Bed Bugs

Bed bugs have largely been thought of as being a problem of the past. Unfortunately, we are now experiencing a widespread recurrence of bed bugs in the United States and abroad. The most significant factor that explains their return is the increase in international travel. Bed bugs easily get into clothing or luggage and are brought home. Even the finest hotels are not immune.

A bed bug does not actually live under your skin, but will simply drink a few drops of blood while you are sleeping. You cannot feel its bite, even though it is actually piercing the skin. Although some saliva will get into the bite, bed bugs are not known to pass on any diseases to humans.

While many bed bugs hide in mattresses, some may also hide in a sofa or chair, or behind wall paper or pictures. Thoroughness is the only real way to get rid of Bed Bugs. Every corner and crevice needs to be searched. As you might guess, this means that simply getting rid of an infected mattress will not completely solve the problem.

Bed Bug bites often cause redness and some swelling. Antihistamines and corticosteroids may be given to help relieve the itching. Approximately 50% of Bed Bug victims do not show any evidence of bites. These tenacious pests are about 3/8" long and are visible to the naked eye. Amazingly, they are able to go without food for as long as a year. After getting their fill of blood, the females will lay eggs in batches of up to 200 at a time.

Since their reappearance, researchers have found that the new Bed Bugs are much more resistant to chemicals that have previously been in use. Insecticides that are often used for roaches and similar insects are ineffective on Bed Bugs. Bed Bugs, in particular, require professional pest control management. If you have a bed bug problem call Midwestern today for a free quote!

Bees & Wasps

A bee or wasp problem in or your home or yard can disrupt daily life and put both you and your family in danger. If a family member is allergic to a bee and is stung, the reaction might be serious enough to warrant a trip to the hospital. A bad reaction can occur even if the allergy had previously been non-existent or mild. Also, an individual's allergy can worsen after repeated exposure to bites. Multiple bites can be quite dangerous, especially with regard to the elderly or small children. Regardless, bee stings hurt even without an adverse reaction. If you want to make sure that bee or wasp stings do not pose a danger to you or your family, let Midwestern address the problem.

Exterminating bees or wasps on your own can be difficult and even dangerous. Sometimes a homeowner will attempt to exterminate pests alone, using chemical sprays from a hardware store or supply center. If these sprays are not applied in the correct locations, most of the bee or wasp colony will survive. The most challenging nests to control are those that located deep inside the walls of a home or in the attic. Often, a homeowner does not even know where the actual colony is located. He or she only sees where the wasps are flying back and forth through a crack or hole in the home. If there are bees or wasps anywhere in your home, extreme caution is advised. Midwestern's professional exterminators will know exactly where to spray in order to eliminate your bee or wasp problem for good.

Outdoors, bee and wasp nests near human activity can pose a potential problem. Some wasps may become aggressive scavengers around human food and are attracted to outdoor activities where food or drinks are served. Most bees and wasps will not attack if left alone. However, some people are curious to observe a nest or unknowingly surprise a member of a hive. If provoked, a bee will sting in defense of its nest or itself. Insect sprays should be used with caution. Some of the more caustic over-the-counter sprays on the market can cause harm to children and pets. We know which sprays to use that will not harm any of your loved ones.

If you attempt to exterminate pests yourself, you could literally spend hours shopping for costly pest control sprays or trapping devices. You could then spend even more time trying unsuccessfully to kill the wasps or bees, putting yourself or your family at risk in the process. Midwestern's professional exterminating services can take care of your pest problem efficiently. Our exterminators train or apprentice before they begin working independently and know a great deal about insects and insect removal. Contact Midwestern today so we can help you save both time and money. The sooner you call, the sooner your family's home and lives can return to normal.

Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs are classified as “occasional invaders,” (rarely a constant issue, showing up when you least expect them).

Boxelder bugs are ½ inch long and have an elongated, oval shape. They are mostly black with red wing veins and markings on the abdomen. The inside of your home is not an ideal habitat, but since they don’t overwinter well outside, they will hibernate inside wall voids or behind siding. Sometimes your heating system may wake them, causing them to become a major nuisance and their feces can also cause red stains on curtains and furniture, adding to your headache.

When the weather warms up in late April or early May, the adults will leave your home and fly back to their host tree (a seed-bearing Boxelder tree so they can feed on its seeds; but, can also feed on apple, plum or maple trees). During the spring, they are rarely a problem; however in autumn, the adults will congregate on the South side of rocks, trees, and buildings where the sun is warm. Once a large enough number have gathered, they will fly towards a nearby building to hibernate.

