All posts by corbin

Cockroaches, Cockroaches, Pest Infestation, Prevention tips

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

Cincinnati Pest Control, Cincinnati Spiders, Cincinnati Spiders

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?

Cincinnati Pest Control, Cockroaches, Pest Control, Pest Infestation

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

Termites, Termites in Cincinnati

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.

Cincinnati Pest Control, Pest Infestation, Prevention tips, Rodents, Treatment Options

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.

Cincinnati Pest Control, Rodents, Treatment Options

Rodent Control Treatment in Cincinnati

Rodents can cause significant distress to homeowners in Cincinnati. One reason for this is because they are a lot bigger than typical household pests. It can be downright frightening to see a rodent scurry through your house. But, their size is not the main reason that these types of pest should strike fear in your heart. The real threats that rodents pose are to your home and to your family. Rodents can cause serious damage to your property and spread disease to your family. The seriousness of these threats makes effective rodent control treatment very important.

Damage to your home

One of the biggest reasons proper rodent control is essential is because they can do serious damage to your home. Rodents are willing to chew on just about anything. They’re known to chew through wires inside walls and those connected to electronics and appliances. This type of damage can create potential fire hazards in your property. Rodents will also damage items inside your house by chewing through cardboard and paper to get materials to build their nests. Even seemingly strong building materials like sheetrock can be chewed through by rodents. In order to protect your home from damage you need to have a rodent control treatment plan that works.

Spread disease to your family 

Effective rodent control can protect your family from the threat of diseases that can be spread by rodents. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) lists eleven diseases that can be transmitted directly to humans from rodents and fifteen diseases that are indirectly transmitted by rodents. These lists contain some serious diseases that you do not want anyone in your family exposed to. Rodents can transmit disease directly by contaminating your food supply. When they chew into the food packages in your pantry they can leave behind urine and feces that spread disease. In addition, direct contact with rodent urine or droppings and breathing in dust contaminated with them can transmit disease. Keeping your home rodent-free will go a long way toward protecting the health of your family.

Rodent control treatment options

There are two basic options for rodent control treatment: traps and poison. Traps are designed to catch rodents and either kill them or contain them until you (or your pest control professional) can remove them from the property. One benefit of using traps is the fact that you know where the rodents are. You do not have to worry about them crawling into some hidden space to die and causing your home to smell bad. You can remove any rodent that gets caught in the trap’s snare and set it up to catch the next one. Poison is the second broad category for rodent control. There is a wide range of options for killing off rodents with poison. If you choose to work with a pest control professional they will have a recommendation for the poison you should use based on your situation and their expertise. A benefit of using poison is that you can get to more rodents than you can with traps. Once a trap is full it cannot catch another rodent until you remove the old one and re-set the trap. You can easily set out enough poison to kill off several rodents at a time.

In Cincinnati you can get help with all of your rodent control treatment needs from the experts at Sure Thing Pest Control. We have the training, expertise, and tools necessary to protect your home and your family from the threat of a rodent infestation.

Pest Control, Prevention tips, Termites, Termites in Cincinnati

Termite Treatment Options in Cincinnati

The most effective way to deal with termites is to bring in professional help. In Cincinnati, you have a number of options when it comes to getting professional termite treatment. Two of the most effective options available in the area for eradicating termites are the Advance® Termite Baiting System and liquid Termidor® termiticide/insecticide treatment. Both of the options are effective choices for killing off active termites and protecting your home going forward.

Advance® Termite Baiting System

The Advance® Termite Baiting System provides an intelligently designed and high-quality defense against termites. This treatment option is less invasive than the typical liquid treatment options. The first step in the process of having an Advance® Termite Baiting System installed is to get a professional termite inspection. Once the infestation status of the home is determined, baiting stations are placed in the soil around the house. The locations of the baiting stations are determined by current termite activity in an area and the potential for activity in a given area. The Advance® Termite Baiting System stations are then checked regularly for signs of termites. When termites are discovered they are placed into a bait cartridge where they are exposed to termite bait. The pests feed on the bait, return to the colony, and send other termites to the bait stations. This process reduces the size of the colony in the beginning and completely kills it off over time.

