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Winter Pest Control in Cincinnati, OH: Why Protection Matters All Year Long

Winter Pest Control in Cincinnati, OH

When winter arrives in Cincinnati, Ohio, many homeowners assume pests disappear with the cold. Unfortunately, that couldn’t be further from the truth. While freezing temperatures may slow some outdoor activity, winter actually drives pests indoors, making this one of the most critical times of year for professional pest control.

At Sure Thing Pest Control, we see firsthand how Cincinnati’s winter weather pushes rodents and insects into homes, businesses, and apartment buildings — often unnoticed until serious damage is done.

Why Winter Pest Control Is Essential in Cincinnati

Cincinnati’s climate includes cold winters, fluctuating temperatures, and frequent moisture — a perfect combination for overwintering pests. As temperatures drop, pests look for warmth, food, and shelter, and your home provides all three.

Common winter pests in Cincinnati include:

These pests enter through tiny cracks, damaged siding, gaps around doors, and utility openings. Once inside, they can remain active all winter long.

Rodents Are a Major Winter Threat

Rodents are one of the biggest winter pest problems in the Cincinnati area. Mice and rats seek shelter indoors and can:

  • Chew through wires, increasing fire risk
  • Damage insulation and drywall
  • Contaminate food and surfaces
  • Spread bacteria and disease

A single mouse can reproduce rapidly, turning a small issue into a full infestation before spring. Sure Thing Pest Control specializes in identifying entry points and eliminating rodent problems before they escalate.

Insects Don’t Fully Disappear in Winter

While some insects go dormant outdoors, many remain active once inside heated structures. Cockroaches, silverfish, and spiders thrive in basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and wall voids throughout winter.

Additionally, pests like stink bugs and cluster flies often hide in attics and walls, only emerging on warmer winter days — a surprise no homeowner wants.

The Benefits of Year-Round Pest Control in Cincinnati

Stopping pest control services during winter allows pests to settle in undisturbed. Year-round pest management with Sure Thing Pest Control provides:

  • Ongoing protection against seasonal pests
  • Early detection of infestations
  • Sealing of entry points before spring activity spikes
  • Reduced risk of costly repairs and damage

Winter treatments are often preventative, creating a protective barrier that keeps pests from establishing themselves when they’re most vulnerable.

Winter Pest Prevention Tips for Cincinnati Homeowners

In addition to professional pest control, homeowners can take steps to reduce pest activity:

  • Seal cracks around doors, windows, and foundations
  • Replace worn weather stripping
  • Store firewood away from the home
  • Keep basements and attics clean and dry
  • Reduce clutter that can provide nesting areas

These steps are most effective when combined with expert inspections and treatments from a trusted local pest control company.

Trust Sure Thing Pest Control This Winter

Winter pest problems in Cincinnati don’t resolve themselves — they grow quietly until warmer weather reveals the damage. Sure Thing Pest Control offers reliable, year-round pest control solutions tailored specifically for homes and businesses in Cincinnati.

Whether you’re dealing with rodents, insects, or preventative protection, our experienced team is ready to help keep your property pest-free all winter long.

Schedule Your Winter Pest Control Service Today

Don’t let pests make themselves at home this winter. Contact Sure Thing Pest Control in Cincinnati, OH and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is protected — no matter the season.

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Do I Have Termites? 5 Common Signs to Watch For

Termites are one of the most destructive household pests, often causing serious structural damage before homeowners even realize there’s a problem. In fact, according to Pest World for Kids, each year, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage each year! Because they work quietly and out of sight, infestations can go unnoticed for months or even years. Knowing the early warning signs of termites tells you when to hire pest control professionals and avoid costly repairs. Below are five common signs that may indicate termites are present in your home.

1. Mud Tubes Along Walls or Foundations

One of the most common signs of a termite infestation is the presence of mud tubes. These pencil-sized tunnels are typically found along foundation walls, crawl spaces, or exterior siding. Subterranean termites build these tubes to protect themselves from light and dry air while traveling between their colony and food source. If you notice these mud-like trails, it’s a strong indication that termites may be active nearby.

