Spring brings flowers, fresh air and common pests

SENECA COUNTY — With temperatures rising and fair amounts of rain in Northwest Ohio, it's not just flowers and fresh air making a return — ants, stink bugs, and other household pests are also coming out of hiding. Craig Robbins of Robbins Pest Control LLC said spring is the most active time of year for insects in the Tiffin area. "Ants right now are probably the most common," Robbins said. "Stink bugs are probably second." The warming weather and moisture create the perfect environment for bugs to become more active, Robbins explained, including everything from tiny "sweet ants" looking for food in kitchens to carpenter ants chewing into rotting wood or tree stumps. "One thing a lot of people don't understand is that all ants can chew wood — but carpenter ants are the infamous ones for it," he said. According to Robbins, the best prevention against spring pests starts on the outside of the home, with wet conditions around foundations and overgrown vegetation as major contributors to infestations. "The best thing to do is keep the area around your house as dry as you can," he said. "Make sure your gutters are flowing away, prevent plumbing leaks, and keep tall grass and weeds away from the foundation. Trim tree branches back from the house." Indoors, Robbins recommends keeping pet food sealed and cleaning up crumbs or spills that might attract ants or other insects. When DIY isn't enough Some homeowners might try store-bought sprays or DIY methods before calling in the pros, but when does having insects in the home cross the line? "It really comes down to tolerance," he said. "Some people don't mind seeing a few bugs. Some people don't want to see any — period." He added online advice isn't always helpful, and in some cases it can make things worse. "Google is not a good thing when it comes to insect issues or medical issues," he joked. In a recent anecdote, Robbins recounted a client who had kept setting off bug bombs for bed bugs — noting that they were oil-based, pressurized with propane, and actually drove the bugs into the walls. "They'd been doing it every couple of weeks, before calling me and sharing that they just keep coming back," said Robbins. Instead, Robbins recommends reaching out to a professional or utilizing credible resources like the OSU Extension website. "Most pest control companies, including Robbins Pest Control, won't charge to speak with homeowners who just need advice," Robbins said. Regarding termites, Robbins said the signs can be subtle, and the damage severe. "Sagging wood, small holes, and shed wings are possible signs of an infestation," said Robbins. "By the time you're seeing obvious signs, it can already be a serious problem.". Robbins suggests scheduling regular inspections and acting early is easier for the exterminator and cheaper for the homeowner to treat before it gets out of control. A Discrete approach One unique aspect of Robbins Pest Control is its use of unmarked vehicles for all service visits, something he feels sets them apart in the industry and helps clients maintain privacy. "No one wants their neighbors to see a car with a giant cockroach on it in their driveway, because now they think their neighbor has cockroaches," Robbins said. To avoid any of these unwanted springtime guests, Robbins recommends this quick checklist: keep gutters clear and draining properly, trim vegetation away from the house, fix leaks and reduce moisture indoors, store pet food, and inspect early and often. When in doubt, "Just give us a call," Robbins said. "Sometimes it's easier to talk to a professional right away."