We hope that you are having a Glorious Holiday Season.

The family and friends of A Complete Pest Solution would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our Chicagoland friends a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  We will be spending this time of year celebrating the blessings of 2017 and looking forward to a prosperous new year.

As 2018 dawns we hope that you will not need our services for a little while, but you know that the time will come when those multi-legged critters will return.  Before that inevitable time, we invite you to enjoy the season and remember that if you are traveling beyond our area to drive cautiously on the ever-changing road conditions of the Midwest.

Kurt and his team at A Complete Pest Solution have been there to help you exterminate and control pests for many years and pledge to be there for you when you need us in 2018.  If and when you need us, please visit acompletepestsolution.com to view the range of our many services.  Once again, Happy Holidays to our Chicagoland friends from our family to yours.

Christmas events in Chicago

Christmas events in Chicago

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"Make it the best holiday season ever with our guide to Christmas events, from holiday markets to ice skating."

Homeowner Plans for the New Year.

How long have you lived in Chicagoland?  If it has been more than one full year in the same residence then you probably know the routine.  Do you live in a heavily populated area or next to a field?  That question has a great deal of bearing on the topic we would like to discuss.

That topic is pest control!  There are ants, spiders, bees, wasps, termites, cockroaches, and other wood destroying insects that can ruin the look and comfort of your castle.  Have you planned ahead?  There is a good chance that you have a landscaper, but do you have a contract with a pest control company?

When you plan ahead for 2018 the critters will NOT be a factor.  If you wait until they show up (and you know they will) then your environment is upside down until the problem is addressed.  Why not consider a regular visit from A Complete Pest Solution?  We are Chicagoland’s answer to year-around pest control.  Give us a call before the New Year at (630) 464-1542.

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light

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"Explore rich holiday traditions from around the globe while creating your own traditions with loved ones in Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light."

Termites in the Winter.

Wait a second, don’t termites thrive in warmer temperatures?  That they do, they need warmth and humidity to survive.  However, areas with heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures are still susceptible to termite infestations. While it’s commonly thought that termites hibernate in winter weather, this is not the case. 

As long as termites have constant access to wood, these destructive pests can live in any part of the country at any time of the year!  Many times, colonies invade homes prior to winter as a means to prepare for the cold weather and seek warmth.  They form tunnels inside of your home to wreak havoc during the winter months.

Don’t think for a second that winter’s dawn is the answer to termite control.  Before you find out the hard way that they have taken root in your castle, call A Complete Pest Solution.  Kurt and his team are Chicagoland’s complete termite control experts.  Please give them a call today before winter sets in at (630) 464-1542.

Thanksgiving events in Chicago 2017

Thanksgiving events in Chicago 2017

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"Turkey trots, restaurant feasts and one big parade are among the best Thanksgiving events in Chicago"

For Mice it isn’t Over until it’s Over.

Just because the weather is changing you can’t relax because the bugs are hibernating.  As the temperatures get cooler and cooler those nasty rodents will head for shelter.  Did you know that National Rodent Awareness Week is coming up later this month?  You may not have even known that there was one, but there is!

Here are the signs of mice in the building –

1.  Droppings.  They have to go somewhere.

2.  Noises.  There is nothing more annoying than that squeak…or the sound of little feet.

3.  Gnaw Marks.  These guys will chew on anything.

4.  Burrows.  They will make nests with whatever is available.

5.  Damaged Food Packages.  They don’t have opposable thumbs to open them!

You know the problem.  Now, what is the solution?  As always it lies with Chicagoland’s rodent control professionals.  They are A Complete Pest Solution.  Just like every other Autumn for decades the right answer to a mouse invasion is A Complete Pest Solution.  Give them a call anytime at (630) 464-1542.

Things to do in Chicago - November 2017

November 2017 events calendar for Chicago

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"With so many things to do this fall in Chicago, there’s plenty to be grateful for. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means we’ll be stuffing our faces (and planners) full this month."

Carpenter Ants…the Pest of the Midwest.

