buckingham_pest

Managing Pests During MO Rainy Season – Tips for a Pest-Free Home

missourimarketboss@gmail.com (Valerie Brosseau) — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 18:49:24 GMT

5 Pest Control Tips for the Rainy Season

Spring Pest Prevention: Keep Bugs Out as the Seasons Change

As spring rolls in, so do heavy rains and shifting temperatures—creating the perfect conditions for pests to seek shelter inside your home or business. With insects and rodents looking for warmth, food, and dry spaces, now is the time to take proactive steps to keep them out. Follow these expert tips to protect your home from unwanted guests this season!

1. Keep Wood Dry

Termites thrive in damp conditions, feeding on wet wood and compromising your home’s structure. If your area experiences frequent showers, clear away standing water around your home and remove any damp wood or tree stumps from your yard. Keeping wood dry is key to preventing infestations.

2. Trim Nearby Greenery

Overgrown trees and bushes touching your home can serve as pest highways. Insects and rodents use these branches to crawl inside through cracks and crevices. To minimize this risk, trim greenery so that all foliage remains at least two to three feet away from your home’s exterior, including the roof.

3. Seal Entry Points

Small gaps and cracks in doors, windows, and siding provide easy access for pests. Conduct a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior, looking for any openings. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps and prevent critters from sneaking inside.

4. Eliminate Standing Water

After a heavy rain, pools of water become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water, quickly leading to an infestation. Drain all sources of standing water, such as clogged gutters, empty gardening pots, birdbaths, and low spots in the yard.

5. Secure Trash Properly

Trash can attract pests, especially if rain washes away their natural food sources. Store garbage in tightly sealed bins away from your home, rinse food containers before disposal, and double-bag scraps to minimize odors that attract pests.

Call the Experts for Reliable Pest Control

If pests have already made their way into your home or business, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Buckingham Pest Control offers expert pest management solutions to keep your space safe and pest-free. Contact our team in St. Charles and Fenton, MO, today at 636-274-7400 for a free consultation! �� #SpringPestControl #BuckinghamPestControl #KeepBugsOut

Ticked Off! Missouri Braces for Tick Surge: Insights from Recent Research

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 19:02:50 GMT

Missouri Expected to See Rise in Ticks This Year: What You Need to Know

Recent research conducted by Matt Combes, Ecological Health Unit Science Supervisor at The Missouri Department of Conservation , in partnership with A.T. Still University (ATSU), sheds light on an impending surge in tick populations in 2024. The study reveals a notable increase in the Lone Star tick population, identified by a distinctive white dot on their backs. Out of 2,500 ticks collected, the Lone Star tick dominated submissions, comprising 71% of the total. This trend aligns with field studies across Missouri, where the Lone Star tick consistently leads collections.

As tick populations escalate in Missouri, residents must brace themselves for potential encounters with these pesky pests, known for transmitting serious diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Here's what you need to know:

Tick Prevention: To minimize the risk of tick bites, adopt preventive measures such as wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, using insect repellents containing DEET, and conducting regular tick checks on yourself, your children, and your pets.
Tick Removal: If you find a tick attached to your skin, promptly remove it using fine-tipped tweezers. Ensure to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Thoroughly clean the bite area with soap and water.
Awareness: Familiarize yourself with common tick habitats such as wooded areas, tall grasses, and leaf litter. Avoid walking through dense vegetation and stick to marked trails when hiking or camping.
Professional Help: Consider seeking assistance from a professional pest control service if you're concerned about ticks on your property. They can assess your premises, implement preventive measures, and offer guidance on tick management.
Stay Informed: Stay abreast of tick-related news and updates in your area to remain vigilant. Educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of tick-borne illnesses, enabling prompt medical attention if necessary.

By staying informed and taking proactive measures, you can mitigate the risk of tick bites and safeguard your health and well-being. Don't let ticks mar your outdoor experiences—arm yourself with knowledge and stay safe!

