Midwestern Pest Blog

Bug bites are something that all of us have to deal with at one time or another. They range from annoying mosquito bites to more serious venomous insect bites. They come in different degrees of itching, swelling and side effects—both short-term and long-term. Here are some simple ways to relieve itchy bug bites. 1. Mosquito Bites To relieve itchiness on the skin, apply some toothpaste to the affected area for 10 minutes.  You can also make a paste out of baking soda and water (three parts baking soda plus one part water) then apply it to your skin. Allow it to stay for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off.  Essential oils have also proven effective in relieving itching caused by mosquito bites. Try applying tea tree oil or lavender oil to your skin. If you’re struggling with more than just a mosquito bite and need to rid yourself of these or ......

As it turns out, yes, raccoons do carry disease. Here is what you need to know. 1. Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis Infection) The most common disease contracted from raccoons is raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis). It can be deadly to humans and pets if ingested. Raccoons are natural carriers of this parasitic infection, which they shed through feces. Where raccoon habitat exists, it is fairly easy for roundworm eggs to make their way into the soil. They become a danger only after the eggs have been dormant for some time. This is bad news for homeowners who move into a new property that previously housed raccoons. If people or animals come into contact with contaminated soil and then put their fingers in their mouths or eat without washing first, the larvae migrate through the body and cause serious damage. Potential places for contamination: - Your garden, if you have one. - Your......

Which pests are the most dangerous?  The answer is a little complicated, and it depends on what you mean. Are you asking which ones are the most harmful to your body? Or are you asking which ones can do the most financial harm?  To ensure you get the answer you need, we’ll cover both of those questions.  Let’s start with the most harmful to your wallet.  Termites Termites can cause significant damage to your home, and it’s bad enough, it could be unrepairable. There are two types of termites, one of the most common is the subterranean species. They will begin by infesting your home and attacking your foundation. That can mean excavating and a lot more just to assess the damage that’s been caused. You can learn more about them here.  What about pests that are harmful to your body?  Bed bugs Bed bugs have a bad reputation for a good re......

Midwestern Pest Control is a family-owned business that has been operated since 1962. As such, we know a thing or two.  One thing we learned is that pest control is often a necessary service that keeps you and your home safe.  However, that doesn’t mean that you should have to pay an arm and a leg for it. A good pest control service should come with a price point that matches the quality of service. So we’ll go through what expenses you could expect depending on the pest.  Note: the price is often dependent on the scope of the service. In other words, if you need one room covered or multiple.  Ants, Silverfish and Fleas These are three of the cheapest pest problems to deal with. Prices vary between $100- $500 for Ants, $100- $300 for Silverfish and finally, $140- $350 for Fleas.  The lowest price is a ballpark estimate of wha......

Summer is officially over, and with the cooler temperatures outside, you might think that you don’t have to worry as much about pest infestations. But, that’s not entirely true. Why? Because even though insects might be slowing down in the colder air, the winter months can still bring rodents into your home. Remember, as cozy and comfortable as your house may feel to you, it feels the same way for the rodents trying to get in, as well. But which kinds of rodents might try to get in the inside of your house?  Winter Rodents If you happen to find a rodent in your house at some point during this winter, then most likely it’s going to be one of the typical rodents you might find outside during the rest of the year. There aren’t really “winter” rodents that hide out all summer long and then come out when it gets cold; it’s ......

Now that summer is coming to an end, we will soon be greeted by colder months to come. For some this is a welcomed change, and for others it may not be. Regardless of your preference on colder seasons, one thing that is certain is you may see more pests in or around your home. The reason for this is they would rather be in your warm home than outside in the cold. Here are four pests to look out for in the upcoming winter season. Ants While ants may be most prominent in warmer seasons, there is still a possibility of them invading your home during the winter as well. Ants are always on the hunt for food and when they find it, they are difficult to get rid of. All it takes is an ant to smell food to release a pheromone that will attract other ants to the......

Summer is nearing its end, and many of us will miss the warmer temperatures, summer vacations and our time at the pool. However, there are also many things to look forward to in the fall. Think of the crisp and cooler air, crunching leaves and pumpkin spice lattes. As temperatures cool down, the numbers of pests that are active will go down as they begin to hibernate. Some people look forward to the end of summer simply so that they can say goodbye to mosquitoes, as they are particularly active in the summer. But is it true that they are no longer active in the fall? Keep reading to learn more. Mosquitoes Enjoy Cool Weather Much like humans, mosquitoes actually enjoy the cooler weather. As they are cold-blooded, they are not able to handle extremely cold temperatures. This means that they go into hibernation in the late fall. In the beginning......