It isn’t quite over yet.  Carpenter ants are still a factor to be dealt with in Chicagoland homes and businesses.  Locating their nests may require some careful inspection on your part.  Since they are nocturnal creatures you may need to inspect for signs of them with a flashlight in the darkness of night.

Destruction of the parent nest is perhaps the best way to control carpenter ants. If the parent nest can be located, it can then be treated.  Eliminate the Queen and you will eliminate the infestation!  So, it stands to reason that finding the parent nest is the critical step in ridding a structure of carpenter ants.

It’s one thing to THINK that the job has been done successfully…it is another to be CERTAIN of it!  That confidence comes with a call to A Complete Pest Solution.  Kurt and his team are Chicagoland’s carpenter ant control experts.  Don’t waste another day enduring the fall invasion.  Call A Complete Pest Solution at (630) 464-1542.

Halloween in Chicago 2017

Halloween in Chicago! 

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Your ultimate guide to the best events, scariest spots and hottest costumes for Halloween in Chicago

7500 Rat Complaints.

If that sounds like a lot of rat problems nationwide it probably would be.  The problem is…that is just the number of rat infestations reported in Chicago ONLY!  EEEEEK indeed.  That number which is from 2016 (we will see what 2017 reports) is the highest number of rat complaints in the second decade of the 21st century.

Several US cities, in fact have had a significant increase in rat complaints.  Just five years ago there were a little more than HALF that many!  I think just about everyone would agree that a rat on your property be it in the suburbs or the city is an unacceptable health risk.  Make no mistake about it…being in the ‘Burbs doesn’t make you exempt from the problem.

This is not a situation that you can tolerate.  Maybe you just lived with mosquitos this summer and maybe there were some bees causing a distraction, but this is much more serious.  It may be time to call Chicagoland rat control expert A Complete Pest Solution.  Have the pros eliminate those vermin once and for all by calling (630) 464-1542.

Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Open House Chicago

Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Open House Chicago

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200 COOL PLACES.  48 HOURS. GO.

IT'S FREE.

OCTOBER 14-15, 2017

The Great Rodent Invasion.

Science Fiction movie producers would have loved this one in the 1950’s.  Put on your new 3-D glasses and go to the latest horror film.  Unfortunately, for residents of Chicagoland this scenario is all too real.  In the fall, the field mice leave the friendly confines of their grassy homes and seek shelter in your home or business.

Getting rid of rodents is no easy task.  It needs to be done safely, economically, and completely.  Two mice remaining in your home will become dozens if you try to eliminate them yourself.  Besides, who wants the nasty mess and sound of mouse traps going off in your house especially if you have children?

The answer in the fall of 2017 is the same as it has been for decades.  You rely on Chicagoland mice and rat exterminator A Complete Pest Solution.  Kurt and his team have been eradicating rodents from homes and offices for many years.  Don’t leap up on another chair!  Call A Complete Pest Solution today at (630) 464-1542.

The Randolph Street Market Festival, Sept 23-24

The Randolph Street Market Festival, Sept 23-24

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"This European-style, indoor-outdoor urban antique market in the historic West Loop neighborhood features 200 select purveyors of high quality, amazingly priced “finds”, offering unlimited creative inspiration and hours of fun. Shoppers can find furnishings, vintage clothing, jewelry, collectibles, etc."

What’s Up with All of Those Spiders.

In the computer age we have been given a different definition of spiders.  When they visit your home you are reminded of the real 8-legged creature.  You find them in your home, in your car, at your desk…everywhere!  You see, in the fall the females are full of eggs.  They look bigger and move slower so they are easier to spot.

So, what should be done about spiders in our castle?  The first thing is keep it clean…no food crumbs and no pet food sitting in a dish all day.  The spiders feed off of the flies, mites, and cockroaches that are attracted to that food.  Spiders will come to where the treats are and their treats are those flying and crawling creatures.

Now that spiders have had “their mail forwarded” to your residence it is time to fight back!  You need to call Kurt and his team at A Complete Pest Solution.  They are Chicagoland’s spider elimination and control experts.  Hardly anyone thinks spiders are cute so get rid of them once and for all by calling A Complete Pest Solution at (630) 464-1542.