Preparing for the Buzz: Navigating the Emergence of the 200-Year Cicada in Missouri

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 20:51:30 GMT

The 2024 Solar Eclipse brought more than a celestial event: The 200 Year Cicada is here

The emergence of the 200-year cicada in Missouri can have various implications for homeowners:

Noise : The loud buzzing of cicadas can be disruptive, especially if their numbers are high. Homeowners may experience annoyance due to the constant noise, which can interfere with outdoor activities and relaxation in the backyard.
Damage to Trees : Female cicadas lay eggs in tree branches, causing damage to young trees and shrubs. Homeowners may notice small slits in tree branches where cicadas have laid eggs, which can weaken the tree and potentially lead to branch breakage.
Gardening Challenges : Cicadas can cause damage to ornamental plants and fruit trees by feeding on sap from tree roots. This can affect the health and productivity of garden plants, leading to decreased yields and potentially requiring additional care and maintenance.
Clean-Up : After the cicadas emerge, homeowners may need to deal with the aftermath of discarded exoskeletons and dead cicadas littering their outdoor spaces. This can require regular clean-up efforts to maintain the appearance and cleanliness of the yard.
Pet Concerns : Pets may be curious about cicadas and may try to eat them, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Homeowners with pets may need to monitor their animals closely during the cicada emergence period to prevent any health problems.

Overall, while the emergence of the 200-year cicada is a natural phenomenon and not a cause for alarm, it can present challenges for Missouri homeowners in terms of noise, tree damage, gardening issues, clean-up efforts, and pet care. However, with proper preparation and awareness, homeowners can mitigate the impact of cicadas on their properties and continue to enjoy their outdoor spaces during this unique natural event.

Learn more by calling #TeamBuckingham at 636-274-7400 today.

Ants!

missourimarketboss@gmail.com (Valerie Brosseau) — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 18:30:18 GMT

How to get rid of Ants around your Yard and Home!
St. Charles, St. Louis, Jefferson County, MO

If you live in Missouri, you are no stranger to ants! From common black ants that invade backyard barbecues to wood burrowing ants that are sometimes mistaken for termites, Missouri ants are a common pest problem! Here is our guide to removing ants from your home and yard.

1. Identify the Type of Ant you are Dealing With

Missouri ant species vary just as much as the ant control solutions to remove them. There are many ant specie guides available, but the best approach is to have an inspection by a trusted pest control company.

2. Find the Ant Colony or Nest

Sometimes the easiest solution to removing your ant problem is to find and remove the nest. If you are dealing with carpenter ants, which can do significant damage to your home's structure, it is vital to wipe them out ASAP! Finding their nest may not be easy and could take some investigation. Carpenter ants prefer wet areas, so wood surfaces such as floors that are spongy under foot, or leaky roofs, are prime locations for their homes. Once you find the nest, you can typically move on to the next step. 0

3. Erase Ant Trails

It's common knowledge that when you see one ant, there are likely to be more. That's because ants leave an invisible scent trail that other ants follow. Traditional cleaning methods such as sweeping and mopping are not enough to wipe out the trail completely. One solution is to mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water in a spray bottle for a safe way to get rid of ants in the home, then spray wherever you've seen ants in the past. This will stop outdoor nesting ants that entered the house to forage for food. It's important to note that vinegar does not remove indoor ants. For that, you will need ant bait or to get with a professional ant removal company.

If you believe that you may have an ant problem in your home or business, call the ant removal specialists at Buckingham Pest Control in St. Charles, MO and Fenton, MO at 636-274-7400.

Cold Weather Pests- How to keep them out!

missourimarketboss@gmail.com (Valerie Brosseau) — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 18:23:55 GMT

Why Missouri Winter is a Wonderland for some pests.

Winter in St. Charles, St. Louis, and Jefferson County, MO is here, and let's face it; as most Missourian's know, the weather can be unpredictable. From overnight snow, to ice, and springlike weather, all within the span of a week, Missouri weather can draw in a variety of pests. As some winter pests are hibernating, and others are moving away, there are still a few that become more active in the winter to protect themselves and maintain their food supply. As Missouri's trusted pest control solution for over a decade, we'd like to share some of our top most active pests this time of year.

