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  • Do it yourself or hire a pest control professional to solve a pest problem in Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, Hudson and Akron Ohio

    Do it yourself or hire a pest control professional to solve a pest problem in Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, Hudson and Akron Ohio
    Feb 26 2024
    Hello and welcome to the Prevention Pest Control Podcast where we talk about pest issues that can affect the Northeast Ohio region throughout the year. I’m Dave Novak and on this episode, we are talking do it yourself versus hiring a pest control professional. So, we were stopped in the field last week and I had a customer ask us what’s the difference between you guys spraying my house and if I just go to Lowe’s or Home Depot or Menards and buy an over-the-counter product and spray myself? Was a great question – We do get that asked quite a bit so let’s dive into that a little bit. So, the first product that most people are familiar with when they go to a big box store is called Home Defense. And what I always tell people if they have a small pavement problem or something like that and they want to try to do it themselves I would recommend that product. Great product. It doesn’t last very long, and I think some of the advertising on the label is a little suspect, but you know for the $15.50 which is what it currently costs at Lowe’s a couple miles from my house, you’re not really not out of a lot of money if you try it and it doesn’t work. And if it does work well then you just save yourself some money from hiring a professional. But most of the time they will find that that doesn’t work, and they end up calling a professional in to get rid of the problem. But let’s take a look at something like Home Defense and why it’s nowhere near comparable to what a professional is going to use when they come out to your house. So the first thing you’ll notice when you look at a bottle of Home Defense there’s a lot of them like this that do it and they say it lasts 12 months on the label. Now I’m here to tell you when you look inside the label and start doing a little deeper dive into it, that’s very suspect. If you look at the label it will tell you that it’s was performed in a non-porous area which basically means that the material has no pores and doesn’t allow for any liquids to be absorbed or passed through it. I have been told that a lot of those tests are done in a laboratory that has no sunlight, no wind, no outside effects. So, if you think about it, if it’s a controlled environment like that, sure it may last 12 months I still doubt it but they can go ahead and say what they want. But think about applying that on the outside of your house. You’re going to get rain, you’re going to get sunlight beating on it, all the things that help break down chemicals. So, I will tell you if we’re going to compare the two the active ingredient in Home Defense is bifenthrin. It’s a great product. The problem is on Home Defense it’s at a 0.05% concentrate on that. Whereas if we use something comparable to what a professional pest control company uses, we use a product called Talstar, and the bifenthrin in that is 7.9%. So, when you’re comparing the active ingredient 0.05 to 7.9 you understand real quick why there’s a difference. Home defense for the most part, most people would agree you’re going to get 30 days out of that application. If you hire a professional, you normally would get a 90-day warranty on that and the bifenthrin at the 7.9 you’re going to get somewhere in that 60-to-90-day range on that product still working. So once again when you’re comparing apples to oranges the two products may have the same active ingredient, but they’re used completely different. The other thing I would add too especially with Talstar I had the privilege of having a dinner one night with one of their top people and the reason that those type of products are so much better is the other ingredients that they add to it. I know with that product people always talk about oh the rain is going to dilute your chemical. Once it dries after a 4- or 5-hour period it’s normally pretty good. It’s the direct sunlight that helps break that chemical down even quicker. So, on a product like Talstar they actually add other materials to it to help bond to the siding or the brick or whatever the situation is and help fight off the rain and the sun and make it last a little longer. So those are all important things when you start deciding do I hire somebody, or do I do it myself? If you just do some quick math if you hire someone and they come out and use 10 to 15 gallons on the outside of your house and you’re going to go buy home defense and you say well, I can do that same thing and I’m going to buy 10 gallons. Now you’re over $150 of do it yourself and at the same time it’s going to probably wear out within 30 days versus the 90 days. So, it’s always a better financial decision when you’re comparing apples to apples there to hire a pest company come out and treat your house. It will last longer; they would do a better job and it’s going to have a warranty. So, guess what? If 30 days later, you’re starting to see ants ...
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    7 Min.
  • Fall cleanup will help reduce pest infestations in Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, Hudson and Akron Ohio

    Fall cleanup will help reduce pest infestations in Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, Hudson and Akron Ohio
    Nov 18 2023

    Hello and welcome to the Prevention Pest Control Podcast, where we talk about pest issues that can affect the Northeast Ohio region throughout the year. I am Dave Novak, and on this episode we’re talking about fall cleanup, and why it is important to do in keeping pests out of your home.

