly identify an insect. Is it an ant or termite? A cockroach or beetle? What about those strange, alien-looking insects that you’ve never seen before? Treating your home for the wrong kind of insect can cost you time and money.

 

Your pest problem is unique

There’s no universal, one-size-fits-all pest control solution. Finding tips online or from someone who hasn’t spent time in your home investigating your problem can mean treating it like every other pest problem, and that can also waste time and money.

 

Products can be used incorrectly

How can you tell if the source of your DIY pest control project is reliable? How can they ensure the products used won’t put your home or your family in danger? It’s also tough to ensure that you don’t make any harmful mistakes during application.

 

There’s no ongoing care

Most DIY projects are one-time solutions, and they don’t come with a reliable pest control specialist who can follow up and make sure your treatment is working.

 

It can be stressful

No matter how much you enjoy a good DIY project, a DIY pest control solution can be stressful. You’re likely already stressed if you’re experiencing a pest issue, so why add more stress to the mix? Your best option is to call in a professional you can trust to handle it for you.

 

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 it doesn’t happen again. Give us a call today if you need help getting rid of pests in your home in Cottleville, St. Peters, O’Fallon, St. Charles, and surrounding communities.

 

Where Do Bugs Go in the Winter?

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We all love the relief from bugs that winter gives us. The mosquitoes stop buzzing, and we no longer need to worry about getting stung or bothered by bees and wasps. But you might still be wondering, where are they?

 

Ants

Ants don’t go very far. They’re great at overwintering outside in our back yards. They put on some fat during the fall in order to survive for weeks without any food (just like bears). They then tunnel far underground to avoid cold temperatures and hope their colony survives until spring.

 

Bees

The main priority of bees is to protect the queen, and that doesn’t change once temperatures drop. Bees form a winter cluster in the center of their hive, where they huddle together and keep each other warm. You won’t see any bees once winter hits.

 

Cockroaches

If you’ve ever tried to kill a cockroach yourself, you know they can withstand nearly anything. So what’s a little cold? Most species can survive all year as long as they have a warm, moist home. However, the cold slows down reproduction rates, so while you’ll still see them around your home, you might not see as many as you would in the summer. If you suspect a roach infestation, especially in the winter, it’s important to call in the pros to find where they’re overwintering.

 

Mosquitoes

Although it feels like they suddenly disappear once it gets cold outside, mosquitoes don’t travel south for the winter or fall dead as soon as it gets cold. They overwinter in places like hollow logs to stay warm and survive until the spring. Females are the first to leave hibernation as soon as it warms up in order to begin developing eggs.

 

Spiders

You may still see some spiders in the winter, but they definitely slow down and tend to overwinter once it gets cold. Many species overwinter inside homes, in crawl spaces, attics, and other dark, warm spaces. They may be in your home without you even knowing since their activity is reduced in the cold months. Keep an eye out for webs to give you a clue as to where they’re hiding.

Learn how to identify and prevent brown recluse spiders.

Termites

In warm climates and inside our homes, termites can survive all winter long. However, if they’re not living inside your home, it depends on the type of termite. Subterranean termites dig deep into your soil below the frost line in order to stay warm in the colder months. Others find shelter in dry wood around your home. If you have a termite problem in the warmer months, don’t expect the winter to kill them off for you; only a quality termite treatment will do the trick.

 

Ticks

Some tick species such as the American dog tick and the lone star tick are not active once it gets cold. Others such as the black-legged tick will remain active as long as temperatures stay above freezing. Many of their preferred hosts are hibernating during the winter, so we often don’t notice them until the spring when they have many more options available.

 

We can help

Even though we don’t notice as many bugs in the winter, pests are always a problem unless treated. Don’t wait until it gets warm again. Give us a call today if you notice any signs of pests in or around your home in Cottleville, St. Peters, O’Fallon, St. Charles, and surrounding communities.

 

Benefits Of Pest Control Insulation

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Pest Control Insulation (PCI) is a unique form of insulation that can prevent and control insect infestations. There are several benefits of using this form of insulation in your home.

 

Control even the most threatening pest populations

During the manufacturing of PCI, it is infused with the powerful pest control agent sodium polyborate. When an insect comes in contact PCI, the borate particles instantly attach to the insect. Most insects that are household threats self-groom, and they will ultimately ingest the borate particles and die. The particles kill the insects by disrupting their digestive process and causing them to starve.

 

Designed with safety in mind

PCI provides two sustainable solutions within one product. The insulation is environmentally responsible and features superior thermal and sound-deadening properties. 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.

 

Reduced energy bill

PCI is environmentally responsible and is created from 87.5 percent post-consumer content. The product carries the Energy Star seal and can help any homeowner save on heating and cooling bills. The thermal envelope surrounds your home and seals air leaks to create a more controlled environment within the home. The insulation reduces the amount of heat that transfers through the wall and attic. PCI is denser than traditional insulation, so air does not move through it as easily.

 

Protects against mold

Mold is a disaster for any homeowner. Fortunately, PCI features materials that help guard homes against the threat of mold and mildew. 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.

 

Fire resistant

Only the right insulation can keep your family safe from threats of fire. PCI contains a fire retardant that makes homes safer in the event of a fire. Traditional insulation can melt and create a chimney-like effect within the wall. The fire retardant PCI will not hold a flame and forms a charred surface barrier, ultimately limiting 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 it doesn’t happen again. Give us a call today if you need help getting rid of pests in your home in Cottleville, St. Peters, O’Fallon, St. Charles, and surrounding communities.

Find out why you shouldn’t do your own pest control.