What Attracts Termites to a Property?</STRONG></P> <P>Termites are constantly searching for water sources to survive. Usually, termites get their water from the soil. However, they also find water sources from dripping pipes, condensation on pipes, and plugged gutters of residential households. Once they find a damp spot in your home, they will utilize that resource to grow their colonies and start to cause extensive damage to your property.</P> <P>It is important to have regular inspections conducted by a professional pest control company to identify and eliminate any potential termite conducive areas or infestations before they become bigger problems.</P> <P><STRONG>Termite Feeding Habits</STRONG></P> <P>Moisture does not only attract termites but also affects their feeding behavior. According to an Ohio State University study, the moisture content of the food is a factor that influences the feeding behavior of termites. Thus, high-moisture wood blocks used in your home foundation or furniture can be targeted by these pests as food sources.</P> <P>Often, these feeding areas are inside of a structure’s walls, floors, or ceilings, which is why it is crucial to have a trained pest inspector come out regularly to look for any visible signs of termite activity. This ensures a <A href="/termites/">termite treatment</A> can be performed before your home is structurally compromised.</P> <P><STRONG>Reach Out To Our Team Today!</STRONG></P> <P>Homeowners may only realize that they have a termite problem once it has caused significant damage. Termites use mud tubes and tunnels made with soil, wood, and their saliva to move around. This hiding technique can lead to a delayed response to an infestation and significant damage to the property.</P> <P>Preventative action is the best way to stay ahead of the risk of a termite infestation. Termites are no match for homeowners who want to protect their households. Contact elimination professionals from Wingate Pest & Lawn for warrantied treatments for termite in Mid-Missouri. <A href="/aboutcontact/">Call us today</A> for a free estimate!
Mosquitoes</STRONG></P> <P>Barbecues during the summertime can easily be disrupted by mosquitoes, making these events less enjoyable for everyone. It can be quite difficult for guests to fully enjoy their food and drinks when they are constantly bothered by mosquitoes' persistent buzzing and biting.</P> <P>Place and light citronella candles around your deck or patio to help prevent mosquitoes from gathering during your BBQ party. Doing so can reduce the number of persistent pests in the area. Another effective way to reduce mosquito populations is through routine lawn pest treatments.</P> <P><STRONG>Ants</STRONG></P> <P>Ants are tiny insects that can quickly get into your food and drinks; they make it difficult for everyone to enjoy their meal without having to worry about sharing their food. Once they find a food source, they quickly swarm and start crawling all over it. On top of the unpleasantry of seeing them crawl around your food, they can also contaminate your meals with their saliva. This can lead to food poisoning and other health hazards.</P> <P><STRONG>Flies</STRONG></P> <P>During a BBQ, flies can be a major nuisance as they buzz around and land on food and drinks. They can carry harmful bacteria and germs on their bodies, contaminating everything they land on. This can lead to illnesses such as diarrhea and vomiting. Keep food and drinks covered and dispose of waste properly to prevent flies from ruining your BBQ party.</P> <P><STRONG>Wasps</STRONG></P> <P>Wasps can be an unwelcome guest at your summer barbecue and can easily put a damper on your outdoor activity. Their stings can also be painful and dangerous for those who are allergic. One way to keep wasps away is to avoid leaving food and drinks uncovered for extended periods. Wasps are attracted to sugary substances and will swarm around anything sweet, so keep your desserts and beverages covered until you're ready to serve them.</P> <P><STRONG>Get Rid of Summer Pests With Wingate Pest & Lawn</STRONG></P> <P>If you're dealing with pest issues this summer, it's best to turn to trained and experienced professionals. We can effectively get rid of pests using safe and affordable methods.</P> <P>Wingate Pest & Lawn provides ongoing support and maintenance to prevent future infestations and <A href="/aboutcontact/">enjoy a pest-proof BBQ this summer</A>. Get in touch with us in Mid-Missouri today to enjoy a summer season free from pests. Contact us for a free estimate for pest control for your yard and home.