1. Boxelder Bugs

You’ve seen these guys around—oval black bodies with red or orange markings and long antennae. They don’t pose a physical threat, but they come in numbers into our homes and businesses and have no problem flying into your papers, your face, your hair, your food. Their feces is bright orange, and the insects smell bad when crushed. The best thing to do is to vacuum up the boxelders already in your space and then call Buckingham Pest Control.

2. Stink Bugs

Stink bugs are a yearly nuisance in Missouri. Squat, gray-brown, and shaped like shields, they also arrive in numbers. They don’t bite or sting, but they buzz around, let off a terrible stink when crushed, and leave their corpses everywhere. Vacuum those up and call Buckingham Pest Control.

3. Cockroaches

The awful classic. Cockroaches eat your food and spread diseases, parasites, and contaminants. They also reproduce rapidly, and by the time you see one roach, you can be sure that there are many more throughout your home. Although some home remidies can be effective, if used incorrectly, can become a danger to you and your family. First, seal up any food in air tight containers, then call us.

4. Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants look like an extra-large version of the common black ant. Carpenter ants will damage structures made out of wood and wood products, like walls, furniture, beams, and floors. Unlike termites, they do not eat your wood, but they do destroy it by making tunnels throughout your home's structure, weakening the wood over time. If you see a carpenter ant anywhere in your home, it is best to call for an immediate inspection and have them removed by Buckingham Pest Control as soon as possible.

So, how to you prevent these common winter pests from making camp in your home or business?

1. Get regular inspections and preventative pest removal services.

2. Keep all food sealed when not eating.

3. Seal up all cracks and holes in your walls, foundations, windows, and roof to prevent entry.

4. Try to regularly maintain your HVAC system well to prevent debris build up which can attract pests.

Lastly, call your local pest professionals at Buckingham Pest Control in Fenton, MO and St. Charles, MO at 636-274-7400 to discover the best pest control solution for you. We make setup and maintenance easy, and we only use products that are both effective and safe for you and your pets. Now offering contactless pest control solutions and payment plans. Call Now.

PBJ Development Workshop

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 18:31:26 GMT

How Buckingham Pest Control is using the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach in classrooms to further education of this species.

Noel Buckingham, President of Buckingham Pest Control Inc. located in St. Charles, MO attended the PJB Development Workshop in Nashville, TN on March 24, 2023 - March 26, 2023 where leading industry professionals and business colleagues gathered to gain valuable insight on how to leverage their pest removal strengths and how to better inform their pest control and wild animal removal customers or the latest innovations and updates.

This event was designed for pest control companies representing 15 states and Canada. Leading pest control companies from around the country attended the PJB Business Development Conference and collaborated while sharing best practices. "One beneficial aspect of this conference was learning how other companies are helping to build awareness and give back to the communities they serve," Kristen Buckingham, VP of Operations and Marketing said. "We were even given Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches to use as a tool in classrooms and home shows to help people get up close and personal with this interesting species."

This conference was created by Paul Bello, who is an Associate (ACE) and Board-Certified Entomologist (BCE). He was featured in National Geographics Television show “Swarms”, and is recognized for his broad expertise in pest management. He is the well-known author of “The Bed Bug Combat Manual” and “The Cockroach Combat Manual II”, which he co-authored with Dr. Frishman. As the main speaker of the event, he provided amazing insight on the best pest removal techniques. Going forward, Buckingham Pest Control will be streamlining many of their products to ensure their customers don’t just get the best possible service, but also the safest possible pest control services for their families.

"It's great to collaborate with other like-minded pest control owners in a non-competitive environment who face the same challenges and opportunities we do. The conference gave us the confirmation we needed to know we are going in the right direction," said Noel Buckingham, owner at Buckingham Pest Control in St. Charles MO.