    As the leaves begin to change color and fall from the trees in the Northeast, many homeowners start to think about fall cleanup. Now I am sure I am not alone when I say I don’t enjoy fall cleanup at all. While raking leaves and clearing gutters are important tasks, fall cleanup is also essential for preventing pests from entering your home.

    Pests such as mice, rats, insects, and spiders seek out warm, sheltered places to spend the winter. Fall cleanup helps to eliminate these potential hiding spots and make your home less attractive to pests.

    Here are some important tasks to include in your fall cleanup:

    • Rake leaves and debris from your yard. This will prevent leaves and debris from clogging gutters and providing shelter for pests.
    • Clean your gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage to your roof and foundation, which can create openings for pests to enter your home.
    • Trim trees and shrubs. Overgrown trees and shrubs can provide cover for pests and make it easier for them to reach your home. I know I have to trim the bushes in front of my home to keep the rabbits from hiding behind them. Last year I lost many strands of xmas lights from rabbits chewing through them – so If I cut down the amount of places they can nest at, that one fall cleanup chore will save me a lot of aggravation this year.
    • Seal cracks and holes in your foundation. These openings can provide pests with easy access to your home.
    • Store firewood away from your home. Firewood can provide a nesting site for pests. If you are burning wood inside during the winter make sure you inspect each piece when you bring it inside the home. As a kid I can remember having yellow jackets flying around the living room in January because we had brought in wood that they were nesting in behind the bark.
    • Inspect your home for pest activity. Look for signs of pests such as droppings, gnaw marks, and nest building materials.
    • Check on your shed or outbuildings and make sure they are sealed tight for the winter. Place mouse snap traps or bait boxes inside – the last thing you want is to find out your riding lawn mower or expensive edger had wires chewed by a rodent over the winter. We used to have a picture posted on our web site of the inside of a lawn mower that had mice living under the hood near the air filter – full disclosure – that was my lawn mower so even a pest control owner has to do these types of tasks as well each fall.

    Here are some additional tips to help prevent pests from entering your home:

    • Keep your kitchen clean. Store food in airtight containers and clean up spills promptly.
    • Take out the trash regularly. Don’t let trash pile up in your home or yard.
    • Repair leaky pipes and faucets. Water can attract pests.
    • Install weather stripping around doors and windows. This will help to seal out pests.
    • As we talk about all the time in our videos – make sure the air conditioner line on the outside of your home is sealed off. The puddy they use becomes brittle over time and falls off the house making it a great opportunity for mice to enter the home. Check sump pump lines, dryer vents and other plumbing and wiring areas for openings as well.

    By following these tips, you can help to keep pests out of your home and enjoy a pest-free winter.

    Well, that wraps up this episode of the Prevention Pest Control Podcast. We hope you enjoyed it – You can reach us anytime at preventionpestcontrol.net, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – and by calling us directly at 234-571-1203. Please like, share and subscribe to our podcast – thanks for listening and remember – An ounce of Prevention is all it takes for a pest free home!
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    4 Min.
  • Ticks are on the rise in Cuyahoga Falls, Stow and Akron Ohio

