How to Get Rid of a Cockroach Infestation

Cockroaches are resilient and resourceful pests. They are skilled at getting into homes through very small breaches and generally spend their time out of sight. They are also capable of living in a variety of environments. If your home is one of the environments where cockroaches have set up residence then you are likely looking for a way to get rid of them. They can be difficult to eradicate but you can be successful by combining professional intervention with consistent cleaning and proper home maintenance.

Bring in professional help

There are a variety of DIY options out there for treating cockroaches. You can see an example of the options available by visiting the pest control section of your local hardware store. You can kill off some of the cockroaches in your home with these methods. But, it is extremely difficult to fully eradicate a cockroach infestation on your own. These pests can get into the deepest, darkest nooks and crannies of your house. Many DIY methods come up short when it comes to killing off all of the roaches. Bringing in professional help will allow you to fully eradicate the infestation. A pest control professional will have the tools and expertise to completely get rid of a cockroach infestation.

Keep things clean

As a part of the process of eradicating a cockroach infestation you need to look at the condition of your house. If you have clutter lying around it can give cockroaches easy places to hide and move around. Overflowing garbage, spills, and dishes sitting around can provide cockroaches with food to eat. Take an honest look at the condition of your home and determine if you need to tidy up. Getting things in order can help you ensure that the cockroaches are gone and aide in preventing a re-infestation.

Catch up on home maintenance

Catching up on your home maintenance tasks can help you with the process of eradicating cockroaches. Check for areas within your home that have leaking water. Cockroaches are attracted to damp areas so it is important to address any leaks and subsequent damage caused by water. Cockroaches can squeeze into your house through small breaches. Check the perimeter of your home for cracks, shrinking caulk, or damaged weather stripping that may allow cockroaches inside. Make repairs to these areas as a part of your eradication process.

You can get rid of a cockroach infestation quickly by bringing in professional help. A top notch pest control professional will be able to effectively eradicate the infestation and provide you with a guarantee. You can maximize your chances of eradicating cockroaches and keeping them away by taking care of your house inside and out. Cockroaches can be difficult to get rid of but not impossible-with the right help.

How to Get Rid of a Cockroach Infestation

Are Spiders Common in Cincinnati?

Spiders are common in Cincinnati and throughout Ohio. There are many different types of spiders that call Cincinnati home. The majority of the spiders you will find here are harmless to humans. But, you can find some types of spiders living in Cincinnati that pose a threat to people. It is good to know what types of spiders are common to this area so you can keep an eye out for the ones that can pose a threat to you and your family. Even if you only encounter harmless spiders you probably don’t want to share your house with them. Eradicating spiders from your home is a simple process that you can bundle with your other pest control efforts.

Types of spiders in Cincinnati

If you are concerned about dangerous spiders in Cincinnati two types you need to keep an eye out for are the brown recluse and the black widow. Both of these spiders can cause serious harm to humans with their bite. As suggested by their names, these two spiders have different coloring from one another. There are harmless spiders in Cincinnati that can be easy to confuse with these dangerous ones. Other examples of spiders you will find in Cincinnati include the grass spider, barn orb weaver, banded sac spider, wolf spider, and crab spider-to name a few. If you are interested in learning in more detail about the spiders you may find in Ohio, check out this field guide on the topic. You can spend some time learning the details about properly identifying these spiders to differentiate between which ones are harmless/harmful or you can take steps to keep all the spiders out of your home.

Eradicating spiders from your home

The spiders in your Cincinnati home are most likely harmless. But, that does not mean you should accept their presence inside your house. Spider webs in the corners and under furniture can make your home look unkempt. Seeing a spider scuttle across your floor or crawl on your counter top can cause stress and fear. If you want to get rid of spiders the quickest way to do it is with the help of a pest control professional. A pest control expert will know how to find the areas where spiders like to hang out and take the appropriate steps to eradicate them.
The sight of a spider in your house can be disturbing-even if you know that the spider is not dangerous. Spiders are common in Cincinnati which means the possibility of finding them in your home is very real. You can get and keep spiders out of your house with the help of a pest control professional. The pest control company you choose for regularly scheduled services can treat for spiders at the same time they come in and treat for other types of pests.

Are Spiders Common in Cincinnati?

Signs You Might Have a Cockroach Problem

No homeowner wants to have a cockroach problem. These nasty pests can cause real issues. Cockroaches travel through all types of filth and waste picking up traces of it on their legs and bodies. They can then transfer the bacteria they carry around to the surfaces of your house-like your kitchen counters. In addition, cockroaches can get into your food supply and contaminate it. They can spread disease to you and your family in this way. Cockroaches can also cause trouble for people with breathing problems. Their excrement and carcasses can pollute the air and be problematic for certain people. Cockroaches have the potential to cause you harm which makes it important to watch closely for signs that you might have an infestation.

Seeing a cockroach

The most obvious sign of a cockroach infestation is actually seeing a cockroach. There are many different types of cockroaches in the world. They can differ in size and coloring. But, all cockroaches can be identified by their general shape and body features. Their body features include long antennae, chewing mouthparts, six legs, and a shield-shaped structure on the top of their bodies. If you see one it is almost always an indication that an infestation is present. Cockroaches prefer to remain unseen-hiding in the dark and behind clutter. When you see one it is highly likely that it has friends nearby in the shadows. If you see one or two cockroaches it might be tempting to convince yourself that there is not a bigger issue-especially if you caught and killed the cockroaches you encountered. Don’t be fooled, one cockroach sighting is almost always the clearest sign that you have a cockroach problem.