If you are interested in having the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach at your school or camp, contact us at Kristen@buckinghampestcontrol.com . If you need pest removal services, call 636-274-7400 now.

The UNPLEASANT truth about STINK BUGS

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 17:44:38 GMT

Beginners Guide to getting rid of Stink Bugs for good

Stink Bugs! A word no homeowner wants to hear. For many people, just hearing the words “stink bug” is unpleasant. Any insect can be a nuisance in your home, but certain pests are especially problematic. Stink bugs are best known for the unpleasant odor it releases when threatened or crushed. Although these bugs are mostly an annoyance to homeowners, they can be devastating to agriculture. If you're a homeowner, it's crucial to consider how to prevent a stink bug infestation. If you’ve spotted these unwanted visitors in your house in the past, you may want to call a trusted pest control company now to mitigate a Spring infestation.

Are stink bugs dangerous?

Stink bugs are unable to bite or sting humans, so they don't present any risks to health. They also won't damage your home, unlike termites or other insects. However, they are a nuisance, and can be devastating to crops, so preventing infestations is essential.

How Can You Keep Them Away?

As with any type of pest management, the best way to handle stink bugs is to prevent them from inhabiting your property in the first place.

1. Remove Some Lights

Like many other insects, they’re drawn to light, so keeping your exterior lights off can help deter them.

2. Keep Your Home Dry

They also seek moisture, so put away any buckets, garbage can lids, or other areas where standing water could accumulate.

Stink bugs are attracted to plant life, so sealing your garden off with a physical barrier may help keep them out. They can also be attracted to garbage and other fragrant potential food sources in your home. Make sure you keep fresh fruit or vegetables out of reach and sweep up any crumbs.

3. Block Access

Stink bugs can enter your residence through tiny holes, so repairing damaged areas can block their access. Sealing any cracks or other entry points and replacing damaged screens are reliable pest management strategies for stink bugs and other unwanted insects or rodents. Use caulk to seal up gaps around doors and windows, as well as cracks in the concrete outside your house. This material can be applied using a caulking gun, which is available in most hardware stores.

If stink bugs still enter your home after you've taken these steps, trust the experts at Buckingham Pest Control in St. Charles, MO and Fenton, MO to prevent a further stink bug infestation and remove stink bugs from your home for good with a pest control maintenance package.

These trusted experts have worked in the industry for over 20 years. They can also remove bed bugs, mosquitos, roaches, and rodents. Call (636) 274-7400 to schedule pest removal services, or visit them online to learn more about how they can help.

Who is responsible for Pest Control in a Rental Home or Apartment?

missourimarketboss@gmail.com (Valerie Brosseau) — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 21:32:23 GMT

Pest Control and Apartment Rentals | Taking Action

Imagine this. You live in an apartment building and one night as you are making dinner you spot something so terrifying you lose your appetite! A bug, or a creepy crawly critter just scurried past your perfect pesto. Obviously it is time to call in the pest control pros, but the question is, who financially makes that call? You, or the landlord?

In Missouri, as well as many other states, the landlord is usually required to maintain quality living conditions in each apartment rental they own. A pest issue causes discomfort, structural issues and can even be hazardous to a tenant’s health. Therefore, if you spot a bug or rodent in your apartment rental, call the landlord or refer to your lease agreement to see who is responsible. Hopefully pest control services will be addressed there.

Fortunately, there are also steps your landlord, as well as you can take as a tenant to prevent or reduce the risks of a pest problem before it happens. If you own a rental property, you will want to set up seasonal inspections of each property you own, and possible pest control maintenance plans. Your exterminator will completely evaluate each property to ensure no pests are present and will ensure no unwanted pests are taking up residence in the future.

If you are a tenant, consider keeping all food in airtight containers when not being consumed. It is also a good idea to keep the unit clean, removing all crumbs to avoid attracting unwanted pests. Bugs Hate Cleanliness! Ask your landlord to periodically check the unit for cracks or entry points for bugs and creatures.

If you need pest control services in St. Louis MO, Jefferson County, or St. Charles MO County, call Buckingham Pest!