    Ticks are on the rise in Cuyahoga Falls, Stow and Akron Ohio
    Jul 30 2023
    Hello and welcome to the Prevention Pest Control Podcast, where we talk about pest issues that can affect the Northeast Ohio region throughout the year. I am Dave Novak, and on this episode we’re talking about ticks, and why they’re a serious problem and what you can do to protect yourself and your family. Ticks are small, parasitic arachnids that can transmit serious diseases to humans and animals. They are found in many parts of the United States, and their numbers are increasing as we have seen in Northeast Ohio. Mild winters and the amount of wildlife pressure in neighborhoods have all contributed to the increase in this pest. There are several reasons why ticks are a serious problem. First, they can transmit serious diseases, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, just to name a few. These diseases can be life-threatening, and they can cause a variety of other health problems. In my personal experience, I have known a couple people who have had to deal with Lyme disease over the years and it can be a nightmare to deal with. Second, ticks can be difficult to see and remove. They are often very small, and they can hide in tall grass, leaves, and other vegetation. If you try to remove a tick yourself, you may not be able to get the whole tick out, which can increase your risk of getting sick. Third, ticks can be a nuisance. They can bite both humans and animals, and they can cause itching and irritation. Ticks can also be a serious health threat to your dog – let’s talk about that for a few minutes. The disease that people hear the most about is Lyme Disease – and that one is a bacterial infection that can cause a variety of symptoms in dogs including fever, lameness, joint swelling and them being very lethargic. If left untreated Lyme disease can damage the heart, kidneys and nervous system. The Rocky Mountain spotted fever is also a bacterial infection that can cause a high fever, rash and headache. This disease, if left untreated can be fatal to your pet. Anaplasmosis falls into the bacterial infection category that can cause fever, loss of appetite and it too can be fatal. If you find a tick on your dog, it is important to remove it as soon as possible. You can use a tick removal tool or tweezers to remove the tick. Be sure to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and to pull it out slowly and steadily. Once the tick is removed, you should wash the area with soap and water. After you have removed the tick, you should monitor your dog for signs of illness. If you notice any of the symptoms we have talked about, you should take your dog to the vet immediately. There are a number of things you can do to protect your dog from ticks, including: Use a tick prevention medication. There are a number of different tick prevention medications available, including topical treatments, oral medications, and collars.Check your dog for ticks regularly. You should check your dog for ticks after they have been outside, especially if they have been in areas where ticks are common.Avoid areas where ticks are common. If you can, avoid taking your dog to areas where ticks are common, such as tall grass, wooded areas, and areas where deer are present. Now, If you have ticks in your yard, it is important to have them treated by a professional to protect you and your pets. There are several reasons for this: Professional pest control companies have the experience and expertise to effectively treat for ticks.They use safe and effective methods that will not harm your family or pets.They can help you to prevent ticks from coming back.It is what they do – so trust a professional to help protect you and your loved ones from this pest In addition to having your property treated by a professional, there are a few things you can do to prevent ticks: Keep your lawn mowed short.Remove leaf litter and other debris from your yard.Plant tick-repelling plants, such as lavender, mint, and echinacea.Apply tick repellent to yourself and your pets when you go outside.Check yourself and your pets for ticks after you come inside. Ticks are a serious problem, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. By having your property treated by Prevention Pest Control and taking preventive measures, you can help to keep ticks out of your yard and prevent them from transmitting serious diseases. Well, that wraps up this episode of the Prevention Pest Control Podcast. We hope you enjoyed it – You can reach us anytime at preventionpestcontrol.net, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – and by calling us directly at 234-571-1203. Please like, share and subscribe to our podcast – thanks for listening and remember – An ounce of Prevention is all it takes for a pest free home!
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    6 Min.
  • Termite swarmers appearing in Cuyahoga Falls, Stow and Akron Ohio

    Termite swarmers appearing in Cuyahoga Falls, Stow and Akron Ohio
    Apr 30 2023
    On this episode Dave Novak discusses termite swarmer’s and what to look for. Hello, and welcome to the Prevention Pest Control Podcast where we talk about pest issues that can affect the Northeast Ohio region throughout the year. I’m Dave Novak and today’s topic is subterranean termite swarmers. So, before we discuss the termite swarmer let’s talk a little bit about subterranean termites. In our part of the country, they are the type of termite that we deal with – subterranean, meaning they come from under the ground. If you Google termites, you may see a picture of a termite treatment being done, where they have a tent around the home, and they are fumigating for termites. Well, those are Formosan termites, and they are prevalent in the south and they nest above ground. It’s a different type of termite and a different way to treat them. The best way to describe a subterranean termite colony is by using this example. It’s not a great example, but it does the job. The colony is like an octopus – that big head part is the nest, and the tentacles that come off that body are the workers searching out for food. So, if you flip that thing upside down, the head would be underground – that’s the nest – and the tentacles are the worker termites coming up from underneath the ground in search of food to bring back to the nest. Now the termites eat cellulose which makes up 50% of wood. So, they come up to an old stump, mulch or a home and they pull the cellulose out of the wood. They swallow it, they take it back down to the nest where they regurgitate it, there the colony will feed on it. Now an average mature colony has between 60,000 and 1 million workers bringing food down to that nest. It takes that colony approximately four to five months to consume a one-foot piece of a two by four made from pine. There are two ways to find out if you have termites in your home. The first and most common is termite mud tubes will appear along sill plates in the garage or basement and they’ll be crawling up the wall. Normally, they’re as thick as a pencil and if you crack one open, you’ll see the little termite workers and soldiers inside. They use these tubes as runways to help guide them to where the other members are feeding. The second way you’ll find out if you have termites in your home, is by finding termite swarmer’s inside the home. Termite swarmer’s are produced when a mature colony has been established and is now ready to create other colonies in the area. This takes place when the weather warms up in late March and runs until around late May. They are often confused with pavement ant swarmer’s and are misdiagnosed quite often. There are a few ways to tell the difference between the two – pavement ant swarmer’s will have two wings that are larger in the front and two that are smaller in the back. Termite swarmer’s will have four wings all the same size. The payment ants will have three body parts with a pinched waist while the termite swarmer’s will have one long segment and a broader waste. The last thing to look for is ants will have a bowed antenna, while the termite swarmer’s will have a straight antenna. The termite swarmer’s come from the soil near their surface and then wait for conditions to be right to take flight. When they decided its time, they take flight and emerge out of the ground. They will pair up, pull their wings off, mate and then find a new place to start a nest to populate. Sometimes the swarm will last days, other times only hours. Now, termite swarmer’s do not do any damage to wood, but they are another sign of termites being present in a home. When we do an inspection for someone buying a home, we may not see termite mud tubes on the sill plates or anywhere else for that matter. But we do find discarded Swarmer wings in windows, behind appliances or on the floor. It almost looks as if the floor glitters and upon closer inspection, you’ll see hundreds of wings in that area. When termite swarmer’s are present that means the termite colony is around and the home needs treated. The worst part of my job is when we have a homeowner tell me they’ve had those swarmer’s the last few years and they thought it was just kitchen ants. Then we go down to the basement and in that same area we find the mud tubes along the sill plate and sub floor and damage is being done that no one noticed. So, if you start having what looks like winged ants in the spring anywhere in your home, have a professional look at it. You want to make sure it is not termite swarmer’s and prevent any further damage that could be done to your home. Well, that wraps up this episode of the Prevention Pest Control Podcast. You can reach us anytime at preventionpestcontrol.net, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and by calling us directly at 234-571-1203. Please like, share and subscribe to our podcast. Thank you for listening and remember – an ounce of ...
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    5 Min.
  • Always have a WDI inspection done by a pest control company when buying a home in Akron, Cuyahoga Falls and Stow Ohio

