Throwing parties in your backyard is a great way to make the fun last for hours, and everyone in attendance is bound to have a good time; until the bugs show up.
Although we love entertaining guests in our backyard, we hate that we have to give up our skin to pesky mosquitos and other bugs that just can’t quit their biting. Luckily, you don’t have to give up outdoor entertainment for a small issue like this.
Next time your guests complain about insect bites try considering one of these simple tricks to keep them safe.

Deep cleaning

Do a clean sweep of your backyard a few days before you invite your guests. Sweep away any stray leaves, dead branches and drying out any wet puddles. This practice will disturb any pests living there and force them leave.
Give a quick trim
Insects are more likely to hide in tall, unkempt grass or bushes because they protect them against predators. Dead tree branches are where you’ll find most nests for termites, and tall grass allows spiders to make their webs without attracting too much attention to themselves.
Giving these greens a trim regularly can help rid you of these pests, but if you think you would be unable to manage it, our team at Xterminators can help you clear out all potential insect nests.

Protect your furniture

Once you have gotten rid of all the insect nests in your backyard, it is time to choose décor that protects your guests and your furniture.
If you’re hosting a party where people will be sitting on the floor, use throw pillows on top of large rugs that prevent ant invasions.

Use the power of scents

Some natural scents are potent enough to have the power of repelling insects naturally. Lighting up a candle with citronella scent or incense can reduce the chances of bug bites significantly.
It also creates great mood lighting for your guests to enjoy as they soak in the sweet smell.

Build a bonfire

Creating a bonfire is a fun experience, and adding sage to the fire will help keep pests at bay as well. To create a pleasing scent, you can add mint or lavender and roast some marshmallows while you’re at it to complete the whole experience.
Xterminator provides outdoor pest control treatments in Cambridge, OH and ensures that your backyard parties go as planned, without any concerns over mosquitoes or rodents. Get in touch with Xterminator Pest Control in Cambridge, OH, to get rid of all kinds of pests before you invite your guests over.

Christmas is the season of spreading love, joy and warmth with your family and friends. Amidst all the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparation and celebration, you might not notice invasive pests making their way inside your home. Here’s how you can keep them at bay:

1.Inspect The Tree

One of the greatest carriers of pests is your tree itself. You’ll find beetles, lice, spiders, aphids and even termites. Before bringing your tree indoors, be sure to inspect it thoroughly for any infestation. These pests are natural hiders making it even tougher to spot them. Call a professional exterminator to inspect as they have the necessary knowledge, skills and equipment to spot and get rid of these pests. 
Another way to avoid these pests from entering your home is by choosing an artificial tree instead of a homegrown one. This will last you for several years, and you won’t have to cut down any tree from your yard. 

2.Plastic Decoration Boxes 

Now that the tree is sorted, it’s time to check your decoration boxes. Most homeowners store their décor in cardboard boxes in the loft or basement. Pests love cardboard. They feed on the cellulose and can thrive there for months to come. Additionally, since your basement might be dark and damp, this makes it an ideal living spot. When removing your decorations, inspect the corners of each box carefully and ensure that no pests crawl on your floors on the furniture. 
We recommend switching to hard plastic boxes instead of cardboard. These are durable, long-lasting and prevent any threat of pest invasion. 

3.Clean After You Cook 

 When you think of Christmas, the first thing that comes to mind is the warm and fruity Christmas cake and sweets. You’ll be busy cooking your stuffed turkey, cranberry sauce, apple pies, pudding and even some gingerbread cookies. Your kitchen will need a though clean-up after things get messy. Though you might be tired from all that work, don’t put off the cleaning for later. Leaving your kitchen with food crumbs, scraps and other ingredients is like inviting pests with your arms wide open. Do a quick clean up after you use the kitchen and ensure there’s no food lying open, anywhere. 

4.Don’t Stock Up On Firewood

It might be customary to sing Christmas carols with your family and friends around the fireplace, but it’s important to keep an eye on where you store the firewood. Stacking up piles of wood can draw termites towards your house and lead to infestations. We recommended keeping the firewood at least 20-25 feet away from your home so that the pests don’t make their way inside. 

Professional Pest Control Service in Ohio

While these measures can help you prevent pest invasion, you will require professional help to eliminate it. If you’re looking for a reliable pest control service, Xterminator Pest Control can help you out. We’re a leading pest control service in Ohio. We offer top quality solutions such as bed bug treatment, termite prevention, outdoor pest treatment, and other pest control treatments in Columbus, OH. For more information about our services, get in touch today!