2. Hollow or Damaged Wood

Termites feed on wood from the inside out, which means damage is often hidden beneath the surface. Tapping on wooden beams, floors, or furniture may produce a hollow or papery sound if termites are present. You might also notice blistering or warped wood that looks similar to water damage. In advanced cases, the wood may crumble easily when touched.

3. Discarded Wings Near Windows or Doors

Swarming termites, also known as alates, leave their colonies to mate and form new ones. After they find a suitable place, they shed their wings. Piles of tiny, translucent wings near windowsills, door frames, or light sources are a common sign of termite activity. Seeing these wings indoors often means a colony may already be established nearby.

4. Clicking or Tapping Sounds in Walls

While termites are generally silent, you may occasionally hear faint clicking or tapping noises coming from your walls. These sounds can be caused by worker termites chewing through wood or soldier termites banging their heads to signal danger. Although subtle, these noises are worth investigating by professionals in pest control, especially if paired with other warning signs.

5. Bubbling Paint or Tight-Fitting Doors

Termite damage can sometimes resemble moisture issues. As termites tunnel through wood, they introduce moisture that may cause paint to bubble or peel. You might also notice doors and windows becoming difficult to open or close due to warped frames. While these issues can have other causes, they shouldn’t be ignored if accompanied by additional termite indicators.

Staying alert and scheduling regular inspections are the best ways to protect your home from termites. If something seems off, trust your instincts and seek professional pest control services right away. For those in the Cincinnati, OH community, get in touch with our team at Sure Thing Pest Control for effective treatment.

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3 Ways Professional Rodent Removal Keeps Your Home Safe

When rodents invade your home, they bring more than just unpleasant noises in the walls or damage to stored food. These pests threaten your health, safety, and the comfort of your living space. Hiring a professional pest control company ensures that infestations are handled quickly and effectively, using proven methods that eliminate pests and prevent them from returning. Understanding how professional rodent removal protects your home can help you make informed decisions about maintaining a cleaner, healthier environment for your family.

1. Identifying Hidden Entry Points

Rodents in your home can quickly turn from a minor annoyance into a serious problem, threatening your family’s health and the integrity of your property. A professional pest control company can accurately identify and target rodent entry points that most homeowners overlook. Rodents can squeeze through openings as small as a coin, often hiding in walls, basements, or attics. Professionals use advanced inspection tools to locate and seal these vulnerable areas, preventing future infestations and protecting your home from contamination and structural damage.

2. Reducing Health Risks

Rodents can carry diseases that endanger both people and pets. They contaminate food and surfaces with droppings and urine, creating conditions that can lead to illnesses like hantavirus and salmonella. Just as rodents spread quickly through small openings, other pests can move efficiently through homes as well—according to Fox Weather, bed bugs can travel over 100 feet in a night but tend to live within 8 feet of where people sleep. This shows how easily unwanted pests can invade personal spaces and affect daily life. A licensed pest control company removes rodents safely and helps prevent them from returning, protecting your home and family from ongoing pest problems.

3. Implementing Long-Term Prevention

Beyond immediate removal, professional rodent control focuses on long-term prevention strategies. This includes advising homeowners on how to secure food storage, manage waste, and maintain clutter-free spaces that discourage nesting. Technicians may also schedule follow-up visits to ensure your property remains protected over time. By relying on expert guidance, homeowners can avoid recurring infestations and safeguard their property from future pest activity. Taking proactive measures not only protects your home but also helps you maintain peace of mind.

Keeping your home free from rodents requires consistent effort, awareness, and professional care. Partnering with a reliable pest control company ensures that your property stays safe from damage, health hazards, and future infestations. Rely on Sure Thing Pest Control to help protect your home with effective, long-lasting solutions that keep unwanted pests away for good.

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3 Signs You Have an Ant Infestation and Why You Should Call a Pest Exterminator

Ants are one of the most common household pests that can create numerous problems if not addressed promptly. From ruining your food supplies to compromising structural integrity, these tiny invaders are more than just a minor nuisance. Identifying the signs of an infestation early can save you from long-term damage and costly repairs, making it essential to know when to call in an expert to handle the situation.

