FAQs

Most pest control treatments used today are low-odor or odorless. In the rare case a light scent is noticeable, it typically dissipates within a few hours. Champion technicians are trained to apply products carefully and responsibly, using only what is necessary to be effective while keeping your home comfortable. If you have any sensitivities or concerns, your technician can review treatment details with you and recommend options that best fit your household.

Unfortunately, a clean home doesn’t guarantee it will be pest-free. Pests need three things to survive – food, water, and shelter – but not dirt. Small entry points, changing weather, nearby landscaping, or even bringing items in from outside can allow pests to enter. Bugs can also hitchhike in on boxes, groceries, luggage, or used furniture. Professional pest control focuses on identifying entry points and conditions that attract pests so problems can be addressed even in well-maintained homes.

Not Research has shown that ultrasonic repellents are not reliably effective for controlling rodents. While the sound may initially startle them, rodents quickly adapt or simply move to untreated areas. These devices do not eliminate rodents, seal entry points, or address the food and water sources that attract them in the first place.  Champion technicians rely on proven methods backed by industry research. By understanding rodent behavior and travel patterns, our technicians use professional baiting strategies, perform exclusion work, and help identify ways to remove access to food, water, and shelter. This comprehensive approach not only resolves the current issue but also helps prevent rodents from returning.

Yes. Rodents constantly gnaw to keep their teeth from overgrowing, and electrical wiring is a common target. Chewed wires can lead to power outages, costly repairs, and serious fire hazards. In addition to property damage, rodents can carry and spread serious diseases, including hantavirus and salmonella, through their droppings, urine, and contaminated surfaces. As they move through a home, they can contaminate food and living areas. Champion technicians are trained to identify early signs of rodent activity, address damage risks, and eliminate conditions that allow rodents to remain or return.

Yes. Mice and rats are excellent climbers and can scale vertical surfaces such as brick, siding, and utility lines. In fact, mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, allowing them to access walls and attics through tiny gaps most homeowners never notice. Champion technicians know where rodents are most likely to enter and focus on identifying and sealing these access points to keep them out.

Possibly. Rodents reproduce very quickly. In fact, a single female mouse can have up to 10 litters in a year, which means what looks like one rodent can quickly turn into a much larger problem. Because rodents are mostly active at night and stay hidden, seeing one is often a sign that others may already be present. Addressing the issue early makes control easier and helps prevent a full infestation.

Even very clean homes can attract rodents. Mice and rats are mainly looking for shelter, warmth, and easy access, not just indoor food. Common attractants include small entry points, attics and crawl spaces, pet food, bird seed, and unsecured trash. Outdoor factors such as grills, compost piles, woodpiles, dense landscaping, and overgrown vegetation near the home can also draw rodents closer. Champion technicians identify these conditions and address entry points and nesting areas to help prevent rodents from returning.

If a Champion technician finds an expired rodent during a scheduled visit, they will remove it at that time. However, if a rodent expires between scheduled visits, we recommend safely disposing of it using gloves and proper sanitation. This approach allows us to focus on eliminating the source of the problem while keeping service efficient and effective.

It’s possible, but not common. Most mice prefer to leave the structure in search of water after treatment. In some cases, a mouse may expire inside a wall or hidden area, which can occasionally result in a temporary odor. When this happens, the smell usually dissipates on its own within a short period of time. Champion technicians focus on proper placement and control methods to minimize this risk while effectively resolving the rodent issue.

Some homeowners are able to catch an occasional mouse using traps, but DIY methods often address only what you see—not the full problem. Mice are skilled at hiding, reproduce quickly, and can enter through very small openings. Without identifying entry points, nesting areas, and travel paths, the issue often continues or returns.  Professional rodent control goes beyond trapping by using proven placement strategies, exclusion work, and prevention methods to eliminate mice at the source and help keep them from coming back. This approach is safer, more effective, and far less time-consuming in the long run

Over-the-counter sprays typically only eliminate the ants you see and don’t address the source of the problem. The most effective approach depends on the type of ant, where they’re coming from, and the severity of the activity. Champion technicians evaluate your home, identify the ant species and nesting behavior, and then determine the best course of action—whether that involves baits, targeted treatments, or a combination—to achieve long-term control.

