Swimming pools are supposed to be sources of fun, relaxation, and enjoyment of the summer sun—not a breeding ground for pests. But unfortunately, many pests are attracted to standing bodies of water just like your pool. How can you enjoy your pool this summer pest-free? Are there certain pests you should look out for in particular? Find out from the pros at ScherZinger Pest Control! Why Are Pests Attracted to Pools? Pests—like just about every other creature on our planet—need water to survive. Pests need water to drink, but they also like water for other reasons. Many pests thrive in humid en ..read more

Ants love potted plants. While ants generally aren’t a hazard to your beloved indoor plants, they are an unwelcome houseguest. From their home base in your potted plants, ants can become an annoying problem that ruins your food and causes disgust. How can you get rid of ants in potted plants? Keep reading to find out! Why Do Your Potted Plants Have Ants? Ants love potted plants for a few reasons. They offer shelter and even food. Ants don’t feed on the plants themselves, but they do enjoy the secretions of other plant pests—like aphids, mealybugs, or whiteflies. You might find ants in your pot ..read more

“Why am I still seeing termites after treatment? Can termites still swarm after treatment?” These are common questions from homeowners—and we get it. It can be concerning to still see evidence of termites after your home was treated. If you see termite swarms, does this mean the termite treatment didn’t work? Today, our termite experts are answering these important questions! Find out when seeing termites after treatment is okay and when you should start to worry. What Is a Termite Swarm? In every termite colony, the termites are divided into groups: the workers, soldiers, and swarmers. The wo ..read more

When the ants go marching one by one into your home, you want them to march right back out. Nobody wants to come home to an ant infestation or call various pest control companies on a Tuesday afternoon. Desperation and annoyance might lead you to try any number of “home remedies” for ants that you learn about from friends or from online articles.  From essential oils to white vinegar or an alcohol vinegar solution, we’ve heard it all! Does vinegar kill ants? Does baking soda kill ants?  Do ANY solutions work? Don’t waste your time on pointless home remedies. Today ..read more

Can mulch attract termites? If not mulch, what does attract termites? How can you keep your home safe from this incredibly destructive pest? We get these questions often from homeowners worried about termites, which is why we’re answering them today. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about termites and mulch, to keep your home safe. Does Mulch Attract Termites? The answer to this question is yes and no. Mulch by itself doesn’t attract termites to your home. Most wood mulch is made of hardwood trees, like oak, ash, hickory, eucalyptus, etc. The framing wood used for houses, on t ..read more

If your home doesn’t have termites, count your blessings: this pest is a scourge, causing billions of dollars worth of damage in the United States every year. But how can you keep your home termite-free? Today, we’re discussing preventative termite treatments: how they work, why you might consider them, and what your options are. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about preventative termite treatments. How Do Preventative Termite Treatments Work? As the name suggests, preventative termite treatments are designed to prevent a termite problem from happening—rather than eliminating ..read more

Termites—just like the weather—are somewhat predictable. Depending on factors like weather conditions, availability of shelter, and food and water supplies, we can actually forecast the severity of termite problems in the coming year! Keep reading to learn the termite forecast for 2024—plus what you should do if you suspect termites in your home. Termites in 2024 Termites, like many other pests, are affected by weather conditions. This pest thrives in hotter, drier climates, especially, and is very sensitive to temperature. (In fact, one study done by researchers at Florida’s University of Mia ..read more

Unlike the similar looking (and similarly named) lady bug, Asian lady beetles are a nuisance for homeowners. But can they also be beneficial? Today, we’re talking about when you might actually want this invasive insect around your home. Keep reading to learn more about the Asian lady beetle, and how to take advantage of its beneficial qualities without letting the pest inside your home. What Are Asian Lady Beetles? Asian lady beetles come from Asia (China, Russia, Korea, and Japan). The bug was first found in the United States in Louisiana in 1988. Since then, it has spread throughout much of ..read more

Boxelder bugs can be such a nuisance—swarming into your home, releasing a foul odor when crushed, staining your furniture. How can you treat the pesky boxelder bug? Keep reading to learn more about boxelder bugs, including how to identify them and how to keep them out of your home. What are Boxelder Bugs? Boxelder bugs are pests that belong to the same family as stink bugs and cicadas—two other pests bothering lots of Cincinnatians. As adults, boxelder bugs are about half an inch long. They are black in color with orange or red markings: three vertical stripes behind their head plus markings o ..read more

One minute, termites are below ground, digging tunnels and burrowing through wood. The next minute, they have…wings? That’s right: termites can fly! Keep reading to learn what termite “swarming” is, why flying termites suddenly appear in the spring, and what to do about an infestation. Termites 101 For most of the year, termites are small (less than an inch long), whitish to pale yellow in color, and wingless. This tiny pest spends the vast majority of its life underground: termites are social insects that live together in large colonies. Termites build tunnels (also called “mud tubes”) branch ..read more