Category Archives: Pest Control

Cincinnati Pest Control, Flying Insects, Pest Control, Prevention tips, Recurring Service(s), Seasonal Pest Control

The Early Invasion of Stink Bugs in Cincinnati

Over the weekend while I was out doing some work around the house, I noticed what looked to be a couple of stink bugs trying to make their way in. It seems they have already started the search for a location to overwinter. If you’ve had issues with stink bugs in the past, now is the time to start preparing and pest-proofing your home before they make their way in.

As you’ve probably noticed the days have been getting shorter and shorter which is the trigger for many insects including stink bugs, ladybugs, and boxelder bugs to begin searching for areas to overwinter in Great Cincinnati. Like your home or business! While treatment will help to greatly reduce the number of these over winter pests that make it into your home the best way to deal with them is prevention: pest-proofing your home to keep them from making their way in.

In the Cincinnati area, we have a great number of insects that try to make your home their overwintering hotel including the brown marmorated stink bug, Asian lady beetle, boxelder bug, and cluster flies just to name a few. Brown marmorated stink bugs are usually the first to start searching followed by the Asian lady beetle a few weeks later. If your home has had issues in the past than you should expect the same problem again this year.

 

You may ask, what measures should I take to prevent these overwinter pests?

Pest control treatment is a great start. At Sure Thing, we can perform a fall application to your home to prevent a large majority of the stink bugs, boxelder bugs, and other pests from making their way in. While this is a great method for greatly reducing the chances of these pests from entering your home or business some exclusions measures should also be taken to have the best results.

Another great method for stopping them before they make it into your home is to properly pest-proof your home. Here are some tips that you can do at home to reduce problems with fall insect invasions:

  1. Seal cracks around doors, windows, and dry vents with caulk. Cracks as small as 1/8” will allow some insects to fit through.
  2. Replace torn or damaged window screens.
  3. Seal openings around pipes and wires in the foundation and siding with caulk. For larger openings use expandable foam or other suitable materials.
  4. Check the seal/ weather stripping under the doors. While lying on the floor, look to see if you can see light coming from under or around the door.
  5. Adding a chimney cap to exclude Stink bugs and also other wildlife. Make sure to leave your damper closed when not in use.
  6. *Cover attic and roof vents with hardware cloth. The cloth should be 1/6 inch or smaller to exclude stink bugs*
  7. Remove window AC units if possible.
  8. Apply a residual insecticide to the exterior of the home. Treating underneath and around doors, windows, utility openings, and where there is a change of material.

What To Do Once They’re Inside

Once overwinter pests have made it inside your Cincinnati home or business, you’ll generally them in various places. They are commonly seen around chimneys, closets, window air condition units, attics, on shelves, and around windows and doors.

Once Stink bugs have already made it into your home a chemical treatment is not recommended as they are going to be in wall voids and other areas that can’t be accessed so you may still continue to find insects. Besides prevention, the best way to remove overwintering pests is simply to suck them up with a vacuum. Another great control measure in dark areas such as attics and basements is to use some variation of a light-baited/ funnel trap and soapy water traps.

 

Got Questions? Need help? Don’t want the Stink Bugs to invade your home? Feel free to reach out! We’re here to help!

Cincinnati Pest Control, Flying Insects, Pest Control, Seasonal Pest Control

Sweat Bees in Cincinnati

If you spent any extended amount of time outdoors this weekend you may have been seeing a lot of sweat bees … Well, they may not actually be sweat bees… They may actually be hover flies which are very beneficial insects! Hover Fly on Hand

What’s the difference between a Sweat Bees and hover flies?

Well, the easiest way to tell if is a bee or a hover fly is that hover flies only 1 set of wings where bees have 2 sets on each side. Hover flies don’t sting or bite, but rather lick you for your sweat which may cause some slight irritation for a second. These tiny creatures start as larvae before growing into flies that are often confused with sweat bees. Unlike sweat bees, hover flies have the ability to hover in one spot, giving the appearance as if they’re suspended in mid-air.

How are hover flies similar Sweat Bees?

Just like bees theses flies are pollinators too so you may see them around your flowers and in your garden. In addition to being pollinators, they are a predator of aphids. Hover flies will crawl all over the foliage of infested plants grabbing and consuming these aphids. A hover fly can consume as many as 20-30 aphids per day or over 200 during its lifetime.

Hover Fly on Flower

Why am I seeing more now than ever before?