Finding evidence of cockroaches

Cockroaches leave behind evidence of their presence-even if you do not actually see one scurrying around. Seeing small droppings in drawers or the backs of cabinets can indicate a cockroach infestation. It can be difficult to differentiate between roach droppings and other types of pest droppings. You can take a little time and learn how to identify the different types of pest droppings or you can simply call in help when you find evidence of any type of pest. Roach carcasses are another sign that you may have an issue. A dead roach is definitely the only type you want to see in your house. But, roach carcasses in your house can be an indication that there is an active infestation.
Seeing a cockroach or discovering signs of their presence should prompt you to call a pest control professional. The threat that these pests pose to your health makes quick action essential. Do not risk having your food supply and surfaces in your home contaminated because of a cockroach problem.

Signs You Might Have a Cockroach Problem

How to Spot Termite Damage

Termite damage can be far reaching. These pests often eat away at the structural wood of your home. This can lead to structural issues that compromise the integrity of your house. If left unchecked, termite damage can leave you with extensive repairs that are expensive to address. You can minimize the treat of termite damage by learning how to spot the signs of activity. You can spot signs of termite activity and damage by looking for mud tubes, inspecting the wood around your home, and getting a professional termite inspection.

Look for mud tubes

Termites build mud tubes to travel back and forth between the colony and their food supply. The mud tubes serve to protect them so they can move around without encountering threats on the way. Another function of the mud tubes is to keep the termites in close contact with moisture. Subterranean termites tend to build their colonies in or near moisture rich soil. This provides them with the moisture they need to survive. The mud tubes are built as a highway of sorts between the moisture rich soil and the wood the termites eat on. This makes it easy for the termites to return quickly to the soil whenever they need to. You can look for mud tubes under your house or along the foundation perimeter.

Inspect the wood around your home

There are certain areas around your home that you can inspect for signs of termite damage. If you have access to a crawlspace under your house then you can take a look at some of the foundational wood. That is often the first place that you will see signs of termite activity. Wood that has been damaged by termites can have a wavy appearance, have spots that have clearly been eaten away, or sound hollow when tapped on. The other area of your house that you should inspect for termite damage is the framing around your windows and doors. These areas are almost always constructed of wood no matter what types of other materials are used for the home. Check each of these areas for the same type of damage you look for under your house.

Get a professional termite inspection

The most effective way to spot termite damage is to hire a professional to spot it for you. A professional termite inspection can provide you with a lot of information about the condition of your house. You will learn if there is a current infestation, signs of damage, and signs of previous treatment. All of this information is then used to determine the best course of treatment to eradicate the termites.
Spotting termite damage early can minimize the extent of the damage. If you see any signs of activity when you inspect the wood of your home, take quick action to eradicate the issue. Bring in professional help to have the best chance of catching termite activity in the early stages. If you do discover a termite infestation the most effective course of action is to bring in a pest control professional.

How to Get Rid of a Rodent Infestation

Rodents are pests that can cause serious issues for homeowners. If rodents get into your home they can damage your property and impact the health of your family. In order to protect your home and family you need to get rid of these pests as quickly as possible. Catching up on home maintenance, tidying up, and bringing in professional help will all work together to rid your home of a rodent infestation.

Catch up on home maintenance tasks

Catching up on home maintenance tasks is an essential part of protecting your house from rodents. Rodents can squeeze into your home through relatively small openings. In order to stop more rodents from moving in you need to close up areas that provide them with access. Take a walk around the perimeter of your home and check for breaches. Examine the eaves of your home, the attic, and the crawl space for signs of openings big enough for rodents. Seal up any breaches immediately. The other element of home maintenance you need to look at is the availability of water for the rodents. Rodents need water to survive and leaking pipes can provide them with the water they need. Check the water sources inside and around your house for any signs of a problem. Dealing with home maintenance tasks like these will help you in your efforts to get rid of a rodent infestation by taking away their access to shelter and water.

Tidy up your home

Tidying up your home can help you get rid of a rodent infestation for a couple of reasons. Rodents prefer to stay hidden and can do that in houses that are cluttered. If your home is packed full of things or stays in a state of disarray you may be providing rodents with ideal conditions. Lots of stuff lying around means plenty of places for rodents to hide. Messy spaces are also more likely to provide rodents with easy access to food. Forgotten crumbs, unwashed dishes, and overflowing trash cans are elements of a messy space that can give rodents plenty to eat. Eliminating the mess and decluttering your home are important steps toward getting rid of a rodent infestation.

Get professional treatment

The quickest and most effective way to get rid of a rodent infestation is to bring in professional help. A pest control professional will be able to use their training, experience, and tools to eradicate your rodent problem. Options for rodent control include traps and poison and will be tailored to the needs of your situation. Oftentimes a combination of traps and poison is used to effectively get rid of rodents.

Once you have eradicated rodents from your home you need to start thinking about how you will keep them away in the future. Staying on top of your home maintenance and cleaning duties will minimize your risk for future rodent infestations. You can also set your home up on regularly scheduled pest control services. Having a pest control professional treat your home for pests on a regular basis can help prevent a new infestation from occurring.