Pest control can’t stop ants from existing outdoors, but it can be very effective at preventing them from establishing themselves inside your home. With routine service and targeted treatments, ants that attempt to enter come into contact with treated areas and are eliminated. Combined with sealing entry points and ongoing prevention, this approach helps keep indoor ant activity under control and greatly reduces recurring issues.

Some continued activity can be normal, especially outside the home, where ants remain part of the natural environment. Indoors, you may notice temporary activity as ants move through treated areas or interact with baits, carrying the product back to the colony. This process takes time, and indoor activity should gradually decrease over the next few days. Outdoor ants may still be visible, but treatments help prevent them from successfully entering and establishing themselves inside your home.

Yes. Carpenter ants can cause structural damage over time by hollowing out wood to build their nests. While they don’t eat wood like termites, their tunneling can weaken structural components if left untreated. Early identification and proper treatment help prevent long-term damage to your home

Yes. In Ohio, some ants are mainly a nuisance, while others can be more problematic. Carpenter ants are considered more destructive because they tunnel into wood and can weaken structures over time. Other common ants, such as odorous house ants and pavement ants, are typically nuisance pests and do not cause structural damage, though they can become persistent. Some ants may bite when disturbed, but most issues stem from their numbers and ability to repeatedly invade homes. Proper identification allows Champion technicians to choose the most effective treatment.

Ants are most active in spring and summer, when warmer temperatures increase food-searching and nesting behavior. However, in Ohio’s milder and warmer winters, ants can still appear indoors as they seek warmth, moisture, or food sources. Seasonal changes, including sudden temperature swings, can drive ants inside at unexpected times, which is why year-round preventative pest control is important.

Simple steps like keeping surfaces clean, storing food in sealed containers, and reducing moisture buildup can help limit ant activity. Sealing cracks, wiping up spills promptly, and keeping entry points clear also make a big difference. If measurable ant activity occurs between scheduled visits, Champion’s ongoing pest control programs include retreatments to address the issue and keep ants under control.

No. Flying ants and termite swarmers are often confused, but they are different insects. Termite swarmers have straight antennae, equal-length wings, and thick waists, while flying ants have bent antennae, uneven wing lengths, and narrow waists. Proper identification is important because termite swarmers can indicate nearby termite activity or a potential structural issue, while flying ants do not pose the same risk.

Some homeowners can reduce ant activity temporarily with DIY products, but these methods usually address only the ants you see. Ant colonies are often hidden, and without identifying entry points and nesting locations, the problem can continue or return. Professional treatment focuses on stopping ants from establishing themselves inside the home and preventing repeat issues, which is often easier and more effective than repeated DIY attempts.

There’s no way to completely eliminate spiders forever, but you can significantly reduce activity inside your home. Sealing cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations helps limit entry points. Regular vacuuming, reducing clutter, and removing webs when they appear also make your home less inviting. Because spiders follow their food source, ongoing pest control that reduces other insects is one of the most effective ways to keep spider activity under control.

In Ohio, the most commonly encountered spiders include house spiders, wolf spiders, and cellar spiders (often called “daddy longlegs”). These spiders are generally harmless and are considered nuisance pests. Brown recluse spiders are not common in Ohio, but they have been found on rare occasions, usually after being transported indoors through boxes, furniture, or other items from warmer regions. Confirmed sightings are uncommon, and many spiders are often misidentified as brown recluses.

Most spiders avoid people and bites are uncommon. If a bite does occur, it’s usually mild and harmless. Spiders that can cause more serious reactions, such as the brown recluse, are rare in Ohio, and confirmed bites are uncommon.

As temperatures cool in Ohio, spiders become more noticeable as they move indoors seeking warmth, shelter, and mates. Fall is also when many spiders are fully grown, which makes them easier to spot. While increased activity can be unsettling, it’s a seasonal pattern and doesn’t necessarily mean you have an infestation.

Often, yes. Spiders feed on other insects, so increased spider activity can indicate that other pests are present and providing a food source. Reducing those underlying pest issues is one of the most effective ways to limit spiders in the home.

Removing spider webs weekly or biweekly helps discourage spiders from returning. Regular web removal disrupts nesting and signals that the area isn’t a suitable place for spiders to settle.