If you see a Boxelder bug in your home, your immediate reaction may be to grab the nearest shoe, but don’t. Refrain! The Boxelder bugs emit a very unpleasant smell. The best course of action to take is to grab a vacuum and suck them up. Calling Midwestern Termite & Pest Control is probably your next reaction. However, killing Boxelder bugs inside your walls can attract the Dermestid Beetles who feed on the decaying bodies of dead Boxelder Bugs. Instead, continue to vacuum vigilantly and wait until June or July, when Boxelder bugs leave your home then take preventive measures outside.

The best thing you can do to reduce Boxelder bug issues is exclusion (eliminating entryways). While it is impossible to close every entryway, you can take measures to greatly reduce your problem. First, screen all vents on the outside of your home with 16-mesh screening. Areas of major concern include; roofs, overhangs, and weep-holes in brick buildings. Next, use a silicone-based caulking and seal around cable entrances, windows, doors, overhangs, fascia boards, etc. (basically any area with a gap that bugs can get through). Not all insects require a chemical treatment; sometimes, a little bit of TLC is enough. If you notice Boxelder bugs on your property, contact Midwestern 314-315-4987 today for a free quote!

Ants

Ant infestation is the most commonly reported pest problem. These tiny scavengers will enter your home or business looking for moisture and an accessible food source. Rotting or damp wood that is moldy can attract ants. Ants also feed on sugar, cheese, meats, vegetables, grease, peanut butter, and dead insects. Ants often enter a home through cracks around windows or doors, but they can find numerous entrances to your home or building. Once inside, the growing ant colony can become a problem quickly, as ants mature from juveniles to adults within a matter of days.

It is necessary to properly identify the ant species that you have in order to effectively eradicate them. Of the thousands of species of ants, the four listed below are the most commonly found in the United States.

Carpenter Ants: are about five eighths inches long. They tend to burrow in damp wood but have also been known to damage solid wood. They do not eat the wood, but simply remove it in order to build a nest.

Red Imported Fire Ants: vary in size from one-eighth to three-eighths inches. They construct large mounds for nests and administer painful stings.

Pavement Ants: are about one-eighth inch long. They generally make their nests in pavement cracks and are also capable of infesting a building.

Pharoah Ants: are about one-sixteenth inch long. These ants are commonly found in hospitals and nursing homes, where they are are capable of transmitting Staphylecoccus and Psuedomonas infections. Pharoah Ants also invade restaurants, apartment buildings and similar dwellings.

Ants with wings can easily be mistaken for termites, which may lead to a wrong treatment. In comparison, ants have a very narrow thorax (mid-section), while termites' bodies are more uniform. Midwestern can help take care of your ant problem. Call us today for a free quote!

Carpenter Bees

A bee or wasp problem in or your home or yard can disrupt daily life and put both you and your family in danger. If a family member is allergic to a bee and is stung, the reaction might be serious enough to warrant a trip to the hospital. A bad reaction can occur even if the allergy had previously been non-existent or mild. Also, an individual's allergy can worsen after repeated exposure to bites. Multiple bites can be quite dangerous, especially with regard to the elderly or small children. Regardless, bee stings hurt even without an adverse reaction. If you want to make sure that bee or wasp stings do not pose a danger to you or your family, let Midwestern address the problem.

Exterminating bees or wasps on your own can be difficult and even dangerous. Sometimes a homeowner will attempt to exterminate pests alone, using chemical sprays from a hardware store or supply center. If these sprays are not applied in the correct locations, most of the bee or wasp colony will survive. The most challenging nests to control are those that located deep inside the walls of a home or in the attic. Often, a homeowner does not even know where the actual colony is located. He or she only sees where the wasps are flying back and forth through a crack or hole in the home. If there are bees or wasps anywhere in your home, extreme caution is advised. We know exactly where to spray in order to eliminate your bee or wasp problem for good.

Outdoors, bee and wasp nests near human activity can pose a potential problem. Some wasps may become aggressive scavengers around human food and are attracted to outdoor activities where food or drinks are served. Most bees and wasps will not attack if left alone. However, some people are curious to observe a nest or unknowingly surprise a member of a hive. If provoked, a bee will sting in defense of its nest or itself. Insect sprays should be used with caution. Some of the more caustic over-the-counter sprays on the market can cause harm to children and pets. We use sprays that will not harm any of your loved ones.