636-274-7400

Missouri's Top Pest Threats in Spring 2020

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 12:28:16 GMT

When the last of winter's snow melts away, Missourians everywhere let out a sigh of relief in anticipation of warmer Spring weather. And although Spring brings in a host of good feelings, being seen as the perfect season, it brings with it a variety of pests and insects that want to invade your home. Many pests have been lying dormant deep underground or even in the depths of your home or business. As they begin to come out of hiding, they also reproduce and are seeking food sources and of course, a way to torment you. Let's take a look at the top pest threats in Spring 2020!

The unbidden guest is ever a pest.

- Unknown

5. Ticks - it is no secret that these little bugs pose huge threats to yours and your families health. This year promises to be a busy year for ticks. That is why it is even more important than ever that you protect yourself from these pests!

4. Carpenter Ants - when you have ants of any kind in your home, it can be annoying to say the least. But, carpenter ants pose a unique threat to your home and business. While, unlike the termite, they do not eat wood, they do chew tunnels through it to reach food sources. According to one report, they cause even more damage than termites do- making them a significant pest risk to your St. Charles County, Jefferson County, St. Louis City, or St. Louis County home and business!

3. Mosquitoes - In the wake of epidemics like the Swine Flu, Zika, St. Louis encephalitis, and West Nile virus, all mosquito borne illnesses, it should be no surprise that mosquitoes are on our list. This little pest loves standing water, and can breed in any neighborhood. If you have a home or business in Missouri, you are at risk for a mosquito infestation!

2. Bedbugs -found throughout the nation, bedbugs can be spread as easily as going to a hotel and bringing it home through the fabric of a suitcase or clothing. Bedbugs feed on human blood, similar to ticks and mosquitoes, and carry with them disease.

1. Termites - According to one report, termites caused more than $5 Billion in damages to Missouri homes and businesses. Mud Tubes on exterior walls and discarded wings could be a sign that you may have termites. Each Spring brings what is known as a "termite swarm." This is an annual reproductive cycle where flying termites are often noticed within a home. This threat has also risen as termite populations continue to increase over the last few years, making this pest threat the number one threat to Missouri residents this year!

Think you may have a pest problem with one of the above? Need help identifying a bug problem such as spiders or cockroaches? We can help. Call Buckingham Pest Control 636-274-7400 and get a quote today!

Why Mosquitoes Suck

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 13:16:32 GMT

How to remove mosquitoes fast!

If you have ever tried to enjoy the outdoors, and were attacked by mosquitoes relentlessly biting you, than you are likely either trapped inside your home, or seeking out the best possible approach to keeping these pests away!

If you want to enjoy the outdoor areas of your home, you could wear long sleeves in the summer. Be forewarned, that mosquitoes can penetrate long clothing. Perhaps you will avoid them by placing yourself in a giant hamster ball. This approach, though fun, could be slightly inefficient.

Here are our top tips to removing mosquitoes and preventing them from returning.

1. You want to make your home as unattractive as possible. Mosquitoes love moist areas for breeding. If you don't live by water, you may want to consider draining any kind of standing water. Look for pooling around gutters, or poor drainage in your yard, and make your yard as dry as possible.

2. Mosquitoes are repelled by certain scents. Try planting citronella or peppermint plants around the property.

3. When outdoors, use fans. This has two benefits. It will cool down the area for you and your guest, but it will also blow air too hard for mosquitoes to fly through, hence making a mosquito free bubble for your barbecue.

Still need help getting rid of mosquitoes?

Call Buckingham Pest Control in St. Charles & St. Louis County!

How to Terminate Termites

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 13:14:59 GMT

Top signs you have Termites and what you can do about it!

According to the National Pest Management Association, termites cause an estimated $5 Billion dollars in damages to homes and businesses each year. It may even surprise you to know that these tiny pests cause more damage to St. Charles County MO homes than flood, fire, and wind combined! So how do you know if you may have termites?

Here are 5 Visible signs that you might have a termite infestation.

