What Makes a Pest Control Business?

Let’s start by talking about what it takes to start a pest control business.  It is estimated that it takes between 10,000 and 50,000 dollars just to ramp up.  Of course, states require those who operate pest control businesses to be properly licensed.  Licensing requirements vary from state to state, but typically involve a training course in addition to an evaluation.

What about the tools of the trade?  Here may be some of them -

1.  Sprayers

2.  Fogging equipment

3.  Bee suits

4.  Work gloves

5.  A myriad of safety equipment

Add the necessary insurance and you MAY have a chance to succeed!  The real success of Chicagoland’s pest control team at A Complete Pest Solution comes from many years of hard work and dozens upon dozens of satisfied customers.  From our family at A Complete Pest Solution to yours have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

MMM…Chomp, Chomp, Chomp.

That is what termites may be doing in your Chicagoland home over the next several months.  Most homeowners are conscious of termite activity during the warmer seasons, but they may not be as aware of a termite infestation in the winter months.  During cold weather, homeowners are not as active outside, so they could miss signs of termites in winter months.

Do termites die in the winter?  The answer is an emphatic NO!  If a Chicagoland homeowner is not seeing any outward signs of termite activity in the winter, it does not mean that the termites are dead.  What happens to termites in winter depends on two factors…the species of the termites and the location of the colony.

Termites may be less active in colder periods, but it pays to be on the lookout for these destructive insects all year-round.  If you suspect you may have termites in your home, immediately call A Complete Pest Solution.  Just as the name implies, they are the solution to all of your pest problems.  Call them today at (630) 464-1542.

A Holiday One of a Kind Experience

A Holiday One of a Kind Experience

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The 19th annual One of a Kind Holiday Show will return to The Mart from December 5-8 with more than 600 talented artists and makers. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience while browsing and shopping from a variety of categories of handmade work.  

Business Owners…It’s Time to Make a Plan.

As a responsible business owner in Chicagoland, you plan for the next year about this time.  2020 is less than two months away.  What is your budget?  What goods will you stock?  Who will be involved in your infrastructure?  Have you made plans for pest control?  Yes, pest control can literally shut down your business if you wait for a problem to occur.

As next year rolls by you may experience ants, cockroaches, wasps, mice, and more.  Maybe, as the snow begins to fly you have forgotten about those pesky creatures.  A mouse or cockroach sighting can not only be traumatic to the first person who sees it, but can actually shut your business down while the problem is corrected!

Do not wait until a pest problem visits your business.  Call Kurt at A Complete Pest Solution and develop a 2020 strategy on how to keep the multi-leg invaders away from your business in the first place.  Call A Complete Pest Solution to develop a pest control plan for next year.  That phone number in Chicagoland is (630) 464-1542.      

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, Nov 28th

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, Nov 28th

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Where Grateful Hearts Gather

Thursday, November 28, 2019

8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. CT

State Street, From Congress to Randolph

Soon there will be Snow on the Roof.

If you live long enough that will usually be the case.  No, we mean actual snow on your suburban Chicago roof!  Did you think that with winter comes six worry-free months from pests?  You should know better, but in case you have forgotten which pests take refuge in your warm, comfortable home in the winter here is just a partial list.

1.   House mice nesting in dark, warm places around your home

2.  Norway rats commonly nesting in basements

3.  The German cockroach which is the most common in the world

4.  Brown recluse spiders…they can actually be dangerous to humans and pets

5.  Raccoons often entering homes through chimneys

The ants and the bees and the wasps may take the season off, but you are not safe from the critters listed above.  At the first sign of these or any other unwanted pests call A Complete Pest Solution.  They work twelve months a year just like those invaders.  In Chicagoland always remember this number (630) 464-1542 A Complete Pest Solution.

Veterans Day Celebration at Brookfield Zoo

Veterans Day Celebration at Brookfield Zoo

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The Chicago Zoological Society invites the public to honor the men and women who have served our nation for a Veterans Day Celebration on November 11th at 11:00am.

You Dirty Rat.

No, this is not the beginning of an old Jimmy Cagney movie.  It is about rats and mice in Chicagoland this time of year.  There are three species of rats and mice that are by far the most prevalent pests in homes and businesses worldwide due to their ability to adapt to the human environment around them.

The truth is, all rodents have a common identifying feature of a pair of incisor teeth in their upper jaw.  They tend to have short legs and a long tail, but a closer look (if you dare) at their body characteristics and habits shows that there are some easily distinguishable features that you can use to identify which pest is invading your property.

Whichever type of rodent it is, one thing is certain…they are not welcome on YOUR property!  Today is the day that you will do something about it.  That something is to call Chicagoland rat and mouse exterminator A Complete Pest Solution.  For all your exterminating needs 12 months a year call A Complete Pest Solution at (630) 464-1542.

Wrigleyville Halloween Crawl - Chicago’s BIGGEST Halloween Party, Oct 26th

Wrigleyville Halloween Crawl - Chicago’s BIGGEST Halloween Party, Oct 26th

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"Throw on your best costume and join in on all of the frightening fun for this haunted holiday!