1. Seeing Live Ants Indoors

One of the most noticeable signs of an ant infestation is spotting live ants in your home, particularly in kitchens and pantries where food is easily accessible. These ants are often on the lookout for crumbs and spills, which serve as easy meals. Seeing a few ants might seem harmless, but it could indicate a larger problem lurking nearby, often signaling a larger colony hidden within your walls or garden. According to Pestworld.org, the average ant colony contains thousands of individual ants. If you repeatedly spot ants indoors, it’s time to consider professional intervention.

2. Finding Ant Pathways and Pheromone Trails

Another telltale sign of an infestation is the discovery of ant pathways and pheromone trails. These trails are used by ants to communicate with each other, marking paths to and from food sources. In addition to disrupting your daily routine, this trail can invite more ants into your home if not addressed.

3. Discovering Ant Nests in and Around the Home

Lastly, seeing ant nests is a clear indication that you have a more serious problem. Ant nests are often found in secluded places such as lawns, walls, and under appliances. These nests can grow rapidly, contributing to a burgeoning population inside your home, making it crucial to act fast. If you notice sawdust-like material or small piles of dirt, it’s a sign that the ants are expanding their territories and establishing new colonies.

Dealing with an ant infestation requires more than just DIY solutions. A professional pest exterminator not only resolves the current problem but also implements preventative measures to deter future invasions. By addressing the root of the problem, they help ensure your home remains ant-free and protected. Don’t wait until it’s too late; ensure your home remains a sanctuary rather than a haven for ants. Do you suspect an ant infestation in your home? Don’t wait. Call us at Sure Thing Pest Control today to get control of the situation fast!

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3 Reasons DIY Bed Bug Treatments Don’t Work

Unwanted guests are always a nuisance, but few are as persistent and hard to eliminate as bed bugs. Despite their small size, these pests pose extreme challenges to homeowners who attempt do-it-yourself solutions. While the temptation to save money with DIY treatments is understandable, these approaches often fall short. In this article, we will explore several reasons why DIY bed bug treatments typically fail and why professional pest control intervention is the better choice.

Reason 1: Incomplete Eradication

One major pitfall of DIY bed bug treatments is the risk of incomplete eradication. Bed bugs are notorious for their ability to hide in the tiniest crevices, such as mattress seams, furniture joints, and even behind electrical outlets. Over-the-counter treatments often lack the potency to fully penetrate these areas, allowing bed bugs to survive and reproduce. According to Fox Weather, bed bugs can travel over 100 feet in a night but tend to live within eight feet of where people sleep; therefore, a small surviving population can quickly grow back to its former size, compounding frustration and necessitating further interventions.

Reason 2: Misuse of Treatments

Another significant challenge is the potential misuse of DIY treatments. Many commercial pest control products require specific handling and application methods to be effective, which the average homeowner may not fully understand. Misapplication not only diminishes the effectiveness of treatments but can also pose health risks to humans and pets.

Reason 3: Resistance to Common Pesticides

Lastly, bed bugs have developed resistance to many common pesticides, reducing the effectiveness of typical DIY solutions. This resistance makes it imperative to use proper treatments that professionals are more likely to have access to. Without the right tools and chemicals to combat resistant bed bugs, DIY efforts are often futile, leaving homeowners stuck in a cycle of frustration and repeated infestation.

Attempting DIY pest control methods to rid your home of bed bugs can be an exercise in futility. Between the risk of incomplete eradication, misuse of treatments, and pesticide resistance, going it alone is rarely effective. While the upfront cost of professional extermination may seem high, investing in expert assistance can ultimately be more cost-effective and result in a healthier, bug-free living environment. Trusting our professionals at Sure Thing Pest Control can save you time, stress, and possibly even money in the long run. Don’t wait, call us today!

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Understanding Termites in Cincinnati: How to Protect Your Home

Termites are one of the most destructive pests in the United States, causing billions of dollars in damage to homes each year. If you live in Cincinnati, it’s important to understand the risks associated with termites and how to protect your property. In this blog post, we’ll explore why Cincinnati homes are vulnerable to termites, the signs of infestation, and how you can prevent and deal with these silent destroyers.

Why Are Termites a Problem in Cincinnati?