There are many benefits to having houseplants. They can reduce stress levels, act as an air purifier, lift moods and even improve concentration. So, it is important to keep these household helpers free of invasive pest problems that would not only destroy them but may also cause significant pest infestation to your home. To do this, you must first identify the pests accurately and then seek the correct treatment. Indoor plants require the optimal environment to thrive. If the right environment is not maintained, they can become weak and more susceptible to pest attacks. Too little sunlight, too hot or cold temperatures or overly wet or dry soil will all contribute to putting a plant and your home at risk. Identify the Intruder There are two main types of houseplant pests: soft bodies and hard shells. Aphids are one of the most common soft body insects. They are small, vary in......

Movies love referencing possums who pretend to be dead, “playing possum,” and it is true. Opossums are known for pretending to be dead to escape predators. Even if you mean no harm, humans are larger and therefore present a threat to smaller creatures. The danger comes from not knowing what the opossum will do if you do not fall for the ploy. Here are some tips for what to do when you see an opossum on your property. Simple Scare Tactics Before you try to interact with any wild animal, make sure it has a clear getaway path. Animals who feel cornered may think fighting is the only way out, and the last thing you want is to go hand-to-hand with a possum.  If you see an opossum in your yard and it does have a clear getaway path, you can try to startle it away. Remember to keep it simple as ......

Running a successful business requires attention to operational details. While this strategy typically means monitoring cash flow, labor expenses and taxes, it can also mean pest control. Whether you have a restaurant or a Fortune 500 company, pests can ruin your day. That’s why having a comprehensive pest control program can be valuable. Here are some of the top reasons to include routine pest control for your business. Protect Your Property Most critters will simply use your building as a place to call home and raise a bunch of children. However, some pests, like rats and termites, are a bit more destructive. Rather than being an annoying presence, they can tear down your business from the inside. Spotting and removing these pests as soon as possible can save you massive headaches and repair bills. Protect Your Employees Many pests carry diseases, making them more than just a nuisance. As populations grow, t......

Some homeowners consider pest inspections an unnecessary expense best to handle on their own. However, there are four critical times that pest inspections are well worth the investment. Learn how calling a pest inspection professional at the right times is both cost-effective and wise. Selling a Home We are currently experiencing a strong sellers’ market for homes. Many are thinking about putting their homes up for sale. Before you consider selling your home, arrange for a professional pest inspection. Trained professionals will come to your home and examine it thoroughly for any pest situations that could hinder your selling process. Prepare to sell with confidence after learning the soundness of your home’s structure. Buying a Home It is equally important to enter into purchasing a home only after a complete pest inspection has been completed. Ask to see the report submitted by the inspector. If there are problems, ask for corr......

It’s springtime in Missouri, and the blooming flowers mean it's safe for us to emerge from our homes and start enjoying outdoor fun. Unfortunately, it means the same thing for hibernating pests, with active critters foraging and hunting for new nesting opportunities as we move into warmer weather.  Avoid the headache of a pest infestation by taking proactive measures. Follow these handy tips to keep spring insects out of your home and start enjoying a pest-free, worry-free season. 3 Ways to Keep Spring Pests Out of Your Home Want to know how to keep your home pest free this spring? Here are the best 3 ways to get rid of pests in your house. Inspect Your Home’s Exterior Cold winter climates put stress on your home’s structure, opening up new cracks and gaps to give pests access. Walk around the exterior of your home to check for cracks in brick and concr......

Finding out you have a termite infestation in your home is bad news. Termites can quickly cause a great deal of damage, so the sooner they’re dealt with, the better off you’ll be. Here’s what to expect during a professional pest control termite removal. Fumigation Severe termite infestations may require fumigation. It is the most invasive of all the treatment options for termites because it involves harsh chemicals, and it requires you and any pets you have to leave your home. During fumigation, pest control professionals fill your home with gaseous pesticides. Afterward, it is ventilated, so you can safely return to your home.   Depending on your home’s design and the severity of the infestation, fumigation can take between several hours and several days. When possible, many people prefer to try other options first because being displaced from your home for that long is inconvenient.  Heat Treatments In some cases, fumigation isn’t a......