Pest control treatments help reduce spiders and disrupt egg sacs in treated areas, which can limit future spider activity. While no treatment can guarantee the removal of every spider egg—especially those hidden in hard-to-reach areas—routine service and web removal significantly reduce the chances of spiders hatching and reestablishing inside the home.

You can reduce spider activity with regular cleaning, web removal, and sealing entry points, but it’s not possible to eliminate spiders completely on your own. Spiders often enter homes searching for food, and as long as other insects are present, spiders may follow. Professional pest control focuses on reducing spider entry points and controlling the insects that attract them, which helps keep spider activity under control long-term.

From a pest control perspective, the key differences come down to behavior, nesting habits, and risk to people:

• Bees are fuzzy, generally calm, and focused on pollinating plants. They typically sting only when threatened and often build wax hives in protected spaces or swarm temporarily while relocating. Because bees are beneficial, proper identification is important, and relocation is usually recommended rather than treatment.
• Wasps have smooth bodies and are more territorial. They commonly build papery nests on eaves, soffits, trees, or structures. Wasps can become aggressive when their nest is disturbed and may sting multiple times, which makes professional removal important when nests are close to people.
• Yellow jackets are a type of wasp but are more aggressive and more likely to sting. They are often mistaken for bees but are slimmer and less fuzzy. Yellow jackets frequently nest underground or inside wall voids and are strongly attracted to food and drinks, especially in late summer. Because of their behavior and nesting locations, yellow jackets pose a higher risk and should be handled by professionals.

Correct identification is critical, as each insect requires a different approach. A trained technician can safely identify the insect, assess the risk, and recommend the most effective and responsible solution.

Honeybees typically do not reuse old hives once a colony has died or been removed. However, if remnants such as wax, honey, or scent remain inside a structure, those materials can attract new swarms to the same location in the future. This is why proper removal and cleanup are important. While it may not be the same bees returning, an untreated hive site can increase the chances of new bees moving in.

Carpenter bees are generally not dangerous, but they can still be a concern. Male carpenter bees may act aggressive by hovering near people, but they do not have stingers. Female carpenter bees can sting, but they rarely do unless they are handled or threatened. The bigger issue with carpenter bees is property damage, not stings. They bore perfectly round holes into wood to create nesting tunnels, which can weaken fascia boards, decks, railings, and other wooden structures over time. Professional treatment helps protect your home by stopping activity and discouraging future nesting.

Yes—bees are important pollinators and play a vital role in the environment. Wasps are different. While they can help control other insect populations by feeding on pests, they can become a safety concern when nests are built near homes, patios, or high-traffic areas. In those situations, professional removal helps protect people and pets while addressing the issue safely.

It’s not recommended. Attempting to remove a wasp nest on your own can be dangerous, as wasps will aggressively defend their nest and multiple stings can occur quickly. Professional removal ensures the nest is handled safely, at the right time, and with proper equipment—reducing the risk of injury to you, your family, and pets.

Bees and wasps are often attracted to food sources, sugary drinks, open trash, and flowering plants around a home. Bees may also be drawn to flowering landscaping or water sources, while wasps are commonly attracted to protein-based foods and outdoor eating areas. Increased activity can also mean there is a nest or hive nearby, which is why proper identification is important.

Stay calm and do not disturb the swarm. Swarming bees are usually temporary and are often resting while searching for a new location. Avoid loud noises, sudden movements, or attempting removal yourself. Most swarms people encounter are honeybees, and swarming is a normal behavior that occurs when a colony is relocating. During this time, honeybees are typically less aggressive because they are focused on finding a new home, not defending a nest. Even so, they should not be disturbed. In most cases, a swarm will move on within a few hours to a couple of days once a new nesting site is found. Contact a pest control professional to properly identify the bees and recommend the safest and most appropriate next steps, which may include a referral for relocation rather than treatment, so the situation is handled responsibly and safely.

Fleas tend to live and develop in areas where pets rest and where fabric is present. Common places include carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, pet bedding, and cracks along baseboards or flooring. While adult fleas may jump onto pets or people, most of the flea population—eggs and larvae—remains hidden deep within fibers and crevices, which is why flea problems can be difficult to eliminate without proper treatment

Flea treatment targets all stages of the flea life cycle, not just the adult fleas you may see. Our professional treatment focuses on areas where fleas live and develop—such as carpets, rugs, furniture, baseboards, and pet resting areas. Products are applied to eliminate adult fleas and interrupt the development of eggs and larvae, helping prevent new fleas from emerging.

