Posts

Guarding Your Home Against Summer Pests

/in /by

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

/in /by

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.

Protecting Yourself Against Summer Pests

/in /by

Summer means spending time outdoors relaxing and having fun. It also means more exposure to bugs. Here are some ways to protect your self and your home from summer insects:

 

Mosquitos

Mosquitoes cause itchy bumps and carry dangerous diseases that can make you very sick. Aside from yard treatments to eliminate mosquitos, these tips can help keep mosquitoes away:

  • Eliminate stagnant water. Divert water away from your home through downspouts and regularly change the water in birdbaths, ponds, and other water features.
  • Wear insect repellent when outdoors.
  • Light citronella candles around your outdoor areas.

 

Ticks

Ticks can cause major illnesses. Reduce your chance of tick bites by following these suggestions:

  • Wear insect repellent when outside.
  • If you are in tall grass, bushes, or trees, wear long sleeves and long pants tucked into your socks.
  • Complete a thorough inspection of your body when you go inside.

 

Wasps

Wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets can be a real pain. To keep your home nest free, try the following tips:

  • Seal cracks and entry points into your home.
  • Examine overhangs and eaves on your home, which make a cozy place for a nest.
  • Keep bushes and trees trimmed and check for nests before you trim anything.
  • If you see a nest, contact a professional. It can be dangerous and painful to attempt removal your self.

 

Ants

Ant colonies can include thousands of ants, which can quickly lead to an infestation. To keep them at bay, try a few of these strategies:

  • Keep bushes, trees, and foliage trimmed and away from your home.
  • Keep your kitchen clean and place food in sealed containers.
  • Vacuum regularly.
  • Place sticky traps or ant bait in problem areas.
  • Seal cracks and holes where ants can enter your home.

 

If you are still having problems with pests after trying these tips, give Amco Ranger a call. We’ll fight the bugs so you can relax and enjoy the summer.

Learn more about how you can protect your pets during the summer. Also find out if you have a cockroach infestation.

Keep Your Pets Safe from Summer Pests

/in /by

The good old summer time is the perfect time for outdoor activities for the entire family, including pets. However, pests like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes can cause all sorts of problems for your fur babies. Following these tips can help your furry friends get through the summer without pest problems.

 

Fleas

Flea infestations can be transmitted through contact with other animals in addition to spending time outdoors. Once fleas latch on, they can cause problems like hair loss, inflammation, skin infection, anemia, and dermatitis. To keep fleas from causing long-term harm, invest in a flea collar, bathe your pets often, and be sure to regularly wash and vacuum everything they touch.

 

Ticks

Like fleas, ticks can pass on serious diseases when they come into contact with your pets. Anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and Lyme disease can result from tick bites, so it’s important to do everything you can to prevent tick bites in the first place. Use a tick collar, and be sure to inspect your pets anytime they have been outside. If you spot a tick, pull it out with tweezers very slowly so the mouthparts aren’t left in the skin. After removal, flush the tick down the toilet to prevent it from biting again. Also, keep your grass cut and weeds in check – tall grass can be an excellent hiding place for ticks.

 

Mosquitoes

Just like humans, pets can contract dangerous diseases like West Nile virus from mosquitoes. More commonly, mosquitoes can pass on heartworm to your pets, which can lead to weight loss, seizures, and blindness. To lessen the number of mosquitoes in your yard, remove all sources of standing water, since this is where they breed. Unfortunately, the only guaranteed way to avoid being bitten is to minimize outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active from dusk until dawn.

 

In Your Home

Medications that repel and kill fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are available to protect your pets and dramatically reduce your risk of home infestation. If you do end up with an insect problem in your home, call a professional like Amco Ranger. It can take a combination of efforts to get rid of these pests for good.