How to help get rid of pests with the help of two family-owned businesses.
Whether it’s mice, termites, bedbugs, or wasps, pests are never welcome house guests.
These family-owned businesses have decades of experience in keeping homes pest-free.
Denning Pest Control
Founded in 1947 and family-owned and operated since 1959, Denning Pest Control is a third-generation business deeply rooted in the Jefferson City community. Denning’s current owners have over 60 years of combined experience in the pest control business, making them experts in pest control and prevention. They pass along the benefits of a small family business to their clients.
“Our smaller team means less overhead, which often translates to lower customer prices,” shares Ryne Wilson, Denning’s general manager.
Every summer, Ryne and his team see their fair share of problems with wasps and mosquitoes.
Wasps
Wasps build their nests in the springtime in tree cavities, unused animal burrows, and on buildings in areas such as under decks, roof lines, and between windows. Their tan, papery nests are easy to identify by their single layer of hexagonal cells, arranged side-by-side like a honeycomb and suspended by a single stalk.
“If a nest is forming, spray a can of Raid directly into the nest,” Ryne says. “The spray should eliminate the problem in a matter of seconds. If wasp activity is seen around the house before a nest is formed, an expert can administer prevention care.”
Fleas can jump 350 times their body length, equivalent to
a human jumping the length of a football field.
Mosquitoes
Mosquito species vary in the types of blood they prefer, but most species prefer warm-blooded animals. And only female mosquitoes feed on blood. The most important part of controlling mosquitoes is getting rid of stagnant water.
“Mosquitoes are not only annoying but dangerous due to the disease they may be carrying,” Ryne says. “Mosquito breeding sites include any stagnant water, which can include clogged ditches, temporary pools, and puddles. They are also attracted to anything around that holds water such as potted plants, bird baths, and pet water bowls. It’s important to drain these areas weekly for prevention.”
Find out more about Denning Pest Control at denningpestcontrol.com.
Art’s Pest Control
Jeannette Bernskoetter and her husband, Mike Bernskoetter, purchased Art’s Pest Control in 1986. The couple worked out of their home for the first 17 years in the business. Now, they are conveniently located on West Miller Street, where people can stop in to pay a bill or get an in-person pest and insect identification. While the pest control industry has evolved over the last 30 years, Art’s Pest Control continues their longtime tradition of being locally-owned and family-operated. All of the Bernskoetter kids have worked in the business at some point.
“Even our employees who aren’t blood-related feel like family,” Jeannette shares. “Many of them have been here more than 20 years, and they’re all critical in the day-to-day activities of our company and family.”
With 38 years in the pest control business, Art’s Pest Control is an expert in pest control — especially when it comes to common pests like bedbugs and ticks.
Bedbugs
Unfortunately, bedbugs are one of the most difficult pest problems to eradicate quickly. These tiny pests are reddish brown in color and wingless; adult bedbugs can be about the size of an apple seed. Bedbugs can be mistaken for other small bugs like fleas, so getting confirmation is essential. When bedbugs are present, seeking treatments from a professional will greatly increase the chances of getting rid of them.
“Always check the bed and use the metal rack for your suitcase when traveling,” Jeannette says. “After travel, it’s ideal to launder all of your clothing, even if you don’t wear items, in case any bedbugs hitched a ride. Fabric is bedbugs’ preferred way to travel. Heating clothes in the dryer for 45 minutes will eliminate any bedbugs. Primarily nocturnal, bedbugs don’t go away on their own. A treatment must be used to get rid of them.”
A cockroach can live for a week without its head.
Ticks
Many species of ticks live in Missouri, but the most common are three species of hard ticks known as lone star ticks, American dog ticks, and deer ticks. Since all ticks can carry serious diseases, it’s important to keep up to date on tick prevention and treatment.
Ticks tend to live in shady areas, such as tall grass and overgrown vegetation, and they are most active from April until July. Pets are big tick carriers. Be sure pets are protected from ticks with medication to prevent ticks from entering the home. Always check skin and clothing before entering the house.
Find out more about Art’s Pest Control at artspestcontrol.com.
Stay Ahead of Pests
- Remove debris and standing water from around the walls of the home.
- Keep all wood and leaf piles away from the home.
- Keep wood piles neatly stacked.
- Windows, doors (especially garage doors), and screens need to close fully. If there is daylight peeking through, bugs can get in.
- Keep food appropriately stored inside the home.
- Remove full trash bags from the home.
- Invest in a yearly service to maintain a pest-free home.