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 ......