Back to School! Check the 2017-2018 Calendar for important dates!

Back to School! Check the 2017-2018 Calendar for important dates!

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It's Back to School time!  Make sure to check the 2017-18 Calendar for important dates to mark! 

Whoo Wee…is that a Stink Bug or the Dog?

Don’t be blaming Max.  He did not excrete anything noxious.  The truth is, it is stink bug season in Chicagoland.  This annual pest starts to become very active right around Labor Day every year around here.  In the fall they generally head for man-made structures like buildings, which means YOUR castle.  Look for them in stacks of clothing or papers.

How do you kill stink bugs?  Here are some home-made methods.

1.  Soapy water will get rid of some of them

2.  Flick it into a jar or cup and throw it out

3.  Spray a solution of water and soap along floor boards and cracks

4.  Good old pesticides which come with warnings for pets

Better yet, why not get rid of them once and for all?  Do it safely and thoroughly by calling A Complete Pest Solution.  To rid your home or office of ALL of these obnoxious creatures you can count on the same complete pest solution for stink bugs that you do for other pests in the Chicago area.  Just call them today at (630) 464-1542.

Things to do in Chicago - August 2017

Things to do in Chicago - August 2017

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"Is it August already? Time to get serious about maximizing your swimming pool time and making this summer count."

Ants are Hungry Too.

Those pesky little creatures want to get out of the summer heat and into the kitchen where the food is…just like your kids do.  The difference is, they come in by the hundreds and disrupt, as well as contaminate, everything around them.  If you have seen ants in the summer in the past you will almost certainly see them again.

Beware of an invasion after a rain storm.  They like to get out of the wet and find the nearest source of food.  If a sweet treat has been left on the kitchen counter (or even its residue) ants will crawl to it.  We suggest that you clean out your cabinets, store food more securely, and disrupt any signs of ant trails.

The most important suggestion that we can make is to eradicate them once and for all.  That is what will happen when you call Chicagoland’s ant removal professionals, A Complete Pest Solution.  We will eliminate all types of ants that could possibly invade our area.  Give us a call at A Complete Pest Solution (630) 464-1542.

Dangerous Stings from Bees and Wasps.

Maybe we don’t take it as seriously as we should, but bee and wasp stings can be dangerous and even deadly to our family and our pets.  Here is a statistic that may get your attention…more Americans die each year from reactions to bee and wasp stings than from snake bites!  Yet most of us fear snakes so much more.

Perhaps we are fascinated by the bright colors of hornets and yellow jackets.  The truth is, they do little to pollinate the landscape, but their angry or even accidental sting could be life-threatening.  The delicate balance is to remove these creatures while protecting the bee population that IS essential to our future food supply.

That job belongs to A Complete Pest Solution.  For decades now, they have been Chicagoland’s hornet and yellow jacket removal experts.  Please visit their supplemental website www.waspsolutions.net.  After a quick perusal you will see that this is the right solution for your property.  Call A Complete Pest Solution at (630) 464-1542.

Summer Evenings at the Chicago Botanic Gardens

Chicago Botanic Garden - Summer Activities

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"There's something to do every summer night at the Chicago Botanic Garden."

Identifying Wood-Destroying Insects.

They come in all shapes and sizes, but they have one thing in common…they eat up your home’s foundation one gnaw at a time!  If you suspect any problems in your home or business with wood-destroying insects be sure to accurately identify them before getting control of the situation and taking action.

One of the problems is that the damage these pests cause happens over several months so you may not notice it right away.  It is very likely that they have been present long before you noticed them.  So, do not panic.  Seek help as quickly as you possibly can.  The clock is ticking on their continued destruction!

Over the decades, Chicagoans have come to trust wood-destroying insect exterminator, A Complete Pest Solution.  If you have not heard of them yet discover them now.  You will be glad that you did.  Kurt and his team will get rid of those wood chewing pests once and for all.  Give them a call today at (630) 464-1542.

4th of July Fireworks in Chicago!

4th of July Fireworks in Chicago! 

