The Wilmar, Minnesota Home and Garden Show isn’t just about flowers, siding, and spring sales.
This year, it featured something that had visitors doing double-takes: live bed bugs and cockroaches—safely enclosed, of course.
Luke Buggert and the team from Complete Ground Control took their community outreach to the next level, bringing educational displays and real pest specimens to give Wilmar residents a firsthand look at the most common—and most frustrating—home invaders.
They didn’t just show what pests look like—they talked treatments, prevention, and gave local residents tools to recognize early warning signs.
From bats to bed bugs, it was all about being prepared.
Educating the Community—One Pest at a Time
This wasn’t your average pest control booth.
Complete Ground Control came prepared with:
- Live specimen displays of bed bugs and cockroaches
- A selection of professional monitoring tools like traps and monitors
- Real examples of insect and rodent entry points commonly found in Wilmar homes
- Friendly, expert advice for anyone curious—or concerned
Luke explained:
“We just got some of our different equipment out here like mouse traps and insect monitors and bed bug traps… showing people live specimens of bedbugs and cockroaches and discussing treatment options for all of our common pests.”
It’s that hands-on approach that left an impact on attendees.
Instead of just selling a service, they showed why it matters.
Local Pests That Hit Close to Home
Living in a farming community comes with its own unique set of pest issues.
Luke and his team have seen them all, and they used this event to help the community understand what they’re really up against.
Most Frequently Asked About Pests at the Show:
- Asian Beetles – Very common in farming regions like Wilmar, especially in the fall.
- Rodents – Mice and rats that move in during colder months or through unsealed entry points.
- Bats – Often roosting in attic spaces or behind siding.
| Pest Type | Common Entry Point | Main Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Asian Beetles | Cracks in siding, windows | Indoor swarms in cooler months |
| Mice/Rats | Gaps near garage or AC | Contamination, damage |
| Bats | Soffits, chimneys | Noise, droppings, disease risk |
Real-Time Pest Advice for Real Local Homes
What made Complete Ground Control’s booth so effective wasn’t just the visuals—it was the advice tailored to Wilmar homes.
Luke and his team didn’t just describe the pests—they explained what to do about them.
Here are some of the most useful prevention tips they shared with visitors:
- Seal your soffits and rooflines – especially for bats and Asian beetles.
- Install tight garage door seals to block rodents.
- Check around AC lines and utility entries for gaps.
- Use bed bug interceptors when traveling or if you suspect a problem.
- Vacuum window sills in fall to reduce beetle buildup.
| Tool/Equipment | Used For | Best Placement Location |
|---|---|---|
| Steel Mesh | Rodents, bats | Around vents and gaps |
| Bed Bug Monitors | Bed bugs | Bed legs, baseboards |
| Insect Glue Boards | Beetles, cockroaches | Corners, under appliances |
Whether someone was a seasoned homeowner or a first-time buyer, they walked away with something they could apply that day.
Why Events Like This Matter to the Wilmar Community
When pests hit, most people call for help only after the problem gets bad.
But Luke’s goal is to flip that mindset.
By showing people what pests look like, how they behave, and how they get in, his team is empowering residents to stop infestations before they start.
It’s about more than just killing bugs—it’s about protecting homes and families.
And because Wilmar is a tight-knit, rural community, events like the Home & Garden Show are the perfect opportunity to connect in-person, build trust, and share resources.
| Benefit | What It Means for Homeowners | Why It’s Valuable |
|---|---|---|
| Early Identification | Stop infestations before damage | Saves money and stress |
| Localized Knowledge | Know what pests are in your area | Tailored prevention strategies |
| Hands-on Interaction | Recognize pests on sight | Increases awareness & action |
Why We Think This Is Important
Events like the Wilmar Home and Garden Show give pest control companies like Complete Ground Control the chance to do more than react—they get to educate.
Luke and his team aren’t just solving pest problems—they’re preventing them through real-world demos, approachable education, and deep local insight.
From live bugs in glass cases to professional exclusion advice, their presence made a big impact on how homeowners see the value of pest prevention.
If you’re in Wilmar or surrounding communities, remember: pest control isn’t just seasonal.
It’s year-round protection, and it starts with knowing what you’re up against.
FAQs
What pests were shown at the Wilmar Home and Garden Show?
Complete Ground Control displayed live specimens of bed bugs and cockroaches, plus traps and monitors for mice, bats, and Asian beetles.
Why are Asian beetles so common in Wilmar?
Due to the region’s strong agricultural roots, Asian beetles thrive here—especially in the fall as they seek warmth indoors.
Are the traps shown at the event available to homeowners?
Yes, many of the monitoring and exclusion tools discussed are available to homeowners and can be installed with or without professional help.
Can Complete Ground Control help with multiple pest types?
Absolutely. They specialize in multi-pest management including bats, bed bugs, rodents, beetles, and more using exclusion, heat treatments, and monitoring.
How can I schedule a pest inspection?
Visit our website or call us to schedule a free consultation in Wilmar or surrounding areas.