Cincinnati’s humid climate and abundant rainfall create an ideal environment for termites, particularly the Eastern subterranean termite species. These pests thrive in moist conditions and feed on cellulose, which is found in wood, making homes, businesses, and other wooden structures prime targets for infestation.

The warm temperatures during spring and summer months, combined with the area’s ample vegetation, provide termites with both food and shelter. As a result, homeowners in Cincinnati are at risk of significant structural damage if termites go undetected and untreated.

Types of Termites Found in Cincinnati

There are two main types of termites that homeowners in Cincinnati should be aware of:

  1. Eastern Subterranean Termites
    These are the most common termite species found in Cincinnati. They live in underground colonies and build mud tubes to travel from their nest to food sources like wooden structures. They are notorious for their ability to silently and rapidly cause damage to the wooden framework of homes.
  2. Drywood Termites
    While less common in Cincinnati, drywood termites can still pose a risk to homes, particularly in areas with warmer climates. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not require contact with the ground. They infest dry, sound wood and are often found in attics, rafters, and wooden furniture.

Signs of a Termite Infestation

Termites are often referred to as “silent destroyers” because they can cause extensive damage without any obvious signs. However, there are a few clues that can indicate an infestation:

  • Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build mud tubes along foundation walls or wooden surfaces to travel between their nest and food source. If you notice small, dirt-like tubes, this is a strong sign of a termite presence.
  • Swarmers (Alates): During certain times of the year (usually spring), termite colonies will send out swarmers, or winged termites, to reproduce and start new colonies. Seeing winged termites around your home or on windowsills is a major red flag.
  • Hollowed or Damaged Wood: If you tap on wooden surfaces and hear a hollow sound or notice crumbling wood, termites could be the cause. Termite feeding can hollow out wood, leaving it weak and fragile.
  • Discarded Wings: After swarmers mate, they shed their wings. Finding piles of discarded wings near windowsills or doors is often a sign of an active infestation.
  • Bubbling or Peeling Paint: Termite activity can cause moisture buildup behind the paint, resulting in bubbling or peeling. This could indicate an infestation behind the walls.

The Dangers of Termite Damage

Termites are notorious for causing significant structural damage, often before homeowners realize they have an issue. Left untreated, termites can undermine the integrity of your home, leading to costly repairs. In extreme cases, severe termite infestations can weaken support beams and even cause buildings to collapse.

The financial cost of termite damage is staggering. According to the National Pest Management Association, the average cost to repair termite damage is $3,000, but this figure can vary widely depending on the extent of the damage and the type of treatment required.

Preventing Termite Infestations in Cincinnati

The good news is that you can take several steps to reduce the risk of termite infestations in your Cincinnati home:

  1. Regular Inspections: Having your home inspected by a professional pest control company at least once a year can help identify any termite activity early. Early detection is key to minimizing damage and avoiding expensive repairs.
  2. Maintain a Dry Environment: Termites are attracted to moisture. Fix any leaking pipes, gutters, or faucets around your home. Make sure that your crawl spaces and basement are well-ventilated and dry.
  3. Seal Entry Points: Termites can enter your home through small cracks in the foundation or gaps around windows and doors. Seal these areas to prevent termites from getting inside.
  4. Eliminate Wood-to-Ground Contact: Termites need a direct pathway to wood to feed on it. Make sure that wood piles, firewood, and mulch are kept away from the foundation of your home. Avoid storing wooden materials directly on the ground.
  5. Consider a Termite Barrier: In areas with high termite activity, homeowners may want to consider installing a termite barrier around their property. These barriers, such as liquid treatments or bait stations, can help prevent termites from entering your home.

Treatment Options for Termite Infestations

If you suspect you have a termite infestation, it’s crucial to act quickly. There are several treatment options available:

  1. Chemical Treatments: Liquid termiticides are applied around the foundation of your home to create a barrier that repels or kills termites. This can be an effective long-term solution for preventing infestations.
  2. Baiting Systems: Bait stations are placed around your property and contain slow-acting poison that termites carry back to their colony, ultimately killing the entire colony over time.

Conclusion

Termites are a persistent and costly problem for homeowners in Cincinnati. However, with the right preventive measures from Sure Thing Pest Control and early detection, you can protect your property from their damaging effects. Regular inspections, moisture control, and proper maintenance can significantly reduce the risk of infestation. If you suspect termites, it’s essential to consult with a professional pest control service to ensure that your home remains safe and structurally sound.