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CHICAGO — Don’t forget to book plans to see fireworks this Fourth of July! Check out the detailed listing for fireworks displays across the Chicago area.

What is a Pavement Ant?

I guess the name is self-explanatory.  The pavement ant was introduced into North America from Europe.  It is a dark brown creature, less than 4 millimeters in length.  Just like other ants there is a pecking order.  They have workers, alates (those with wings), and of course, the queen herself where everyone gravitates.

The drone has one job in its short life (but it’s a fun one!).  It is to mate in the late spring and summer and create lots of new pavement ants.  They find a suitable nesting area and the eggs will hatch.  The thing about these little pests is that they will eat everything in sight…other insects, people food, you name it.

Now that spring is turning into summer watch your sidewalks.  Pavement ants may be starting to assemble.  As they do, you need to get rid of them before they take over the entryway to your property and your home itself.  The answer in Chicagoland is always A Complete Pest Control.  They are Chicago’s pavement ant exterminator.  Call them at (630) 464-1542.

Make Your Father's Day Plans

Make Your Father's Day Plans

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Father's Day in Chicago has a lot to offer for the weekend. Take dad to dinner, a Father's Day brunch or one of the many events going on in Chicago for Father's Day 2017.

 

Family Friendly Fun in Chicago

Family Friendly Fun in Chicago

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Family-friendly things to do with kids in and around Chicago!

Get that Wasp!

This may have been an old “hippie” phrase from the 1960’s.  What we mean by it in Chicagoland is that when these winged creatures invade your property they need to be eradicated.  Some see wasps as a benefit to the environment, but make no mistake about it, they are predatory flying pests.

There are generally two types of wasps…the solitary and the social.  The social variety congregate in large numbers.  The queens have been hibernating during the cold-weather months.  They are much more hot-tempered than bees and should be treated accordingly.  There is a specific time of day when a wasp nest should be eliminated.

A professional exterminator knows the time, the process, and what equipment to use to eliminate these potentially dangerous insects that can hurt or even kill your pets as well as your family.  In the Chicago area the right answer is always A Complete Pest Solution.  They are Chicagoland’s wasp control professionals.  Call Kurt and his crew today at (630) 464-1542.

A guide to Chicago Memorial Day weekend 2017

Guide to Chicago Memorial Day Weekend

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"The Chicago Memorial Day weekend offers a chance to fill your extra day off with weekend getaways, events and more."

Bees without Hives.

This is not like doctors without borders.  When we think of a bee don’t we always associate it with a hive?  Not all bees are classified as honey bees.  Seventy percent of all bee species nest underground.  I will bet that comes as a surprise!  In the spring these ground bees come out to say hello to the world.

Unfortunately, they invade YOUR world.  To discover these threats to your family’s well-being you will possibly see piles of dirt with a large hole in the middle.  This is the entrance into the bee’s borrow.  There is an abundance of these ground-dwelling bees without hives.  You want to rid your property of them just the same.

Chicagoans have learned to count on A Complete Pest Solution - Chicagoland’s bee control and elimination expert.  At the first sign of that pile of dirt with the hole in the middle call Kurt and the professionals at A Complete Pest Solution.  And keep this number handy all summer for your own peace of mind (630) 464-1542.

Make Your Mother's Day Plans!

Mother's Day in Chicago 2017

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"Your mother brought you into the world, the least you can do is show her a good time on Mother's Day. Our Mother's Day ideas include restaurants that'll impress her (a great brunch in Chicago is a must) and things to do with her after you down those mimosas. Whether you want to pamper mom with a spa treatment or spend an afternoon browsing new Chicago shops, start planning out your day with the help of our guide to things to do on Mother's Day."

Summer Time…Pest Time!

Warmer weather is on its way.  Picnics, hikes, ballparks, sitting out in the backyard, and…bugs!  I know, it sounded great until that last word.  Like it or not, those nasty critters are as much a part of a Chicagoland summer as The World Champion Cubbies.  That sounded odd didn’t it?