We don’t have a defiant answer to why we are seeing them more now than before but it’s believed to be weather-related. It’s believed that the influx maybe dur to the more humid months we have here in the greater Cincinnati area.

As we start to enter the time between summer and fall you’ll start to see less and less of them. So enjoy them for just a couple of more months.
Cincinnati Pest Control, Mosquito, Pest Control, Termite, Termites in Cincinnati

Cincinnati Pest Control Spring Time Newsletter

Springtime in Cincinnati doesn’t only mean the start to the baseball season, well not yet this year, but it’s also the time that we see overwintering pest reemerge. Check out our newsletter to find out what’s new with Sure Thing this spring but also what we’re expecting to see pest and termite wise in Cincinnati.

 

Click the picture above to see all pages of your Spring Pest Control newsletter.

Cincinnati Pest Control, Commercial Pest Control, COVID-19, Pest Control

COVID-19 – Ohio Essential Service Order

Sure Thing Pest Control will continue operating with normal business hours providing essential pest management in people’s homes and businesses in addition to major commercial operations such as healthcare facilities, food processing facilities and more.

Pest control professionals are responsible for protecting against rodents, insects, arachnids and other animals that can damage property and threaten people’s health through the spread of disease and bacteria, in addition to inflicting painful bites, allergic reactions, and even death.

Our number one priority is everyone’s health and safety. We are following CDC, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure our clients and employees remain healthy and safe. Our leadership team has implemented additional measures for our technicians and office staff to limit interactions, keeping a 6′ distance from other individuals, and added cleaning protocols throughout the day. Additionally, we are screening our employees and have encouraged our employees to stay home if they are not well.

We recognize the effect of the situation on our families, clients, and communities. Our thoughts are with all who are sick and we are grateful for the first responders and healthcare workers caring for those in need.

As things change we will continue to keep our clients updated with any additional information that pertains to our industry as it becomes available.

Please see our other blog posts for additional details about our service adjustments and other information pertaining to Covid-19.

If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via phone at 513-247-0030 or help@SureThingPC.com.

Please stay safe, wash your hands, practice good hygiene, and social distancing.

Thanks,
Glenn Scherzinger and Jerry Zapf

CISA Essential Workers Guidelines

Cincinnati Pest Control, Commercial Pest Control, Pest Control, Recurring Service(s)

Covid-19 Service Adjustments

Dear Clients:

As an organization, we are taking additionals measures recommended by the CDC and our local government to ensure we are providing the best level of protection for both our clients and employees while still providing the quality of service you have come to expect for us.

We want you to know

  • Our employees are remaining vigilant in dealing with your pest issues and concerns
  • We’ll be limiting indoor services- our technicians will not be asking to come inside to check bait stations or perform interior treatments unless requested
  • We’ll be stopping the greeting practice of shaking hands
  • No signatures will be required to avoid contact
  • During services, we’ll be practicing social distancing (6 feet minimum) whenever possible
  • You’ll see our technicians wearing gloves and possibly masks depending on the facility
  • Our technicians are monitored daily and have been directed to stay at home if they feel ill
  • Our equipment is being cleaned at an increased frequency as a measure of precaution
  • Preventative annual inspections are being postponed until further notice
  • We’ll be focusing on robust exterior inspections and treatments to prevent and solve any issues that arise
  • We may make additional adjustments and changes in the following days and weeks as this is a continuously changing situation

We want you to know we are doing everything we can to protect your safety, health, and peace during this difficult unprecedented time.  We don’t recommend canceling or postponing any service as insects and rodents can still enter into your home and business.

Something to keep in mind is that just because your business is unoccupied doesn’t mean that insects and rodents are going to postpone invading your building. If anything they’re more likely to do so without anyone there. If your business has any adjusted hours please let us know.

If you have any questions or concerns about any pest issues or our Covid-19 protocol please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email at help@surethingpc.com or phone at 513.247.0030.

 

We will all get through this time together!

Thanks,
The Sure Thing Team!

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

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.

Pest Control, Rodents

6 Tips to Determine if You Have a Rodent Problem

Having any type of creepy crawly intruder in your Cincinnati home isn’t pleasant, but when they’re of the rodent variety it seems to kick things up a notch. Rodents are sneaky, smart, and can find their way into your home through the smallest gaps you can imagine. If you think that you might have a rodent problem in your home, check out the 6 tips below to see if you’re right.