If you attempt to exterminate pests yourself, you could literally spend hours shopping for costly pest control sprays or trapping devices. You could then spend even more time trying unsuccessfully to kill the wasps or bees, putting yourself or your family at risk in the process. The pros at Midwestern can take care of your pest problem efficiently. Our exterminators train or apprentice before they begin working independently and know a great deal about insects and insect removal. Contacting us can save you both time and money. The sooner you call, the sooner your family's home and lives can return to normal.

Earwigs

There are several different species of earwigs, but in the Northeast, we only have to deal with the European Earwig. The adult insects measure about 5/8 inch in length and are dark reddish brown in color with noticeable pinchers. Earwigs only come out at night and are attracted to lights. During the day, they nest under moist, shady places (rocks, wood piles, etc). They have been known to invade a home by the hundreds to thousands. Sometimes, they will even infest the areas underneath your roof shingles, causing nightmares for homeowners.

Like other insects “occasional invaders,” earwigs prefer to overwinter outside by burrow in pairs about an inch or two under the dirt, where females lay about 30-55 eggs. The female with then care for the nymphs over the winter. The development cycle for these nymphs, once hatched, is about 56 days, which makes these newly grown earwigs ripe and ready by springtime. Once spring comes, they emerge from their hibernation and begin to feed on live or dead plants/insects, which can occasionally cause extra headaches for homeowners who grow their own fruits or vegetables or keep ornamental plants near their home.

IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT EARWIGS NEAR YOUR HOME, remove all non-essential mulch, plant debris from around your home. Since earwigs like to rest in moist areas, a low-moisture zone around your home will help to keep them away. If earwigs have begun to infest your roof, you should try to power-wash your roof to eliminate the earwigs. Then, have your roof water sealed to prevent further infestations. Don’t let earwigs keep you tossing and turning at night. Take the proper precautions today by calling Midwestern so you can rest easy!

Ladybugs

The stereotypical appearance of a ladybug is oval, mostly red color with black spots. Surprisingly though ladybugs come in a variety of shapes (from oval to almost perfectly round) and measure 1/32 - 3/8 of an inch long. And while many species of variations of red and black, they can be red, orange, yellow or shiny black with a variety of markings. With over 6,000 species worldwide, there’s a lot of room for variation.

Ladybugs are extremely useful in farming since they prey on insects that wreak havoc on crops. Farmers release ladybugs to control pests; however, this has resulted in a large increase in the ladybug population. For farmers, this has been a great benefit, but not for homeowners. In autumn, ladybugs look for a place to overwinter such as under leaves, rocks, timber or in buildings. They will make their way into homes when temperatures warm into the 60s causing a nightmare for homeowners.

If you see ladybugs in your home, vacuuming them up is the best way to get rid of them. Because of their benefit to the environment, killing them in large numbers is not recommended. As with the vast majority of insects, the ladybugs you see could be just the tip of the iceberg. There could be many more hiding in your walls. Killing them could create a larger problem by attracting Dermestid Beetles who feed on decaying insects. Instead, wait until spring, when ladybugs return outside.

Once spring arrives, the best action to take to reduce future ladybug issues is exclusion (eliminating entryways). While it is impossible to close every entryway, you can reduce them by installing 16-mesh screen to all vents on the outside of your home. Areas of concern are: roofs, overhangs and weep-holes in brick buildings. Next, take silicone caulking and seal cable entrances, windows, doors, overhangs, fascia boards, etc. (any area with a gap that bugs can enter). Also, take the same measures inside your home. Use the caulking to seal around window and door frames, baseboards and any other areas with gaps that lead outside. By taking these precautions you will keep ladybugs out and help protect your home from other types of pests as well. So it can be said that ladybugs can serve as a warning sign that you may have some issues that need addressing. Maybe ladybugs are good luck after all. If you have a problem with ladybugs on your property call Midwestern today for a free quote on our services!

Mosquitoes

Nearly everyone is affected by mosquitoes during the warmer months of the year. These pests swarm at outdoor events and breed prolifically in stagnant water--from bird baths to discarded tires--even puddles from the latest rainfall. Certain land features, such as swamps, reservoirs and retention ponds are virtual breeding grounds for mosquitoes. And, all it takes is one tenacious pest to infiltrate your home and make everyone inside miserable.