So, now what?  The mosquitos are here and the bees and wasps and hornets are coming.  If you choose to just sit back and wait they WILL come to your property.  Whatever you decide to do…be proactive or reactive it is important to have a solution at the ready.

That solution is A Complete Pest Solution.  They are Chicagoland’s summer pest control professionals.  When the critters congregate they are your first line of defense.  So either call them now or keep their number handy.  You’ll be glad you did.  That phone number is (630) 464-1542.

Cinco De Mayo Parade

Cinco De Mayo Parade

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May 7, 2017, Parade steps-off at 12 Noon

Cermak Rd. & Damen Ave. to Marshall Blvd.

Protect your Home.

You would do nearly anything to protect your castle.  Maybe you have a security system.  Perhaps you have hired a landscaper or lawn service.  What about pest control?  As spring turns into summer and Chicagoland’s pests emerge in all of their glory it would be comforting to know that you are ahead of the game.

Pest control maintenance for your Chicago area home may be done quarterly.  Right now is the time to hire the best as we close in on the month of May.  It costs less to prevent such pests as cockroaches, ants, spiders, and many other vermin from coming into your home than the expense of removing them once they are there.

Quarterly pest control maintenance is the perfect solution.  And, the perfect choice is A Complete Pest Solution serving the area.  They are Chicagoland’s pest maintenance control experts.  So, don’t wait until summertime pests invade.  Get in front of it now by calling A Complete Pest Solution at (630) 464-1542.

Easter Egg Hunt Events for Chicagos Western Suburbs

Egg Hunts Easter Events Chicagos Western Suburbs

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Here’s a guide, grouped by date, to of Easter egg hunts, rolls and even an egg drop in Chicago’s far western suburbs during the spring of 2017!

 

 

Looking Around for Carpenter Ants.

If these nasty creatures have invaded your home you won’t have to look hard to find them.  We wanted to let you know early in the spring exactly where to look for them in your Chicago area home.  Carpenter ants can and will damage any type of wood.  A colony of them can grow into “satellite nests”.  Destroy them early!

You won’t find carpenter ants building nests in dry wood, generally.  Their various points of entry into your castle are in the foundation, through electric wires, attic vents, and even telephone lines.  They appreciate your doors, windows, panels, and walls.  That is where they will set up THEIR home in YOUR home.

They don’t derive any nutritional value from wood, they just ruin it by making nests.  It may not seem like a problem now in early April, but it could be an insurmountable one later.  At the first possible sign call Chicagoland carpenter ant exterminator Kurt Spurgeon of A Complete Pest Solution.  Keep the number handy (630) 464-1542.

Where Did the Bugs Go During the Winter?

It is curious isn’t it?  Those pesty critters just disappear when the weather drops below freezing then, by some metamorphosis they poof reappear to “bug us” in the spring, summer, and fall.  It is one of nature’s great magic tricks.  Insects and household pets don’t migrate and they don’t have the wherewithal to buy a fur coat!

Surprisingly, their journey may consist of only inches.  Many live at the bottom of ponds or in the soil just below the frost.  Others even live on the surface in the warm “pockets” between leaves and grass.  Some rely on diapause.  This is actually a semi-frozen state and when warm weather hits they simply thaw out and walk or fly away!

A bug’s journey is quite remarkable, but that doesn’t mean that they are invited into our homes just because spring has nearly sprung.  The World Champion Cubbies begin soon and so will the bugs.  This season fight back by calling Chicagoland’s spring pest control expert A Complete Pest Solution at (630) 464-1542. 

Make Your St. Patrick's Day Plans!

St. Patrick's Day Events Happening around Chicago

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Find a St. Patrick's Day Event that fits your style!

Warmer Weather May Mean Lyme Disease.

Believe me, we are all sick of winter.  While it has not been quite as harsh in Chicagoland this season we are all ready to shed those winter clothes and “get out of the cabin”.  It will still be a little while for we humans, but you can be sure that the bugs are more than ready to come out of their hibernation.