There are more than 700 species of ants in North America, but Missouri has 150 different kinds of them, including the two species you’re most likely to see in your kitchen or bathroom: the odorous house ant and the acrobat ant. You usually see the odorous house ant in your kitchen looking for sweets. It has a small abdomen, and it releases a fruity coconut smell when smashed. The acrobat ant has a heart-shaped abdomen and thrives near moisture. You’re most likely to see it near the tub or bathroom window. Here are some other ant varieties that can be found in the state of Missouri.  The Eastern Black Carpenter Ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus)  This type of ant is large and named because it builds nest tunnels in already-decaying wood such as rotting logs. Because they love to eat wood, they tend to leave trails of sawdust wherever they roam. If you fin......

 As a business owner, you know that there are many ins and outs to running a business. It requires much of your time and attention, as you must make sure you are keeping your clients satisfied, your employees content and are growing in profitability. Part of achieving these goals means taking care of your building. Having routine pest control inspections and treatments can greatly benefit your company. Keep reading to discover more.   Maintain Your Reputation Even though many businesses grow through social media marketing and other means of advertising online, there is still much to be said about reviews via word of mouth. A good way to maintain your business’ reputation is to ensure that there are no pest infestations. If you are in the hospitality business, it is especially important. You do not want a bed bug infestation or cockroach infestation. It is hard to recover from this kind of i......

Over 170,000 homes exist in St. Louis, Missouri. Each one of these homes has experienced or has high chances of experiencing some type of pests. From mosquitos to rodents, there is no escaping them. However, you can prepare yourself. Keep scrolling to check out the most common pests in St. Louis, Missouri.  Ants The most common pest in the United States is ants. There are more than 10,000 species of ants from all over the world. Carpenter and pavement ants are the most common ones found in St. Louis and the surrounding areas. Just like termites, carpenter ants feed on wood. If they have access to your home, they can cause serious damage such as house collapses. Pavement ants are not as dangerous as the other ants, but they do raid food sources and attract other ants. To avoid these pests, seal up all opened foods and store everything away properly. ......

With winter approaching, you might find some unwanted pests seeking shelter inside of your home. Your warm house means safety not just for your family, but for rodents as well.  Most homes get the occasional mouse, rat or squirrel inside, so it is nothing to be embarrassed about. Unfortunately, rodents have quite the arsenal of techniques to sneak inside your home and will take any advantage they can get. How they Get Inside Mice and rats are resilient, pesky and determined. They seek out any opportunity to get inside and are more than capable. They can climb, squeeze and jump their way in. Once they are inside, they wreak havoc.  Mice and rats often find their way into your house through any hole or crevice in floors, walls and roofs. Because of their size and shape, rodents can squeeze into holes much smaller than you would expect them to. It is......

People encounter bug problems in their houses now and then. These insects can cause a lot of damage to our homes when proper fumigation is not done. However, not every pest problem you encounter needs the intervention of a professional service. Say you are in the house and you see a spider, a fly, or a roach, chances are, you can probably take care of them yourself. But what if you see a termite, a bedbug, or even a giant rat? That is when it is time to hire a professional pest control company like Midwestern to inspect your home for an infestation.  At first it may seem like you will be able to take care of the problem yoursefl but it is smarter to have your home professionally inspected. Here are a few of the several reasons you should hire a professional if you have a termite infestation.  Higher Quality Product......

One of the best parts of living in an apartment is that your landlord takes care of maintenance. However, you’re on your own for maintenance issues like having nasty pests in your home. If you see a roach or ant crawling across your floor, you need to know what to do. At Midwestern Pest Control we created this guide to get rid of the pests you are most likely to encounter throughout your apartment.  The Worst Offenders Cockroaches may be the worst nightmare you can think of, but they are not the most common pests you may encounter. That frustrating honor goes to the fly. You may also have trouble with ants, mice or bedbugs. Many of these creepy crawlies love to hang out in the kitchen or bathroom. If you leave out leftovers or let the fruit sit on your countertop, you can expect to see flies buzzing around or a......

No matter the time of year, different kinds of pests are always present in the Midwest. However, a change in weather patterns has a major impact on the overall activity of pests and the risks they may pose to you and your home. Read about the behaviors you can expect to see in pests during each season of the year. Spring Spring is prime time for many insects. Warmer weather allows dormant pests to awaken, pollen brings bees and an abundance of rain may cause certain insects to seek food and shelter in our homes. Termites, in particular, are attracted to moisture and will happily build a nest in unwanted places after consistent rain.  In addition to the emergence of pests, springtime also means mating season. Pests will actively begin to seek a mate and reproduce, often rapidly. Although much of this reproduction occurs outdoors, some pests might seek to use......