You’re Seeing Bite Marks

Rodents, especially mice, will bite their way into whatever food source they can find. If you see bite marks or holes in your food containers, pet food bags, or any other food source, there’s a pretty good chance you have a rodent issue on your hands. They may also leave crumbs and other debris behind. If you’re seeing these signs, it’s time to set out some traps or give your local pest control company a call.

You Find a Nest

Rodents love to set up a nice and cozy spot to birth their babies. Check your attic for missing insulation or built up debris. They often use materials like shredded paper, fabric, and dry grass to build a soft nest. If you see any of this going on, you’ve likely got at least a few rats or mice running around.

You’ve Found Fecal Matter or Urine

This is one of the things that makes a rodent infestation so gross to deal with. These pests can’t control their bowel movements or urination, so you may find the results all over your home. It’s especially common near food sources. As you are well aware, this can be incredibly unsanitary and dangerous to the health of you and your loved ones, so it’s essential that you sanitize thoroughly after you’ve located the problem.

You Notice An Odd Smell

There is a very specific smell that rodents leave behind, and it’s especially evident in rooms that are often closed off. If you’ve noticed that certain areas of your home smell more musky than usual, you may have a rodent infestation. If you’re suspicious, call in a pest control tech. A trained professional will be able to recognize the smell.

You Hear Suspicious Sounds

If you’ve been hearing scratching or the tip-tapping of little feet in your walls or on your ceiling, you’ve probably got a few guests of the rodent variety. This is often one of the first indicators that homeowners will notice, and it can also help you to narrow down the area where they’ve set up shop. Take advantage and focus your removal tactics on that particular area of your home.

You Spot a Rodent!

Of course, the number one indicator that you’ve got a rodent problem is if you see one running around your home! While spotting one tiny mouse doesn’t necessarily mean you have a full on infestation, in most cases you probably aren’t dealing with just one lone rodent.

While you can certainly set out some traps and try to handle the issue on your own, this can be time consuming and it may be in your best interest to give the professionals a call. Trained pest control technicians are able to narrow down the area where your problem originated and to eradicate the issue quickly and painlessly. For your peace of mind and the health of your loved ones, dealing with the infestation immediately is crucial.

Pest Control, Prevention tips

The Dos and Don’ts of Handling a Pest Problem Yourself

If you are considering trying to handle a pest problem yourself, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind as you determine your plan of action.

Do try and determine the source of the problem or infestation.

All of your efforts to get rid of pests will fall short if you fail to fix the problem that allowed the pest to enter your home in the first place. There are a few key factors that may be attracting and allowing pests in your home.

Shrubbery, firewood, and other items up against your house

If you have items that are close to or touching your house those could be the source of your problem. Shrubbery that touches the house can hold in moisture and create an environment that attracts bugs. Cut back any shrubbery that is touching the house to insure that is not the source of the problems.

Wood and other items stored against the house can attract pests as well. Firewood stored against the house can attract carpenter ants that can transfer from the wood into your home. Remove any items that are against your house to a different storage location to keep from housing pests that can easily transfer into your home.

Improper soil levels against the house

When the soil level against the house is too high, it can lead to pest problems. An overabundance of soil against your house can hold in moisture and become a home to all sorts of bugs and pests. In addition, the moisture can cause decay on your home-especially if you have siding. The wrong soil levels can also lead to flooding and water damage on the inside of your home. This is an issue that needs to be addressed whether or not it is the source of your pest problem.

Gaps around windows, doors, and crawl spaces

Check all the seals around your house for gaps that may allow pests to get in. Windows and doors are a good first place to start. You should also check around your foundation, in the crawl space, and attic for any possible breeches. A little caulk may be all you need to seal up the breech and prevent another pest infestation.

Don’t take on more than you can handle.

There are some pest problems that require more than a once over with an insecticide you bought at the hardware store. Some pests can do major damage to your home if they are not dealt with properly. In these situations, it is easy to get overwhelmed with the steps required or simply miss an important step in the process. Sometimes the best way to handle a pest control problem is to call a professional. There are a few situations in which you should always seek the help of a pest control professional.

Termites

If you suspect termites, your best option is to call in professional help. Termites can cause major structural damage to your home. A professional will recognize the signs of termite damage and will have the knowledge to treat the infestation efficiently and properly.

Serious infestation

A serious infestation may require treatment with a higher potency insecticide that is not typically available at the local hardware store. In addition, it could end up requiring more than one treatment to completely eradicate the problem from the home. An experienced pest control company will have access to the products, tools, and knowledge necessary to handle even the most difficult pest control problems.

Commercial Pest Control Services in Cincinnati