    Always have a WDI inspection done by a pest control company when buying a home in Akron, Cuyahoga Falls and Stow Ohio
    Mar 7 2023
    Hello and welcome to the prevention pest control podcast, where we talk about pest issues that can affect the Northeast Ohio region throughout the year. I’m Dave Novak, and today’s topic is always have a WDI inspection done by a pest control company on a home you’re about to purchase. When buying a home, it is always a smart idea to have a home inspection done once your offer is accepted by the seller. There are many reasons to do a home inspection. A few are to make sure the house is in good shape. Identify components that need repair like a furnace or roof, and to avoid costly repairs that the seller could take care of before you take ownership of the home. Along with having a home inspection done, you should always have what most people refer to as a termite inspection, or a WDI. WDI stands for wood destroying insect and includes termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, reinfesting wood boring beetles, powder post beetles – it’s basically any insect that would do damage to wood. In the state of Ohio you have to be licensed in pest control and obtain a separate category for WDI which is 10B. There is a form that is used that is nationally recognized – NPMA-33 that is where any activity or signs of wood destroying insects is marked and any recommendations for treatment will be noted. So why is it important to do a WDI along with a home inspection? Well first is the cost – on average, a WDI inspection is between 99 and $150 depending on the location and the size of the home. So if the home needs treated for termites, it could range between 800 and $3,000 depending on the linear footage of the home, making the cost of the inspection minimal in the scope of what needs to be done. On most deals, depending on how the agents write them up, the seller would be responsible for having the treatment done – so the cost of the inspection is way worth it. Second, if it’s wintertime and the inspector notices carpenter bee exit holes on some wood trim on exterior home, you now have a heads up that in April when the temperatures rise, that that will be something to watch out for and treat before any further damage is done. The inspector can show you possible problems that may pop up later down the road. Examples are bushes too close to the home creating a moisture problem which could lead to a carpenter and issue, scrap wood or a decaying woodpile that is not far enough away from the home, making it a good place for termites. The inspection is a way to spotlight what is an issue at the time of the inspection and what to look out for in the future. When I do a WDI inspection, if I notice an entry point where mice can enter the home, I will point that out to the customer even though I’m only there looking for wood destroying insects. If I’m in a neighborhood that is known for stinging insects, say in August, I will let them know so they keep an eye out. These are all reasons why doing a WDI inspection is worth the cost when buying a home. Now the last thing I want to cover is when you’re having a WDI inspection done, have it performed by a pest control company, not a home inspection company. In Northeast Ohio, we have a couple of home inspectors who do a great job with WDI inspections. When someone calls for an estimate for treatment and I hear it was one of those companies who looked at it, I know the problem was identified correctly. However, for every good one, there are 20 bad ones. Case in point. Last year we had a seller contact us to treat a home that was recommended for a termite treatment, so we went to give an estimate. What the inspection company noted as termites turned out to be sawdust from a vent pipe that was installed in the basement of the home on the right side when a new furnace was put in. The buyer had a VA loan, so once someone said it needed treated for termites it needed done, even though it wasn’t termites at all. The best example I can give you is we had a home in Cuyahoga Falls, where the home inspector marked the detached garage as having termites and recommended treatment. The garage was empty except for some boards that were up against the interior foundation. On the left side was a termite mud tube crawling up the block about two inches. So the inspector tapped on his iPad, marked that it had termites and recommended treatment. Took about two minutes and he made an extra $100 at the inspection. We were hired to do the treatment and when we showed up the first thing we did was move the boards away from the walls. That is when we discovered the sill plate was heavily damaged from termites and that extensive work and costs were going to be incurred to make the garage sound again. Now on paper the garage was marked recommended for treatment – so legally he was covered. But the lack of further inspection never gave the buyer a true picture of what the garage looked like and its structural integrity. That is what you’re paying for when you have an ...
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    Weniger als 1 Minute
  • 5 Things to consider when hiring a pest control company in Akron, Cuyahoga Falls and Stow Ohio

