Pest Information
Stinging Pests
The Cincinnati area is home to numerous stinging insects, ranging from beneficial bumble bees and honey bees to the unpopular paper wasps and hornets. Stinging insects like bees and hornets are responsible for hundreds of thousands of hospital and urgent care visits each year. These are most active later in summer and early fall. This is when colonies forage for food that will sustain the queens during winter. Some common examples:Paper Wasps
These pests are known for their painful stings, but they are unlikely to harm you unless they perceive their nest is being threatened. They build umbrella type nests from scraps of wood and paper mixed with their saliva. These nests are often found in areas such as dryer vents, electrical boxes, under decks and railings, and in grills If you find one on your property, we can remove it safely!
Honey Bees
Please note that we will not harm or kill honey bees, but we are happy to put you in touch with ethical honeybee hive removal experts. Honey bees are extremely important and beneficial animals. They are critical in pollination and sustaining our food supply. If you need help identifying the type of bee you have at your home or business, please call us!
Ground Hornets/Yellow Jackets
These are extremely aggressive creatures with a very painful sting. And, unfortunately, they can sting more than once. Colonies can make a significant nest quickly. These nests are often found in traveled areas of your yard, making it difficult to avoid them. We urge you not to attempt to eradicate them yourselves. We wear protective clothing and are specially trained in destroying them, to make your family safe and comfortable.
European Bald-Faced Hornet
These creatures are large and produce a significant sting. They emit a pheromone when approached, and if you get stung you will likely be stung by another. You are probably familiar with their large paper nest that can be huge, and can house a large colony.
Mud Daubers
While not aggressive, these pests can sting if provoked. These nests are usually found in dark and wet areas under decks, in garages and other hidden spots. They are known for being long, slender wasps about 1 inch (25 mm) in length. Their name refers to the nests made of mud by the females, molded into place by the wasps’ mandibles. You’ve probably seen these nests and noticed that they resemble pan flutes. These nests are used to store dead spiders, to feed the larvae.
Cicada Killers
While these creatures are quite large and very intimidating because of their loud and cartoonish buzzing, they are mostly only interested in dining on cicadas and reproducing. They can, of course, sting if provoked.
Ants
Carpenter Ants
These pests excavate the wood and form smooth tunnels inside. However, they do not eat wood–they tunnel and chew through wood to make their nests. Our area is home to black carpenter ant colonies. When mature, these can contain about 10-20,000 workers, with large colonies of more than 50,000. There is usually only one functional, wingless queen per colony. Swarmers appear from May until August in this area.
Odorous House Ants
These tiny brown ants get their name from the rotten smell they give off when crushed. They very commonly infest homes in Greater Cincinnati. They have the ability to have multiple queens in the nest, and can begin separate colonies very easily. Unfortunately, homeowners often attempt to control these themselves, usually making the infestation worse.
Bed Bugs
Please call us if you think you have these pests! We have tried and true ways to eradicate them. To be sure the treatment is completely effective and the bed bugs don’t have any hiding places, we recommend that you declutter your home completely, especially your bedroom. Some other ways to eliminate their hiding places:- Thoroughly empty and your vacuum cleaner after using to remove bed bugs
- Vacuum bed with a hose vacuum on all the seams
- Move furniture and other items away from walls
- Vacuum floors, sofas, and other furniture
- Empty night stands
Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees are a serious property threat and can cause structural damage over time if left untreated. They are known to repeatedly bore holes for nesting. Large larvae developing in tunnels in homes can attract woodpeckers that will seek out developing carpenter bees and create more extensive damage.Rodents
We receive many calls all year from homeowners and business owners who suspect rodent infestation. Rats and mice seek warmth and food in winter months and cool in summer, and can enter your home or business through a tiny opening. They are drawn to food storage areas such as cabinets and pantries, so keeping food sealed properly is important. Warning Signs:- Droppings: These pellets are often left behind in food storage areas, and can spread disease. If you see this sign of the presence of rodents, call us!
- Gnaw Marks: Rodents often cause harm to your structure and possessions. They can and will chew through most surfaces, including wires.
- Nests: Rodents seek dark, quiet areas to nest. This often occurs in storage areas, basements, attics, and garages.
- Trails: They often leave a trail of oil from their fur, showing the path they are taking to and from their nests and the food source.
- Sounds: We frequently get calls from sleep-deprived homeowners who have been kept awake by shuffling and rustling sounds. Does this sound familiar? If so, don’t wait. Call us for help!
Spiders
In our area, the most common spiders to find in and around your home are cellar spiders, yellow garden spiders, orb-weaver spiders, dark fishing spiders, crab spiders, tan jumping spiders and tiger wolf spiders. Every spider is venomous, but they vary in their toxicity.Termites
Subterranean termite infestation is extremely common in this area. We can provide you with peace of mind by inspecting your current home, business, or rental property, and by providing treatment and preventative monitoring. We are a local small business with competitive pricing and excellent customer service. We have been in business since 2008 but have been in the trade for twenty years, and are extremely knowledgeable and available to answer all your questions. Termites lead to billions of dollars a year in property damages nationally. Whether you are buying or selling a property, it is always a good idea to have an inspection by Rich’s Pest Control to bring you peace of mind. Most mortgage lenders require this type of inspection, and we can provide this service to you at a very reasonable price.Helpful Websites
- Pest Website for Kids: www.pestworldforkids.org
- Insect Identification Website: www.insectidentification.org
- Honeybee Swarm Removal: SWOhiobeekeepers.com