1. Mud Tubes on Exterior Walls
It is a well known fact that termites travel in tunnels made of mud as they search for food sources. A good sign that you may have a termite problem is mud tubes along the exterior walls of your home, such as around the garage, or patio for example.

2. Hollow Wood
Ok, it may seem obvious that if your foot goes through the front porch that you could have a termite issue, but one of the clear signs is hollow wood. Termites eat 24 hours a day/7 days a week, so seeing hollow logs or wood around your property could be a key indicator. Cracked paint may also signify a larger problem. Looking at the trees around your property you may also notice little designs carved into the wood. This is an indication of a wood eating pest.

3. Discarded Wings
Termite Swarms generally stay close to their nest, within 600 to 900 feet, and they tend to lose wings along the way. Many times, you will see these discarded wings along window seals, doors, or cracked openings.

4. Cracked Entry Points
You’re more likely to have termites if your home or business is an attractive environment for termites. Termites enter through wood-to-ground contact. This means signs are often found near door-frames, deck posts, and porch steps. They also exploit cracks in your foundation. Finally, they prefer moisture. If you have poor drainage in your yard, have pooling water around your gutters, or live near a creek, river, pond or stream– the more likely that termites will be nearby.

Finally, if you suspect that you may have termites, give the pros at Buckingham Pest Control a call. We offer termite inspections throughout St. Charles County, St. Louis County and Jefferson County in Missouri.

What makes us NUTS about Squirrels!

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 13:14:59 GMT

4 tips to remove squirrels from your home & keep them out!

Squirrels are powerful and destructive!

They have been known to climb up a 4 story apartment complex withing seconds.

Squirrels can chew through stucco, siding, terra cotta, and slate roof shingles with ease. Even bricks are vulnerable to their destructive behavior. Squirrels will climb in through a chimney, and push aside a brick to gain access to your attic or crawlspace.

A squirrel will go through high, hard to reach areas of the roof.

Once removed, be sure to repair the area of infiltration.

What to do if a squirrel gets into your home?

One of the best ways to get a squirrel out is using live bait approach. This approach can take time, but baiting a live trap with peanut butter is a great way to lure the squirrel out.

If a squirrel is trapped in your chimney, loud noises may scare it out, as they are more afraid of you than you are of them.

If loud noises do not work, you want to make the area as unattractive as possible. Strobe lights & Cider Vinegar will scare them off.

buckingham_pest

Managing Pests During MO Rainy Season – Tips for a Pest-Free Home

5 Pest Control Tips for the Rainy Season

Ticked Off! Missouri Braces for Tick Surge: Insights from Recent Research

Missouri Expected to See Rise in Ticks This Year: What You Need to Know

Preparing for the Buzz: Navigating the Emergence of the 200-Year Cicada in Missouri

The 2024 Solar Eclipse brought more than a celestial event: The 200 Year Cicada is here

Ants!

How to get rid of Ants around your Yard and Home! St. Charles, St. Louis, Jefferson County, MO

Cold Weather Pests- How to keep them out!

Why Missouri Winter is a Wonderland for some pests.

PBJ Development Workshop

How Buckingham Pest Control is using the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach in classrooms to further education of this species.

The UNPLEASANT truth about STINK BUGS

Beginners Guide to getting rid of Stink Bugs for good

Are stink bugs dangerous?

How Can You Keep Them Away?

1. Remove Some Lights

2. Keep Your Home Dry

3. Block Access

Who is responsible for Pest Control in a Rental Home or Apartment?

Pest Control and Apartment Rentals | Taking Action

Missouri's Top Pest Threats in Spring 2020

The unbidden guest is ever a pest.

Why Mosquitoes Suck

How to remove mosquitoes fast!

How to Terminate Termites

Top signs you have Termites and what you can do about it!

What makes us NUTS about Squirrels!

4 tips to remove squirrels from your home & keep them out!

How to get rid of Ants around your Yard and Home!
St. Charles, St. Louis, Jefferson County, MO