Because flea eggs can hatch over time, it’s normal to see some activity shortly after treatment as remaining fleas come into contact with treated areas. Proper preparation, ongoing prevention, and following post-treatment instructions are key to achieving full control and long-term relief.

Pets commonly pick up fleas from outdoor environments such as yards, parks, walking trails, or contact with other animals. Fleas can also be brought into the home by wildlife or stray animals, and pets may be exposed simply by being in areas where fleas are present. Because fleas can live in grass, shaded areas, and near wildlife activity, even indoor pets can occasionally be exposed when they go outside or come into contact with infested environments.

Even without pets, fleas can still enter a home. They are often brought in by wildlife or stray animals that pass near or under the home, such as raccoons, squirrels, or rodents. Fleas can also be carried indoors on clothing, shoes, or personal items, or remain from a previous pet and stay hidden in carpets or furniture. Once inside, fleas can survive by feeding on people, which is why infestations can occur even in pet-free homes

Eliminating fleas takes time because of their life cycle. After treatment, adult fleas are typically reduced quickly, but eggs and larvae already present can continue to hatch for a short period. Most flea problems improve significantly within 1–2 weeks, with continued improvement as remaining fleas come into contact with treated areas. Following preparation instructions, ongoing cleaning, and any recommended follow-up treatments helps ensure full control and prevents reinfestation.

You may be able to reduce flea activity with frequent vacuuming, washing fabrics, and using store-bought products, but DIY methods often don’t eliminate the entire flea life cycle. Flea eggs and larvae can remain hidden deep in carpets, furniture, and cracks, allowing the problem to continue or return. Professional flea treatment targets all life stages and hard-to-reach areas, making it more effective and less time-consuming than repeated DIY efforts.

While flea bites and bed bug bites can look similar, there are a few key differences that can help tell them apart. Flea bites most often appear on the lower legs, ankles, and feet. They are usually small, red, and itchy, sometimes with a tiny red dot in the center. Flea bites tend to be scattered or appear in small clusters and are commonly associated with pets or carpeted areas. Bed bug bites typically show up on exposed skin such as the arms, neck, shoulders, or face. They often appear in a line or grouped pattern (sometimes called “breakfast, lunch, and dinner”) and may become swollen or itchy hours or even days after being bitten.  Because reactions can vary from person to person, bites alone aren’t always enough to confirm the pest. A professional inspection can help identify the source and ensure the correct treatment is used.

Bed bugs are not a cleanliness issue. They are hitchhikers and are commonly brought into homes through travel, luggage, clothing, used furniture, or overnight guests. Bed bugs are attracted to people, not dirt or food, and can infest even the cleanest homes. Early detection and professional treatment are key to stopping bed bugs from spreading and becoming a larger problem.

People react differently to bed bug bites. Some individuals develop itchy, visible bite marks, while others may have little to no reaction at all, even if they’re being bitten. Bed bugs don’t prefer one person over another—they feed on whoever is available—but skin sensitivity and immune response determine whether bites show up or cause irritation. This difference in reactions is common and doesn’t mean bed bugs are only biting one person.

1. Bed bugs are visible to the naked eye, although they are small and good at hiding. Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, flat, and reddish-brown in color. After feeding, they may appear darker and more swollen. Younger bed bugs (nymphs) are smaller and lighter in color, which can make them harder to spot. Common signs of bed bugs include itchy bite marks, often appearing in clusters or lines on exposed skin, small dark spots on sheets or mattresses (droppings), rust-colored stains from crushed bugs, and shed skins near mattress seams, box springs, headboards, and furniture. Because bed bugs hide in tight cracks and crevices, a professional inspection is often the best way to confirm activity and determine the proper treatment.

Bed bugs hide in tight cracks and crevices, especially close to where people sleep or rest. Common places to check include the entire bed (mattress seams, tags, and edges; box springs, especially along the fabric and frame; frames and headboards, and footboards; Nightstands and nearby furniture, including drawer seams, any Upholstered furniture, cushions, and seams; Baseboards, wall cracks, and electrical outlets near beds; Behind picture frames, mirrors, and loose wallpaper.  Because bed bugs are small, flat, and excellent at hiding, they’re not always easy to find. If you suspect activity but don’t see clear signs, a professional inspection can help confirm whether bed bugs are present and identify the extent of the problem.