Liquid Termidor® termiticide

Liquid Termidor® is an excellent termite treatment option for the people of Cincinnati and anywhere else. It has been named the #1 termite defense in America. Termidor® is undetectable to termites because they cannot see, taste, or smell it. This liquid termiticide is applied along the foundation walls or exterior perimeter of your home. Termidor® binds tightly to the soil and kills termites that come in contact with or ingest it. If a termite comes in contact with Termidor® it becomes a carrier and transfers the termiticide to others in the colony. Since termites do not die immediately upon contact they have time to spread it to others. This makes Termidor® a very effective option for fully eradicating a termite infestation.

There are additional termite treatment options on the market but the two mentioned here have proven to be the best available. Now the question is, ‘Which treatment option is right for my home in Cincinnati?’ The answer to that question depends on a number of factors including the construction of your home, the type of infestation, and your risk for developing more termite issues in the future. You and the termite professional you choose will work together to determine the option that will best address your current infestation and protect your home going forward.  

Pest Control, Prevention tips, Termites

What Should I Do if I Find Out I Have Termites?

What Should I Do if I Find Out I Have Termites?

Termites are one of the most destructive pests on the planet. A colony will eat away at the wood in your home with their scissor-like jaws 24 hours per day. The damage they do is typically to the structural wood of your home and can lead to issues with a number of important elements of your house. The costs to repair the damage caused by termites can quickly add up. The potential for damage and the costs of repairs make quick action on your part essential. If you find out there are termites in your home start the process of dealing with them immediately. They will not stop causing damage until you take steps to stop them. The first thing you need to do if you find out you have termites is to get a professional inspection. Once you have the results of the inspection the next step is to have your home treated for termites by a professional. After the termites are eradicated from your home the final step is to protect it from a re-infestation.

Get a professional inspection

A professional termite inspection will do a number of things to help you deal with termites. The inspector will be able to confirm your suspicions of an infestation and identify the areas where the termites are active. In addition, the inspector will be able to determine the severity of the infestation and potential areas of damage. As a part of the inspection the pest control professional will provide you with information about the infestation and recommendations for treatment.

Have your home treated for termites by a professional

A termite infestation is one that requires the intervention of a professional. Termites often infest areas that are out of site and out of easy reach. In order to stop termite damage you must completely eradicate the infestation. This is difficult to do and requires the expertise, training, and tools of a professional.

Protect your home from re-infestation

Once your home has been treated for termites the next step is to protect it from re-infestation. A re-infestation can happen if you do not address the conditions that led to the infestation in the first place. Subterranean termites require moisture to survive and are attracted to areas of moisture around homes. If you have any type of moisture issues around your house you need to address those to prevent termites in the future. Make sure that all of your downspouts are working properly and directing water away from your house. You can also talk to your pest control professional about their suggestions for further protecting your home.

A termite infestation is a serious issue that requires professional intervention. Protect your home from the damage termites can do by bringing in professional help as soon as you discover a problem. You can learn more about termites, treatment options, and prevention here.

Bed Bugs

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Your Cincinnati Home

If you have discovered a bed bug infestation in your Cincinnati home, you are not alone. Cincinnati is near the top of the list for the number of bed bug infestations. Knowing that many of your neighbors have also dealt with these pests may be comforting but it doesn’t change the fact that you need to find a way to get rid of the bed bugs. There are a number of treatment options available for eradicating bed bugs. Some homeowners choose to go with do-it-yourself options while others seek out professional help.

DIY options

A quick search online or a visit to you a big box hardware store will provide you with a number of choices for DIY bed bug treatment. There are a variety of insecticide options with various application methods. You can find foggers that release a cloud of insecticide into the room as well as sprays that you apply directly to the infested areas. In addition, there are bed bug traps and bed bug egg killers advertised for DIYers. You can even purchase a kit that contains a variety of treatment options designed to kill currents bugs and prevent future infestations. Any of these options have the potential to kill bed bugs when they come in contact with one another. The problem that many homeowners run into is the fact that bed bugs are experts at hiding and often avoid exposure to these DIY treatments.