    5 Things to consider when hiring a pest control company in Akron, Cuyahoga Falls and Stow Ohio
    Feb 17 2023
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    On this episode Dave Novak discusses some things to consider before hiring a company to solve your pest issue.

    Hello, and welcome to the Prevention Pest Control Podcast, where we talk about pest issues that can affect the Northeast Ohio region throughout the year. I’m Dave Novak. And today’s topic is five things to consider when you are hiring a pest control company to solve a pest issue at your home. We’ll start with number one. Is the company licensed and insured? If you’re going to have someone work on your home, don’t you want to deal with a business that carries insurance if something were to go wrong, and that they’re properly trained to do the job? Treating your home with pesticides requires training and licensing and really should not be taken lightly. In today’s world of litigation, hiring someone who is licensed and insured is really the only way to have someone work on your home or business. Number two, how much experience does the company have in dealing with a problem you called about? If they have only been in business a short while, they may lack the experience and knowledge that is necessary to treat your home? Or if the company advertises for stinging insects, and that is primarily what they do, then they may not be a good choice for solving a termite infestation. Number three, are they local? We have had customers call us because their former provider was an hour away, and they have to wait days to get their home serviced. They were told they had to wait until the technician was back in the area. And that may be a week or longer. Also, when you call a business, isn’t it better to talk to someone that’s in a local office rather than from a call center in another state? Dealing with a local business has so many benefits, we could do an entire podcast just on that topic alone. Number four, will the company put the estimate in writing? We still run into people who have had a competitor give them an estimate that was written on the back of a business card. Now there’s no way to compare apples to apples when deciding who to hire with that method. As we all know, price is not the only factor when making a decision. The contract should have the price, scope of the work, warranty, and other specific information that was discussed at the time of the inspection. If the company refuses to put it in writing, that should tell you a lot. Number five, and what I think is one of the most important ones, what does your gut tell you? People in general buy from people they feel comfortable with. I have walked out of a few places over the years when I observed how the company treated other customers that were waiting for service. Whether it was at a restaurant, an auto repair shop, drugstore, wherever, something inside me just felt uncomfortable, and I decided to go somewhere else. I’m sure some of you have had that same experience. Or, if it was like pulling teeth just to get a quote or someone to finally call you back. And that was even before they did a service and you hadn’t even paid them yet. How are you going to feel when you’re ignored when you need that extra service or a callback? Google reviews can also paint a picture of what to expect when you hire a business to work at your home. The bottom line is trust your gut. And again people in general buy from people they feel comfortable with. I know I do. So let’s review. One, make sure the company is licensed and insured. Don’t take the risk of someone being on your property that does not have the basic credentials in business. Two, how much experience does the company have in dealing with my problem? If they only deal with a few specific pests, are they the right business to solve my pest issue? Don’t be a guinea pig. Third, is the company local? Will they be able to respond to an issue in a timely manner. Four, will they put it in writing? Always get it in writing so you can compare what each company offers and make an educated decision. And number five, trust your gut. If you feel confident in the company you contacted and they have been professional in every aspect, then go ahead with the service. If you have an uneasy feeling with someone, then get a few more estimates until it feels right. You want the experience of dealing with someone at your home to be a pleasant one – so some legwork on the front end will make sure that happens. Well that wraps up this episode of the Prevention Pest Control Podcast. You can reach us anytime at prevention pest control.net, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and by calling us directly at 234-571-1203 Please like and subscribe our podcasts and thanks for listening.
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    Weniger als 1 Minute