Contrary to popular belief, mosquitoes do not require blood to live, as they actually feed on nectar. The males are not blood drinkers; however, the female of the species requires it in order to lay eggs. Once she lays her eggs, a female mosquito will seek more blood in order to produce more young. She will continue this cycle during her short life span of about two weeks.

Though some may consider them an unpleasant nuisance, mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths than any other insect. Mosquitoes feed off both humans and animals, thereby easily infecting host upon host.

A single mosquito bite can transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and encephalitis. The well-known and well-publicized West Nile Virus (an Encephalitis virus) first appeared in the Western hemisphere in 1999 and quickly spread to infect people in every state in the US.

As a result, mosquito control is vitally important to human health and well-being. There are many varieties of mosquitoes, some of which carry more deadly diseases than others. Mosquito insecticide is often used on a wide-scale basis to combat mosquitoes and is generally very effective. If your property is prone to attracting and breeding a mosquito population, contact Midwestern today to assess and manage the situation.

Moths

By the time you notice moths in your home, they have usually already found something they like to eat. Fortunately, their feeding choices are rather limited, and you can usually find where they are feeding rather quickly.

Moths that are found in the home are generally one of two basic kinds; either a food-eating moth or a fabric-eating moth. A food-eating moth, which is the most common, will most likely be found in your pantry. A fabric-eating moth will most likely be found in your closet.

Food-eating moths come in a variety of types, but are usually frequenting your pantry or kitchen cabinets, pet food, or garbage can. They especially like to eat grains, cereals, flour, pastas, powdered milk, bird seed, and other similar foods. These foods are less likely to attract moths if they are stored in air-tight containers.

Moth eggs are laid in or near these foods. The eggs will develop into larvae, which will start eating the food. In their immature stages, you are unlikely to see them because they will be close to the same color as the food they are in.

The most common type of food moth is the Indian Meal Moth, which is also sometimes referred to as the North American High-Flyer. It is also the most destructive. The larvae are often referred to as "waxworms." These moths are also known as flour moths or pantry moths. A female Indian Meal Moth can lay up to 300 eggs at one time. As adults, they grow to be about half an inch long.

Fabric moths include species like the Webbing Moth and the Casemaking Moth. Both of these moths are only about one fourth of an inch long, and do not like to be seen, and rarely are. Generally, the only way you will know that these moths are present is when you see holes in your fabric. If you notice signs of moths in your home then call the experts at Midwestern for a free quote today!

Roaches

The German cockroach is the most common species of the cockroach. German cockroaches can breed at a rate of up to six generations per year. The German cockroach can fit through an opening as small as 3/8 inch in width. They are light brown to tan, with two dark, almost parallel strips located on their backs just behind their head. They are oval in shape with 6 legs, are about 1/2 -5/8 inches long and have antennae.

German cockroaches will feed on almost anything, including soap, glue, toothpaste, furniture, and more. German cockroaches are good hitchhikers and often find their way into new structures via grocery bags, cardboard boxes, drink cartons and secondhand appliances. German cockroaches prefer to live in warm, humid places close to food and moisture sources. They are frequently found in residential and commercial kitchen environments and bathrooms, but have the capability of living in any portion of any heated structure.

Once there is a cockroach infestation, it can be very hard to get rid of them. Cockroaches multiply very quickly and they also adapt quickly. Once cockroaches infest a home, they are rarely seen. However, once you start seeing them regularly, especially during daylight hours, it is a good indication that you may have a heavy infestation. The cockroach’s harbourage areas have become full and they are seeking out new places to invade. Cockroaches are nocturnal and can live up to a month with little or no food.

The German cockroach has three developmental stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Females produce a light brown, purse-shaped egg capsule that is less than 1/4 inch long and contains two rows of eggs. Each capsule contains up to 48 eggs and adult females usually produce from four to eight egg capsules during their lifetime. One capsule is produced about every 6 weeks. Egg capsules are carried, protruding from the abdomen, until hatching. It usually takes 28 days for the capsule to hatch from the time it begins to form. Formation of the next egg capsule usually begins within a couple of weeks. The length of the egg stage varies from 14 to 35 days, with 6 to 7 nymphal stages (instars) occurring over a period of 6 to 31 weeks. The life span of the adult female varies from 20 to 30 weeks. In one year over 10,000 descendants can be produced, assuming two generations per year.