In most cases, no. Bed bugs rarely stay confined to a single room. They can travel through wall voids, electrical outlets, baseboards, and furniture, spreading to nearby rooms even if activity is only noticed in one area. Treating just one room often allows bed bugs to survive and reappear. A professional inspection is the best way to determine how far bed bugs have spread and to create a treatment plan that fully addresses the problem and prevents reinfestation.

In most cases, no. Bed bugs can usually be eliminated with proper professional treatment, and furniture does not typically need to be discarded. Mattresses, box springs, and upholstered furniture can often be treated successfully when handled correctly. Throwing away furniture without treatment can sometimes make the problem worse by spreading bed bugs to other areas. A professional inspection can determine what can be treated, what may need special attention, and whether anything truly needs to be removed.

Yes. They can cling to bags, luggage, and clothing to reach new places.

While no method is foolproof, a few smart precautions can greatly reduce your risk:

• Inspect your room upon arrival, especially mattress seams, headboards, and nightstands.
• Keep luggage off the bed and floor—use a luggage rack or place bags in the bathroom while inspecting.
• Store clothing in sealed bags inside your suitcase.
• Avoid placing personal items in drawers or on upholstered furniture.
• Upon returning home, limit where you place the luggage. Unpack directly into the washer. Wash and dry clothes on high heat, which kills bed bugs.
• Store suitcases after traveling in a garage or other areas away from sleeping areas.

Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers, but staying alert while traveling helps prevent them from coming home with you

While flea bites and bed bug bites can look similar, there are a few key differences that can help tell them apart. Flea bites most often appear on the lower legs, ankles, and feet. They are usually small, red, and itchy, sometimes with a tiny red dot in the center. Flea bites tend to be scattered or appear in small clusters and are commonly associated with pets or carpeted areas. Bed bug bites typically show up on exposed skin such as the arms, neck, shoulders, or face. They often appear in a line or grouped pattern (sometimes called “breakfast, lunch, and dinner”) and may become swollen or itchy hours or even days after being bitten.  Because reactions can vary from person to person, bites alone aren’t always enough to confirm the pest. A professional inspection can help identify the source and ensure the correct treatment is used.

Seeing a single bed bug doesn’t always mean you have a full infestation, but it is a sign to stay alert. Bed bugs are excellent at hiding, so it’s important to watch for additional signs such as bites, dark spots on bedding, or shed skins. Avoid moving furniture or belongings between rooms, as this can spread them. If possible, capture the bug or take a clear photo for identification. Washing and drying bedding and recently worn clothing on high heat and scheduling a professional inspection can help confirm whether there is additional activity and prevent a larger problem.

Try not to panic—bed bugs are not guaranteed to spread from a single visit. Bed bugs typically travel by hitchhiking on personal belongings, so the risk depends on whether items like bags, coats, or luggage were brought inside.

As a precaution, you can:

• Inspect areas where the guest spent time, especially seating, bedding, or floors near entry points
• Wash and dry any linens or clothing they may have used on high heat
• Vacuum upholstered furniture, rugs, and entry areas, then dispose of the vacuum contents promptly
• Monitor for signs such as bites, dark spots, or shed skins over the next few weeks

If you notice any signs or want peace of mind, a professional inspection can help confirm whether there’s any activity and address concerns early—before a problem has a chance to develop

Bed bugs can end up in cars, but it’s not common. They don’t live in vehicles long-term because cars lack the stable conditions they need. However, bed bugs can occasionally hitch a ride in a car on clothing, bags, or personal items, especially after travel or visiting an infested location. If you’re concerned, inspect areas like seat seams, floor mats, and storage compartments, and avoid leaving bags or clothing in the car. If bed bugs are suspected, a professional can help confirm activity and recommend next steps

It’s not unusual to see some bed bug activity shortly after treatment. Bed bug treatments are designed to target hiding areas and the full life cycle, and as remaining bugs move through treated spaces, they may become visible before they are eliminated. This does not mean the treatment failed. Activity should steadily decrease over time. It’s important to follow all preparation and post-treatment instructions and avoid moving items between rooms, which can interfere with results. If bed bug activity continues beyond the expected timeframe, contact us—our team will evaluate the situation and determine whether additional follow-up treatment is needed to fully resolve the issue.