Customers are the lifeblood of every business, and if you’re running a restaurant, customer satisfaction is essential to keep it prosperous. Here are some ways to improve your restaurant’s service and ensure a stellar experience for your customers. 

1.Staff Efficiency

When a customer walks into your restaurant, chances are that they’re already hungry and can’t wait longer than the 15-minute standard waiting period. As a restaurant owner, you need to ensure that all operations run smoothly and promptly. Keeping customers waiting for longer periods will increase the complaint scores and compel them to leave and go to another restaurant. Schedule a monthly meeting with your staff to assess the preparation time for each dish. Hire more cooks if needed, along with serving staff, so that every customer walks out the door with their cravings satisfied and a happy tummy! 

2.Respond To Concerns Professionally 

In your restaurant, there might be complaints or concerns based on the quality of your food, the taste or even the ambiance. When dealing with these concerns, it’s always important to respond positively. As the saying goes, “the customer is always right.” Listen to your customer’s concerns and perhaps even ask for yips to improve. This will create a more consumer-focused approach, as at the end of the day, it’s them who you’re serving. Train your staff to be patient with the guests.
Regarding online reviews, you need to ensure you maintain a professional tone and thank your customer for every feedback. If you do receive a complaint online, first apologize and then try to develop a solution. 

3.Get Digitized

Now that we revolve around a digitized world, it’s always a great idea to incorporate the latest technology in your restaurant. You can choose mobile-scan menus instead of the traditional paper ones, add a cashless payment option, offer free WiFi and even use LCD screens at the check-out counter for customer reviews. Customers will be glad to see that you and your staff are keeping up with the times and ensuring an effortless and interactive experience.

4.Keep Pests At Bay

All your years of hard work can go down the drain if a customer sees a pest crawling in your restaurant. They automatically doubt the hygiene of the food and are also likely to write a negative review online after a pest sighting. Apart from losing several customers, you can even get involved in a lawsuit for not obeying the state’s hygiene standards.

If you’re dealing with a pest infestation, don’t wait any longer; call on professional exterminators right away. At Xterminator Pest Control, we offer top-notch exterminator and pest
control services in Ohio. You can choose our quarterly plans, to ensure your restaurant
is free of any pest. Our services include termite inspection, rodent control and bed bug treatment. Get in touch with us for professional pest-protection in Columbus, Ohio.

Here are some of the ways you can prevent bed bugs in your own home.

Did you know that termites cause damage worth $40 billion globally, affecting 600,000 homes in the United States alone? Your house is one of your most valuable investments; don’t let these sneaky pests make their way inside. Here are some things you could be doing to attract them:

1.Pilling Up Firewood 

Even though now the winter chill is in the air, and it’s the perfect time to cuddle around your fireplace, avoid stocking up firewood in your backyard. This might seem like a productive idea since you’ll need it regularly now but it also serves as a food source for termites and draws them into your house. 

If you do have to stock up on any wood pieces, it’s best to keep this at least 20 to 25 feet away from your house so that these termites don’t make their way inside. 

2.Mulch

This is typically used around the foundation of your home, but this too can invite termites into the house. Mulch retains moisture, and termites thrive in damp environments making this an ideal place for them to stay. Like firewood, you should keep this mulch 15 to 20 feet away from the foundation. If you suspect any signs of termite growth, call in a professional immediately to avoid them entering your home. 

3.Dark Spots

Areas with dim or no lights can also act as a breeding ground for termites. Places like the basement are not often visited, so even if there’s a termite infection, you won’t find out soon enough. Install lights in all areas of your home, and be sure to do a routine check every once in a while. Spaces left unattended are the most dangerous, pull out your furniture and décor and give it a good clean. A clean and tidy place always repels pests and insects. 
 

4.Dead Plants

Another common reason for termite infestation may be excess foliage. Leaving your trees, shrubs and bushes untrimmed and rotting allow termites to penetrate the yard. If these trees touch the walls of your house, the termites can easily make their way to the interiors. Trim all plants regularly and clear away the dead ones from your space. We also recommend that trees don’t touch your property and are 5-10 feet away. 

5.Filled Gutters

Gutters are prime spots for all insect and pest infestation, and termites love a gutter that’s moist and filled with leaves. Be sure to clean your gutter regularly so that your doors are shut to these sneaky pests. 

Looking For Termite Exterminators?

If termites are making your life miserable, our experts at Xterminator Pest Control can help you out. We offer top quality termite prevention, bed bug treatment, and other pest control treatments in Columbus, OH. 
To learn more about our residential and commercial treatment plans, contact us online or call at 1-800-948-7378.