Inspect and Seal Entry Points</STRONG></LI> </UL> <P>Rodents are incredibly skilled at finding even the tiniest entry points. Inspect the exterior for cracks, gaps, or holes to prevent them from entering your home. Be thorough and fill gaps using steel wool, caulk, or hardware cloth, which rodents find difficult to gnaw through.</P> <UL> <LI><STRONG>Store Food Properly</STRONG></LI> </UL> <P>Rodents are attracted to accessible food sources. Keep food in sealed containers, and avoid leaving out pet food or food scraps that can attract pests. Also, ensuring your kitchen and pantry clean and organized will help minimize the risk of attracting rodents.</P> <UL> <LI><STRONG>Maintain a Clean Yard</STRONG></LI> </UL> <P>Rodents are often drawn to piles of leaves, debris, and firewood, which provide shelter. Rake leaves regularly, store firewood at least 20 feet from your home, and tightly seal your trash cans. Maintaining a clean yard reduces the likelihood of rodents nesting near your home.</P> <UL> <LI><STRONG>Keep Your Home Clutter-Free</STRONG></LI> </UL> <P>Clutter inside your home creates hiding spots for rodents. Keep storage areas organized and off the floor, and clean spaces including your attics and basements. A clutter-free home reduces the chance of providing shelter for rodents indoors.</P> <UL> <LI><STRONG>Install Door Sweeps</STRONG></LI> </UL> <P>Gaps under doors can be entryways for rodents. Installing door sweeps on exterior doors helps block bugs and drafts and prevents rodents from sneaking in. Keep in mind that the sweeps fit tightly against the floor to eliminate any space rodents might slip through.</P> <P><STRONG>Schedule Professional Rodent Control</STRONG></P> <P>Dealing with a rodent problem this fall, it’s best to contact professionals for advanced rodent control. Experts at Wingate Pest & Lawn in Columbia, MO, can provide a thorough inspection and implement effective pest control methods to keep your home rodent-free. <A href="/aboutcontact/">Reach out to our professional exterminators</A> to assess the situation and get a free estimate for eliminating rodents in your home or business.
Choosing the Right Lawn Treatment for Your Home</STRONG></P> <P>A healthy lawn boosts curb appeal and creates a comfortable outdoor space, but keeping it green and thriving takes more than just watering and mowing. Using the right fertilizer and grass seed for lawns, along with proper weed control and soil management, helps ensure steady growth and resilience through seasonal changes. Read on to find the best lawn treatment for your home.</P> <P><STRONG>Understanding Your Lawn’s Needs</STRONG></P> <P>Every lawn is unique and influenced by grass type, soil composition, and climate. Identifying these elements allows homeowners to create an effective treatment plan that promotes strong, lush growth.</P> <UL> <LI><STRONG>Grass Type:</STRONG> Not all grass varieties thrive in the same conditions. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Fescue prefer moderate temperatures and require consistent moisture. Warm-season grasses such as Bermuda and Zoysia tolerate heat well but may need different fertilization schedules. Understanding your grass type helps you choose the right maintenance approach.</LI> <LI><STRONG>Soil Health:</STRONG> A soil test reveals important details about nutrient levels, pH balance, and any deficiencies that may affect grass growth. Understanding your soil’s condition helps determine the right treatments, ensuring better root development, improved water absorption, and more effective fertilization.</LI> <LI><STRONG>Climate Conditions:</STRONG> Weather patterns play a significant role in lawn care. Rainfall frequency, seasonal temperatures, and sun exposure impact growth cycles, water requirements, and the need for treatments such as aeration or overseeding.</LI> </UL> <P><STRONG>Essential Lawn Treatment Components</STRONG></P> <UL> <LI><STRONG>Fertilization and Seeding</STRONG></LI> </UL> <P style="margin-left:18.0pt;">Selecting the right fertilizer and grass seed for lawns ensures a steady supply of nutrients while encouraging uniform coverage and thick, healthy turf. Seeding, or overseeding, helps fill in thin or patchy areas, improving density and resistance to environmental stress. Combining fertilization with high-quality seed varieties strengthens the lawn and minimizes weed invasion.</P> <UL> <LI><STRONG>Weed and Pest Control</STRONG></LI> </UL> <P style="margin-left:18.0pt;">Weeds compete with grass for nutrients, while pests like grubs and chinch bugs can damage roots. Pre-emergent herbicides prevent weed growth, while pest control measures protect your lawn from potential infestations.</P> <UL> <LI><STRONG>Aeration and Overseeding</STRONG></LI> </UL> <P style="margin-left:18.0pt;">Compacted soil can restrict air, water, and nutrient absorption. Aeration relieves this issue while overseeding fills bare spots and improves density with high-quality fertilizer and grass seed for lawns suited to your grass type. Pairing aeration with overseeding enhances lawn density and fills in any bare spots.</P> <P><STRONG>Why Choose Professional Lawn Care?</STRONG></P> <P>While some homeowners enjoy DIY <A href="/lawn-care-services/">lawn care</A>, professionals offer expert solutions that save time and deliver better results. They assess soil, grass type, and climate to create a customized plan, catching problems early and applying the best treatments. Homeowners can have a green lawn without much effort.</P> <P><STRONG>Invest in a Healthy Lawn with Wingate Pest & Lawn</STRONG></P> <P>Whether you prefer DIY lawn care or professional help, Wingate Pest & Lawn offers expert solutions to keep your lawn in top shape. Our team evaluates your soil, grass type, and local conditions to develop a treatment plan that promotes healthy growth and long-term results. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find the best care for your lawn.