Professional options

A pest control professional can offer a number of treatment options to help you get rid of the bed bugs in your home. Bed bugs do not like high heat and can be killed off with specially designed heaters. These heaters can be effective but do come with a set of potential problems. The high level of heat can negatively impact common household items by melting them, scorching them, or damaging internal components. If you choose this option you need to be diligent about removing or protecting any item that may be sensitive to heat. Another treatment option available through a professional is insecticide. Some of the insecticides offered by professionals contain similar ingredients to the ones you can find on the hardware store shelf. The big difference is that a pest control professional is trained in the proper use and application of those insecticides. Applying the insecticides in the right areas and in the correct manner can make the difference between completely or partially eradicating and infestation.

When it comes to getting rid of bed bugs, bringing in a professional is always the best choice. These pests are difficult to eradicate. You need help from someone who has the training to spot evidence of bed bugs and the tools to properly apply the chosen treatment. Another important reason to use a professional for bed bug eradication is for the guarantee. A top notch pest control company will provide a guarantee with their work which means you can rest assured that they will get rid of the bed bugs in your home.

Bed Bugs

5 Most Common Reasons You Have Bed Bugs

No one wants to deal with a bed bug problem. But, if you have a bed bug infestation you understand that not dealing with it is not an option. As you make plans to eradicate your home of bed bugs it is a good idea to figure out why you developed the issue in the first place. This knowledge can help you prevent future infestations. Listed below are five of the most common reasons you have bed bugs.

You did not completely eradicate a previous infestation.

Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eradicate once they have set up residence in your home. They are small and excellent at hiding which makes it difficult to know for sure if you completely eradicated an infestation. Many homeowners attempt to get rid of bed bugs through DIY methods like bug bombs and spot treatment. These methods will kill the bed bugs but only those that come in contact with the poison. The fact that bed bugs are small and good at hiding means that they often get into areas that are difficult to reach with these DIY methods. If you had a bed bug infestation in the past and have discovered another one it is highly likely that it is a result of failing to fully eradicate the previous infestation. Your best option for getting rid of bed bugs is to bring in a professional with the tools, knowledge, and experience necessary for the job.

You brought bed bug infested items into your home.

Mattresses are not the only thing that can become infested with bed bugs. Upholstered chairs, couches, other bedroom furniture, and even clothing can bring bed bugs into your home. Shopping for these types of items second hand puts you at risk for bringing in these pests. If you have developed a bed bug problem recently then take stock of the used items you have brought into your house. That chair you want to re-cover could be the source of your current woes. You can minimize your chances of bringing bed bugs in this way by carefully examining each item for signs of pest activity before bringing it inside your home.

You stayed in a bed bug infested hotel.

Hotels are well known as a potential culprit for spreading bed bugs. If the person who stayed in the hotel room before you has a bed bug problem at home it puts you at risk for developing an infestation. These pests can travel on a variety of items from an infested home to the hotel. Do a visual inspection of the bed and surrounding areas in your hotel room to check for bed bugs.

You picked bed bugs up on a plane or bus ride.

Bed bugs are not only present inside of houses or bedrooms. They can travel on clothing, suitcases, and a variety of other items. As with a hotel, when you travel by plane or bus you share a space with a variety of people. If someone has a bed bug issue at home these pests can travel on their clothing or luggage and make their way to the seats of planes and buses. If you are unlucky enough to sit in one of those seats you may have an unwanted passenger accompany you home from your trip. Bed bugs do not like heat so drying your clothes on the hottest setting possible immediately upon arriving home can kill off any pests traveling with you.

Your neighbors have bed bugs.

In certain living arrangements bed bugs can spread quickly from home to home. If you live in an apartment complex, duplex, or condo then you may have bed bugs because your neighbor has them. The close proximity of this type of living arrangement makes it easy for bed bugs to spread between units. If you live in one of these housing arrangements and have bed bugs let your neighbors know so everyone can be proactive in prevention and treatment.

Whatever the reason for your bed bug infestation the end result is the same-you have bed bugs! Immediate action is important to prevent the infestation from spreading to others and increasing in severity. Bring in a top notch exterminator from the beginning to effectively eradicate these pests from your bed and your home.