Adult German cockroaches are 1/2 to 5/8 inch long and tan to light brown. Although they have fully developed wings, they do not fly. Nymphs are similar in appearance to adults except that they are smaller and lack wings. The German cockroach is best identified by its small size and by two dark parallel lines running from the back of the head to the wings.

German cockroaches also have a huge economic impact. It has been established for some time that cockroaches are able to carry pathogenic bacteria onto food. This can be responsible for food poisoning. Also, asthma and other allergies are known to be associated with cockroach infestations. The German cockroach is the cockroach we find here in southeast Idaho; however other roaches have been seen. Not unlike bed bugs, cockroaches require detailed treatments to control the infestation. Midwestern has over 50 years helping our customers get fast and effective roach control. Call today for a free quote!

Rodents

Mice and rats are a problem when they find their way into your home. They like to be near humans so that they have a ready supply of food. This has earned them the term "commensal," which means "to share one's table."

The class of creatures called "rodents" actually encompasses a much more than just mice and rats. It refers to any animal whose incisor teeth continue to grow, so they must continually gnaw in order to keep them serviceable.

There are more than 2,200 different rodents. Together they make up more than 40% of all mammals. In this group you will find: mice, rats, squirrels, capybaras, nutria, chipmunks, prairie dogs, and many more.

Removing rodents can sometimes be as easy as setting a mouse trap; but a larger infestation (especially with rats or larger rodents) can be larger issue. Rats, especially, are smart and can learn to avoid traps.

Rodents can carry up to thirty-five diseases that humans are susceptible to, which is another reason to eliminate them as soon as possible. Cleaning up after a rodent infestation also requires a great deal of caution. This is necessary because of the possibility of fleas or mosquitoes, which may transmit their own diseases to you, your children and pets. There is also risk involved if you inadvertently stir up the dust of their nests; it can be hazardous to breathe in the bacteria contained within.

Rodents can also do physical damage your home or business. They easily chew through some types of siding and other building materials. They are also known to chew on electrical lines, thereby increasing the possibility of fire. They damage other materials as well, creating holes and gnawing on numerous objects, especially food or food containers.

Removing rodents can be difficult. Midwestern will identify nesting areas and feeding grounds and know how to completely eliminate them. Proper cleanup is also performed, ensuring that you and your family are safe from allergies, illness and possible future infestation. Call us today for a free quote on rodent control services!

Spiders

Spiders are generally good to have around, as they help minimize the population of harmful insects. The problem arises, however, when they negatively affect humans. The mere sight of a spider can be a real scare for some people. Aside from that, many spiders do bite humans and are poisonous, so it is a good idea to have Midwestern address your spider infestation.

Several spiders pose a serious threat to humans. The two that are the deadliest to humans in the United States are the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse. Since a few people die each year from the bite of either of these two spiders, it's extremely important for any person who is bitten by one of these spiders to seek treatment immediately. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

The Black Widow spider can be easily recognized because she is black with a red hourglass on the underside of her abdomen. The male is considerably smaller than the female, and he has a body up to half an inch long. The Black Widow typically remains outdoors.

The Brown Recluse spider has a darker brown hourglass on its back. The Brown Recluse loves to be indoors and generally stays out of sight. It may never be seen until you startle it by reaching into a dark spot where it is hiding. Then it will bite.

There are plenty of other spiders in the United States, such as the Grass Spider, Wolf Spider, Hobo Spider, and the Saint Andrew's Cross Spider, just to name a few. These spiders do not have the same strong venom in their bite, but all are painful and treatment may be required.

If you have noticed spiders in your home, contact Midwestern today. We know the most effective, safest way to eliminate the spider problem, and make recommendations about keeping them away in the future.

Stink Bugs

Rapid globalization has dramatically changed pest control. New species of insects are being introduced into the United States every year; Stink Bugs (or Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs) are an example. These bugs originated in Eastern Asia and were non-existing in the U.S. until they were found in Allentown, Pennsylvania in 1996. Since then, they have spread across the country; wiping out fruit, vegetable and ornamental crops and increasing 60% in total population in 2012 alone!