Bed bugs are one of the most challenging pests to eliminate, so it’s not realistic for any company to promise instant or absolute results. Professional treatment greatly improves the chances of full control when combined with proper preparation and follow-up.  It’s also important to understand that bed bugs are hitchhikers. If you continue to travel to, work in, or visit places where bed bugs are present, there is a risk of bringing them back home again, even after treatment. This doesn’t mean treatment wasn’t effective—it means new bed bugs can be reintroduced.  Successful bed bug control depends on the level of infestation, following preparation and post-treatment instructions, and minimizing exposure to infested environments. If activity continues, we work with you to evaluate next steps and determine whether additional treatment is needed to fully resolve the issue

You may be able to reduce bed bug activity with DIY products, but completely eliminating bed bugs on your own is very difficult. Bed bugs hide in tiny cracks and crevices, reproduce quickly, and require treatments that target multiple life stages. Store-bought products often don’t reach hiding areas or may push bed bugs deeper into walls and furniture.  Professional treatment uses proven products, proper application techniques, and follow-up strategies to address the infestation thoroughly. This approach is safer, more effective, and typically resolves the problem faster than repeated DIY attempts.

Well, it depends. Getting rid of roaches can take time because they reproduce quickly and hide in hard-to-reach areas. After professional treatment, you may still see some activity at first as roaches move through treated areas. Most homes see a noticeable reduction within a few days to a couple of weeks, with continued improvement over time.  Full control depends on the type of roach, the level of infestation, and removing conditions that attract them—such as food and moisture. Following preparation and prevention recommendations helps ensure the fastest and most effective results. Often, follow-up treatments are necessary to break the breeding cycle.

Having cockroaches does not mean your home is dirty. Cockroaches are attracted to warmth, moisture, and shelter, not just food. Even clean homes can provide what they need through small water sources, hidden cracks, or wall voids. In apartments, townhomes, condos, or closely spaced homes, cockroaches can travel between units through shared walls, plumbing lines, and utility connections. That means activity in a neighboring unit can impact yours, even if you keep your home very clean.  Professional pest control focuses on identifying entry points, harborage areas, and contributing conditions, helping stop roaches from moving in and reduce the chance of continued activity—regardless of the source.

Cockroaches can pose health risks, especially in indoor environments. They are known to carry bacteria and pathogens on their bodies and can contaminate food, countertops, and surfaces as they move through a home. Cockroach droppings, shed skins, and saliva can also trigger allergies and asthma, particularly in children and sensitive individuals.  While cockroaches don’t bite or sting, their presence is a concern due to contamination and health-related issues. Professional control helps reduce these risks by eliminating roaches and addressing the conditions that allow them to survive indoors.

Cockroaches prefer dark, warm, and moist areas, especially places close to food and water. Common areas to check include kitchens: under sinks, behind refrigerators and stoves, inside cabinets, and near trash cans; Bathrooms: under sinks, around plumbing, and behind toilets; Laundry rooms: near washers, dryers, and floor drains; Basements and crawl spaces: especially near moisture or clutter; Cracks and crevices: along baseboards, inside wall voids, and around electrical outlets.  Because cockroaches are excellent at hiding, seeing them during the day can sometimes indicate heavier activity. A professional inspection can help identify hidden harborage areas and determine the extent of the problem

Reducing food, water, and shelter can help limit roach activity. Keeping food stored properly, cleaning up spills and crumbs, taking trash out regularly, and fixing leaks are all helpful steps. These efforts can make your home less attractive to roaches and support overall prevention.  That said, roaches are experts at hiding and reproduce quickly. Store-bought products often only affect visible roaches and don’t reach nesting areas. Professional treatment targets the places roaches live and breed, addressing the source of the problem and providing more reliable, long-term control.

