Midwestern Pest Blog

Frass control is a critical part of any insect removal program. Understanding the properties of frass can help you to identify it and make decisions about your pest-control needs. Frass can be used as a source of food or even as construction materials. This means that you will need to eliminate this material from your home as a part of your long-term program for pest control. About Insect Frass Frass is a term that refers to insect fecal matter, which can have different appearances. Each type of pest will digest materials from their diet and leave the excrement behind. This becomes a sign of their presence, and it can be used to determine the kind of pest infestation you are experiencing. Frass can be composed entirely of fecal matter, but some insects will also excrete the parts of the wood that they consume as food. This can show up in the......

When wood in your home decays, termites are often the first thought that comes to mind. Termites can cause severe damage to wood in homes since they feed on timber in order to survive. In the natural environment, termites feed on fallen logs and trees that are starting to die. Wet logs are preferred by termites since they are easier to eat. Termites are, therefore, often assumed to be synonymous with rotten wood. In reality, termite infestations and rotten wood are separate issues that you should understand how to distinguish. Signs of Rotten Wood Although building codes try to establish rules that reduce the chances of wood rotting in modern homes, wood decomposition is still a possibility for homes of any age. It is unusual for wood to rot without exposure to a source of water. Rotten wood can start to appear after a flood or a plumbing leak. Mold often......

Ants exist all over the world, and these little critters are always on the lookout for their next meal. If you aren't careful, your pantry just might become their next target. Adopting a few good habits can help prevent these pests from overtaking your kitchen. Keep a Clean Kitchen If you maintain a clean kitchen, ants will have fewer places to hide and less food to eat. After every meal, make it a habit to clean dishes immediately and wipe down the countertops and the dining room table. In the event of a spill or other food-related mess, clean it up right away. Be sure to use your vacuum or sweep the floors regularly, including areas outside of the kitchen where people eat. Don't forget about storing pet food properly; ants will dine on dog and cat food as well. Protect Your Food Leaving food out on the countertop is a......

Termites thrive in a wide range of natural habitats by consuming dead wood. Opportunistic feeders, these wood-boring insects do not make a distinction between a dead tree in the woods and the lumber used to build your home. Termites are a constant threat because they can attack wood-based architectural features year-round. They devour wood weakening the structural integrity of your home. You should take proactive measures to protect your investment by including a pre-construction termite treatment in your building plans and budget. Why Is Pre-Construction Termite Treatments Important? These pests can cause considerable damage before an infestation is discovered because they establish their colonies in inaccessible locations. The cost of these types of repairs is not usually covered by standard homeowner insurance policies. Instead of reacting to an infestation after your home is built, you can prevent these destructive insects from reaching your property by arranging a pre-construction termite control treatment.......

You probably see ants every day when you step foot outside. With more than 3,000 species in the States, it's hard to avoid them. Most ants are nuisances as they invade your home looking for sweet foods to take back to their colonies. However, other ants cause property damage and bring down the value of your home. 3 Signs of Carpenter Ants You see them. Carpenter ant workers go out each day in search of food for the colony. It's not rare to find one inside your home or on your patio. Just because you see an ant or two doesn't mean that there's a nest somewhere nearby. However, you'll want to inspect your home as a precautionary measure. You see holes in wood. Although some ant species build nests in the ground, carpenter ants build their nests in wood. They gnaw away at the wood, creating burrows that lead deep......

Do you think that a rat family is living in your attic? The good news is that you don't have to climb in your attic to see if you're right. Rats and other pests make their presence known in a number of ways. When you come across any of the following signs, it's in your best interest to get assistance from your Franklin County, MO pest exterminator because your property is due for a pest inspection. Hear Noises Insects and rodents can cause a somewhat noisy disturbance as they move around behind walls and squeeze through tight spaces. Although the noises are typically faint, you'll be able to hear them if you stay alert. It just depends on which culprit you're dealing with. From rats to carpenter ants, most of these invaders are active at night. Gray squirrels and some insects can be seen and heard throughout the day, especially in......

When the thermometer begins to dip towards the freezing mark, various types of pests will be trying to take refuge. Your home provides all of the resources they need to survive the cold weather. Here are some of the most common winter pests that we typically see in the area.  Mice  Mice can be a problem throughout the year. However, they are especially problematic during the winter. The freezing outdoor temperatures and lack of available food cause these rodents to target your home. Because their bodies are so limber, mice can easily slip through tiny holes. Once mice have successfully gotten inside, prepare to have an uphill battle on your hands. Not only can mice cause serious sanitary issues, but they can also damage property.  Carpenter Ants Don’t be surprised to see carpenter ants lurking in your home this winter. Like a team of soldiers, carpenter ants work together to complete t......

Termites are small insects that can do a lot of damage to your home if they are not dealt with quickly. They usually have a small white body, and some of them have wings. The winged termites are usually seen in the spring when they begin mating and come out of their nests after the winter. They will usually lose their wings and die once they have mated or if they enter an environment that is not conducive to surviving. If you have termites in the home or near the home, there could be structural damage to an area that is made of wood. A common sign is a shelter tube. These are made of dirt and can usually be seen between bricks and concrete. These tubes offer protection for the termites from other animals while maintaining a dark and humid place to live. You could also see holes in trees where......