These insects get their name from their brown, marbled color. Adult bugs measure 1/2 - 5/8 inch and have a shield-like shape. Nymphs aren’t much smaller, instead measuring 1/8 - 1/2 inch, and are similar in appearance, except for their distinct yellow abdomens. Stink Bugs can cause many problems for farmers and homeowners feeding on ornamental plants (crab apples, Norway maple, Pyracantha, etc.) and fruits and vegetables (raspberries, Asian pears, peaches, asparagus, etc.). Adult Stink Bugs typically feed on the fruits and vegetable while the nymphs feed on the leaves.

Outdoors, adult Stink Bugs become active in early to mid April, when they mate and lay clusters of 20-30 eggs on the underside of leaves. After four or five days, the nymphs will hatch and begin to feed on any leaves they can find. You won’t typically see Stink Bugs until they start flying into the house in mid-September to overwinter (peak activity is seen during the third week of October). Due to the rancid odor they emit when killed, this can cause extra problems.

IF YOU SEE STINK BUGS IN YOUR HOME, grab a vacuum and dispose of all that you see. Next, seal entryways into your home (around doors, window frames, outlets, ceiling fans and light fixtures and change all exterior lighting around your home to yellow or sodium vapor bulbs). Stink Bugs, and most other bugs, are less attracted to these lights. Whatever you do, DO NOT kill Stink Bugs; this will only attract dermestid beetles and cause more issues. If you choose to use light traps in your home, make sure to use ones that use glue boards, not electricity. An electric shock may release their odor, causing your entire home to smell. Stink bugs can “stink up” anyone’s day, but with proper care, you can breathe easy! Call Midwestern today at 314-315-4987 for a free quote on pest control services!

Ticks

Ticks can be found year-round but are most prevalent in the warm summer months. They are parasites, and as a result, are on a continual quest for a host. If a host is not available, a tick can survive up to a year without feeding.

A female tick must have a blood meal before she can lay eggs. After feeding, she drops off her host and lays thousands of eggs. A female tick lays one batch of eggs, after which she dies. A male tick also dies after reproducing.

There are two established families of ticks: hard ticks and soft. A tick matures from egg to adult in stages. Depending on the family, some reach maturity in only a few stages of growth. Other varieties may take as many as eight stages to develop. The length of time to reach maturity also depends on factors as temperature, humidity and availability of food. With regard to physical characteristics, an immature tick has six legs; a full-grown adult has eight.

Ticks transmit a number of diseases as a result of feeding off both human and animal hosts. Examples include Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme Disease, Q Fever, Tularemia, Tick Paralysis and Meningoencephalitis.

Ticks often prefer certain hosts over others, resulting in names as Deer Tick, Cat Tick, American Dog Tick, Bat Tick, Bird Tick, etc. The family pet is a popular carrier of ticks, which unfortunately results in a tick entering a home. After feeding for a few days, a female tick will drop off of her host to lay eggs. Ticks seek out tiny crevices in which to store their eggs, which can result in a full-blown infestation of your home. Attempting to rid your home of the tick infestation can be difficult and frustrating, as eggs can hatch months later, long after you think you have the situation under control. For the best results in combating a tick infestation, call Midwestern today at 314-315-4987.

Termites

Subterranean termites are the most common and destructive termite in the U.S. Interestingly, they are found in every state except Alaska.

Subterranean, by definition, means "situated or operating beneath the earth's surface; underground." These insects make their home (a nest or colony) primarily in the soil or wood beneath the soil. They tunnel through the ground, searching for trees, brush and other decaying wood (preferred) found in nature. If this primary source is reduced or absent, termites look to other food sources, namely, your home.

Termites easily access a home through any wood in contact with the soil. As a result, nearly every termite prevention list advises storing firewood several feet from the house and keeping the surrounding grounds clear of other wood debris. Regular inspections by pest control companies are highly recommended. Our pest control technicians can save a homeowner thousands of dollars in home repair bills by conducting routine professional inspections on a regular basis.

Termites are insects with a very defined social strata. A mature termite colony may number in the millions, with each member fulfilling a defined biological role. The castes, not including nymphs (immature termites), are called workers, soldiers and reproductives. Typically, a queen and king reside in a mature colony. Winged adults are referred to as "swarmers." They emerge from the colony and take flight (swarm) during certain seasons of the year, usually late winter to early spring. This marks the beginning of the termite reproductive cycle, as the swarmers are the primary reproductives. Swarming is also significant, as it is during this time that they are most likely to be spotted by humans. If you notice any signs of termites in your home or business, call Midwestern today at 314-315-4987 for a free quote on termite control.