Professional mosquito treatments focus on harborage areas where mosquitoes rest during the day, such as shrubs, shaded areas, tall grass, and dense landscaping. By targeting these areas, treatments reduce adult mosquito populations and help disrupt the breeding cycle. Mosquitoes can go from egg to adult in as little as 7–10 days under the right conditions, which is why populations can grow quickly after rain.  Most treatments begin working within 24 hours, with noticeable reduction in mosquito activity shortly after application. How long the treatment lasts can vary—some professional products are applied on a 3-week schedule, while others can remain effective for 60 days or more, depending on weather conditions, rainfall, and the layout of your property. Your technician will recommend the best schedule to maintain consistent mosquito control throughout the season.

Over-the-counter (OTC) mosquito products can help in certain situations, but they have important limitations compared with professional control. Most of these products mainly work by repelling mosquitoes or killing a limited number on contact. Their effectiveness is often short-lived and can be reduced by wind, rain, sunlight, and the size of the area being treated. Professional mosquito control focuses on reducing the mosquito population, not just repelling them. Technicians treat the harborage areas where mosquitoes live and rest—such as shrubs, shaded landscaping, tall grass, and wooded edges—using products and application methods that are designed to provide longer-lasting residual control.  OTC products can be a helpful supplement for short-term comfort, but for noticeable, consistent, and season-long control, professional mosquito treatment offers the most reliable results.

Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, body heat, movement, and certain natural skin scents, which is why some people seem to get bitten more than others. Factors like metabolism, sweat composition, and even what bacteria live on your skin can influence how attractive you are to mosquitoes.  Hormones can also play a role. Changes in hormone levels can affect body temperature and carbon dioxide output. For example, pregnant women are especially attractive to mosquitoes—studies have shown they can attract nearly twice as many mosquito bites compared to others.

Mosquitoes are a problem because they affect both comfort and health. Their bites often cause itching, redness, and swelling, and reactions can vary from person to person. In Ohio, mosquitoes are also known to carry and transmit diseases such as West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).  Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, which unfortunately are the same times many families are home from work or school and want to enjoy time outdoors. Combined with their ability to reproduce quickly in warm, humid conditions, mosquito activity can make yards, patios, and outdoor gatherings uncomfortable without proper control.

A typical inspection takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size and condition of the property and the report will be delivered within an hour.

A termite inspection is recommended anytime you want to protect or evaluate the condition of a home. It’s especially appropriate if you’re buying or selling a property, as inspections are often required by lenders during real estate transactions. Homeowners should also consider a termite inspection if they notice wood damage, mud tubes, moisture issues, or if it’s been several years since the last inspection. Even without visible signs, termites can remain hidden, which is why routine inspections are an important part of protecting your home. A professional inspection helps identify activity early and provides peace of mind before costly damage occurs.

A termite inspection includes both the interior and exterior of the property. Indoors, the inspector checks accessible areas such as basements, crawlspaces, attics, garages, and interior structural components for signs of termite activity or damage. Outdoors, the inspection focuses on the foundation, exterior walls, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that may attract termites. Access to areas like the attic and crawlspace helps ensure the inspection is as thorough and accurate as possible.

A termite inspection is necessary before buying a home because termites can cause significant structural damage that isn’t always visible during a standard home inspection. Since termites often remain hidden inside walls, foundations, and crawlspaces, a professional inspection helps identify active infestations, past damage, and conditions that could lead to future problems. Many lenders require a Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) report as part of the home-buying process. A termite inspection provides buyers with important information before closing, helps avoid unexpected repair costs, and offers peace of mind when making one of the largest investments of your life.

Often yes. Inspectors may also identify signs of carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, and moisture problems.

The technician will need access to the interior of the home to complete a thorough inspection. An adult over the age of 18 must be present to provide access, or a lockbox can be used if the home is unoccupied. While you don’t have to be present for the entire inspection, being available allows the technician to review findings and answer any questions directly.

Common signs of termite activity can include mud tubes along foundations or walls, discarded wings near windows or doors, and wood that sounds hollow when tapped. You may also notice blistered or bubbling paint, which can resemble water damage, or damaged wood structures that appear cracked or weakened. Because termites often remain hidden inside walls, floors, or crawlspaces, many infestations go unnoticed until damage is already present. If you see any of these warning signs—or if you’re unsure—a professional inspection can help confirm activity and identify problems early before costly repairs are needed.