By staying informed and proactive, you can help protect your Cincinnati home from these destructive pests.

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These Little Red Ants

Those little red ants you’re seeing on the concrete may not be ants… They’re actually clover mites…..

Clover mites are accidental invaders that can be nuisances during the early spring and occasionally in the fall. They are very small, reddish-brown creatures that appear only as moving dark spots to the naked eye. Sheer numbers, plus the resulting red-brown stain left behind if they are crushed, make them unwelcome visitors. The red stains are not blood, they are the mite’s body pigments. Clover mites are not blood feeders and will not harm people or pets, nor will they infest household products. Once inside a home or building, they will soon die. 

As the name implies, clover mites feed on clover and grasses. They can be especially abundant in the heavy, succulent growth of well-fertilized lawns. Clover mites usually enter a home around windows or doors so they are usually seen crawling along sills or thresholds. Clover mites can crawl up outside walls and may enter the buildings at upper levels. 

Clover mites are a temporary nuisance; they appear suddenly and then are gone. A soapy rag or wet sponge can be used to clean mites off of surfaces. Wipe carefully to avoid crushing the mites and causing stains. The crevice tool of a vacuum cleaner may also be used to pick up mites. Rely on non-chemical control indoors. Do not apply insecticides to kitchen counters or other interior surfaces. 

There is an increased potential for invading structures when grass extends up to the foundation. A plant bed or open area will provide a barrier that will stop many mites and provide a long-term solution to persistent problems. Avoid overfertilizing lawns. This creates situations that are ideal for mites to increase to tremendous numbers. 

Mites seen on the outside of buildings can be killed with a direct spray of insecticidal soap or regular liquid dish-washing soap at the rate of 2 tablespoons per gallon of water. This treatment will not provide any residual control. 

by Lee Townsend, Extension Entomologist
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture 

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Customer Portal to Better Serve You

We’re excited to announce that our online customer portal is fully functional to better serve you.

View payments and service history

Request estimates and service calls

Make secure online payments

Set up autopay for scheduled payments

Get pest prevention tips

To enroll your account online you’ll need to:

  1. Visit our website “SureThingPC.com“
  2. Click on the “my account” tab
  3. Under the “Sign In” section on the right side of the screen click the “Create New Account” button
  4. At this point, you’ll need to enter your customer #, Street # (do not enter your street, just your street #), Zip code and then the email you wish to use to access your account
  5. You’ll need to access your email that you registered with. You should receive a confirmation email from customerportal@surething. Click the link in this email and you’ll be redirected to finish your registration.
  6. Create a password for your account. You should be redirected to your newly created customer portal page. (If you’re not redirected you’ll need to go back to the “my account” tab on our webpage and sign in from there using your email and newly created password.)

If you have any questions about registering your account or run into any issues please reach out to Corbin at 513.247.0030.

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A New Site For Sure Thing Pest Control

At Sure Thing Pest Control, we’re excited to welcome you to our new website. Since our inception, we have been a committed company to quality service with guaranteed results—this website will act as a reflection of that.

Developed to teach our customers more about the common pests found in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area, this website helps with the first steps of pest control—knowing the pest. In our new Navigation bar, you will find a section titled Pest Library. In this section, you will find encyclopedic information for the pests that seem to bug home and business owners the most often. Some of the information we include is tips on how to prevent each creepy-crawler. This is so you can do some do-it-yourself pest control if you’d like.

We do understand, however, that some infestations require professional attention. When it comes to the harder-to-get-rid-of pests like Termites or Bed Bugs, we’ve dedicated entire sections to them. In each section, we talk about the professional pest control service we offer titled The Sure Cure.

The Sure Cure is customized based on your pest control needs, but we do list the basic steps of what actions we will take for each pest on our website. This is so you are aware of what we will be doing before we ever arrive at your home or business.

Do you think your home or business requires The Sure Cure? If so, you can email us at customerservice@surethingpc.com or call us at 513.247.0030.

Tell us what’s bugging you.

Otherwise, enjoy our new and improved website.