Infections from bug bites seem to increase every spring.  Take Lyme disease for instance.  In recent years the number of cases has doubled in Illinois.  Those nasty ticks are coming out earlier, staying longer, and inflicting more punishment.  More than half of the ticks tested in the Chicago area have been reported to carry the disease.

Lyme disease is a very serious issue.  It is not just an irritant…if untreated it can actually be deadly!  It can develop over several stages and make us sicker and sicker.  To avoid all of this make sure that ticks around your home are under control.  Contact Kurt Spurgeon of A Complete Pest Solution (630) 464-1542.  We are Chicagoland’s tick control experts.

Landlords and Bed Bugs.

If you manage and/or own a building with tenants bed bugs should always be on your mind.  Residents come and go, but these tiny, nasty, creatures stay behind to bite the newbies.  Since bed bugs feed on blood they will feast on whomever is living in that apartment.  Just so you know, bed bugs can be seen with the naked eye.

If you rent furnished apartments bed bugs are found just about everywhere.  They are in mattresses, furniture, clothing, etc.  They enter through tiny cracks in walls and doors as well as ceilings.  Bed bug bites will result in your residents having swelling, itching, and redness.  Once you have been informed about this infestation you must act immediately.

In Chicagoland, landlords have learned to count on A Complete Pest Solution.  They are the Chicago area’s bed bug controller and eliminator.  Kurt will not only remove these nasty creatures, but give you tips on how to keep them away with his regular maintenance schedule.  Call A Complete Pest Solution today at (630) 464-1542.

What Do You Know About Bed Bugs?

You might think, hey I keep a clean house, wash my sheets regularly, etc.  There is no way I could have bed bugs.  Let me ask you this.  Did you travel over the holidays or early this year?  If you did then somebody else’s bed bugs may have hitched a ride home with you.  It happens all the time.  Now you have these nasty pests as well.

Bed bugs have no wings so they can only travel attached to something…like your suitcase or your clothing.  Sorry about this, but they feed on blood.  If you CAN see one it looks a bit like an apple seed.  A normal adult bed bug is big enough to be seen with the naked eye.  Also, never take something out of the trash and put it in your home!

Be that as it may, households that pride themselves in their cleanliness may become warm winter homes for bed bugs.  Don’t make the mistake of thinking you are immune especially if you have traveled recently.  Call Chicagoland bed bug exterminator A Complete Pest Solution and let Kurt free you of these pests at (630) 464-1542.

Watch the Wood.

I know, it’s the dead of winter and you are not yet concerned about warm weather pest control.  Would you do yourself a favor?  Take a look out at your backyard.  There are trees and shrubs and generally lots of wood.  Wood is like sirloin for some critters.  Eventually you will need to “protect your wood”.

At some point you may very well be battling termites, carpenter ants, and powderpost beetles.  Where do you think those termites are spending the winter?  I guarantee you it is NOT Aruba!  The problem may be closer than you think and a complete home inspection as well as preventative maintenance may not be far off.

In Chicagoland there is a real professional on call who loves to roll up his sleeves and save wood.  His name is Kurt Spurgeon.  Kurt is the owner of A Complete Pest Solution.  When he and his crew eliminate these pests it is safe, environmentally friendly, and guaranteed.  For a complete solution to those wood eaters call A Complete Pest Solution at (630) 464-1542.

Environmentally Safe Pest Control.

These days we hear about “going green”.  It has never been more important to be sure that when you hire a service that it is provided with the environment in mind.  Pest control is a perfect example of that.  In the old days spraying was done without much, if any, concern about its effect on the people and the animals around the area.

It is quite different these days.  Whether you own a home or a business large or small the mission is the same…get rid of the multi-legged pests while protecting loved ones and employees.  This time of year with Chicagoland coming out of its first deep freeze of the winter that may not be on your mind, but you should plan for preventative pest control in 2017.

Did you think that because we just endured below zero temperatures that all the creepy crawlers would never come back when the spring warm-up begins?  You know better than that.  Now, when things are relatively quiet, is a perfect time to call Kurt at A Complete Pest Solution.  Put a pest control plan together now for your home or office in Chicagoland by calling (630) 464-1542.