Termite swarmers are winged reproductive termites that emerge to start new colonies. Seeing swarmers indoors or around your home often indicates a nearby or existing termite colony. Swarmers are commonly seen in spring, especially after warm weather and rain. If you notice swarmers or discarded wings, it’s important to schedule a professional inspection as soon as possible.

After termite treatment, the goal is to eliminate the active colony and protect your home from future activity. Because termites can form multiple colonies and forage over areas as large as a football field, ongoing monitoring and protection are important even after treatment is completed. After the bait stations are installed, technicians will continue to monitor bait stations or treated areas to ensure termites remain controlled and to detect any new activity early. While treatment addresses existing termites, continued coverage helps protect your home from additional colonies that may attempt to establish themselves over time.

Absolutely! Champion’s termite treatments are applied by trained, state-licensed professionals with safety as a top priority. Our Sentricon® baiting system is placed discreetly in the ground around your home, where termites travel—not in living spaces. Because the bait works within the termite colony and is contained inside secure stations, it allows us to target termites while minimizing exposure to people and pets. All treatments are applied according to strict guidelines, and technicians use only what’s necessary to be effective. This approach provides powerful termite protection while keeping your household safe and comfortable.

Treating termites on your own is not recommended. Termites live hidden inside walls, foundations, and soil, and DIY products typically only address what’s visible—not the entire colony. Without eliminating the colony, termites can continue causing damage unnoticed. Professional termite treatment is designed to target termites at the source using colony-level control methods. These approaches require proper placement, monitoring, and expertise to be effective. A professional inspection and treatment plan is the safest and most reliable way to protect your home from long-term termite damage

In most cases, no. Homeowner’s insurance typically does not cover termite damage because it’s considered preventable with routine inspections and maintenance, rather than a sudden or accidental loss. This is especially important because termites cause billions of dollars in damage each year in the U.S.—more than fires, floods, and storms combined. Unlike natural disasters, termite damage often happens slowly and out of sight, which is why it can become extensive before it’s discovered. Because repairs are usually an out-of-pocket expense, regular termite inspections and proactive treatment are one of the most effective ways to protect your home and avoid costly structural damage.

If you’re planning major landscaping or digging near termite bait stations, please remove the bait stations and set them to the side until your project is complete. Termite bait stations are placed in specific locations to intercept termite activity, and moving or disturbing them can reduce their effectiveness. Once the project is compete, our team will reinstall the stations to ensure continued protection. Bait stations can be lightly covered with mulch, but they should not be buried deeply, blocked, or damaged, and the station lids must remain accessible for inspection and maintenance.

Not always, but it does mean termites are active nearby and should be taken seriously. Swarmers indicate that a termite colony is mature and attempting to reproduce, which can happen whether or not visible damage is present. Because termites often remain hidden inside walls, floors, or structural wood, damage can occur long before it’s noticeable. A professional termite inspection is the best way to determine whether there is active infestation or existing damage. If damage is found, it may also be appropriate to have a licensed contractor evaluate the affected areas to assess the extent and any necessary repairs. Early detection helps limit both structural damage and repair costs.

In Ohio, termite swarmers are most commonly seen in the spring, usually after rainfall when temperatures rise. Swarming is a seasonal event and often one of the first visible signs of termite activity.

No. Termite swarmers are often mistaken for flying ants, but they have straight antennae, equal-length wings, and thick waists, while ants have bent antennae, uneven wings, and narrow waists. Proper identification is important because termite swarmers signal a potential structural issue.

Do not spray or vacuum them away without documentation. If possible, collect a sample or take photos and send them to us right away. Early inspection can help prevent costly damage.

Not always, but it does mean termites are active nearby. Because termites can remain hidden for long periods, a professional inspection is the only way to determine whether damage is present.

They’re seeking warmth and shelter for the winter months.

Treatments reduce populations, but sealing entry points and seasonal service is key to long-term control.

Warmth, bright lights, and food odors from fruits, vegetables, and indoor plants.

Rarely. They usually lay eggs on outdoor vegetation, but prevention indoors still matters.

Seal cracks, install screens, and keep doors/windows closed during fall.

Not seriously, but ingestion may cause drooling or mild stomach upset.

Yes. These quiet areas are ideal overwintering sites if access points aren’t sealed.