WHAT'S INCLUDED: Tickets include Admission & a Free Dinner Buffet, Gift Cards to Use on the Crawl, a Costume Contest, Giveaways & MORE!"

Mouse, Mouse, Everywhere a Mouse.

While there are many rodents that call Chicagoland home, there are only a few that make themselves a nuisance to home and business owners.  However, these are pests that can get inside structures and cause all sorts of problems if they are allowed to build nests and begin multiplying. They can spread disease and cause damage by their constant chewing.

Here are some of them –

1.  Deer mice found mostly in rural areas

2.  Field mice who come indoors when the weather changes

3.  Norway rats that enter homes and feed on larger items such as dog food, etc.

If you have any evidence of a mouse in the house, rest assured that there are more of them lurking about.  Don’t hesitate!  Call A Complete Pest Solution immediately.  They are Chicagoland’s rodent control experts and have been so for decades.  That’s A Complete Pest Solution at (630) 464-1542.   

Pier Pumpkin Nights, October 2019

Pier Pumpkin Nights

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"Explore a variety of pumpkin pop-up installations throughout the Pier and enjoy fabulous fall deals at the first-ever Pier Pumpkin Nights, a month-long seasonal celebration. From jack o’lantern towers to light displays, Chicago’s iconic lakefront destination will be decked out for fall."

It’s Time for a Visit from your Ant.

For some of us that would be good news, but note the spelling above.  Your mom’s sister may be visiting but so are thousands of ANTS that invade the homes of Chicagoland.  Ant activity indoors may actually decrease in winter, but observing ant swarmers or foragers during the cold weather months may indicate that an ant colony exists somewhere inside your home.

Here are some types that are looking for food and shelter –

1.  Carpenter ants…known to feed on kitchen scraps

2.  The odorous house ant…it is called that because of an unpleasant odor when it’s crushed

3.  Pavement ants…generally slower moving

4.  The Pharaoh ant…found sometimes where there are many people.  They feed on blood!

Ants, ants, and more ants…they will only multiply unless they are stopped immediately.  To do that, call A Complete Pest Solution serving Chicagoland’s pest extermination needs for decades.  Turn to the professionals at A Complete Pest Solution when ants or any other unwanted multi-legged creatures invade your home.  Just call (630) 464-1542.  

Don’t Get Cocky…We’re not out of the Woods Yet!

Just because summer is nearly over doesn’t mean that yellow jackets are going away any time soon.  We know that typically, summer is the time when yellow jackets thrive.  Hot weather gives yellow jackets more energy to zip around and search for food.  It is best to steer clear of yellow jackets on a muggy day in Chicagoland.

This is what you may not know.  As the cold weather of winter approaches, it drives yellow jackets into a feeding frenzy.  This can bring them into contact with humans on the last few warm afternoons of fall.  It can also cause them to explore holes in door and window screens.  It is imperative to protect your home and your family against this!

To help you with that endeavor, there is yellow jacket exterminator A Complete Pest Solution.  They serve Chicagoland as an eliminator of creatures with more legs than ours…especially the ones that are equipped with wings.  Always keep this phone number handy (630) 464-1542.  And remember one of the Chicago area’s premier pest control companies A Complete Pest Solution.

Septemberfest Parade, Sept 2nd

Septemberfest Parade, Sept 2nd

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WE ARE UPS FOR DOWNS STRONG! 

Our camo/military themed entry will feature an Army truck!

Septemberfest Parade - Monday, September 2, 2019

If I Had a Hammer.

This missive is about carpenters, bees not builders!  Carpenter bees, also known as wood bees, come in two varieties…basically, large and small.  You can tell them apart from the bumblebee because the bumblebee is hairier, especially in the abdomen area.  Carpenter bees are solitary, and they don't create hives.

August is a particularly good time to rid your property of Carpenter bees.  The female burrows into wood to create chambers in which to lay her eggs.  It isn't easy to find one of these burrows, but if you know where to look, you can eliminate them.  The important thing here is NOT to wait much longer or you will have to wait until spring.

For immediate and complete elimination of Carpenter bees in your Chicagoland home please call A Complete Pest Solution.  They are your wasp and bee solution throughout Chicagoland.  They know their way around nests and hives in our area because they have tackled them all.  Call A Complete Pest Solution at (630) 464-1542.

Strengthening A Nation 2nd Annual Back to School Event, Aug 24th

Strengthening A Nation 2nd Annual Back to School Event

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We will have a variety of activities, music, food, and resources for your family to enjoy. In addition we will also give out Free backpacks full of school supplies. The FREE SCHOOL SUPPLIES IS ON A FIRST COME...FIRST SERVED even if you register!

 

The Most Dangerous in Chicagoland.

That is quite a moniker!  In the 1920’s many would have said Al Capone.  So what is considered the most dangerous wasp that frequents our area?  This is thought to be the Bald faced Hornet.  Bald faced hornets are distinguished from other yellow jackets by their white and black coloring.  This should help you know what to look for.

It has a white or "bald faced" head, which is the source of its unique nickname.  They are notably larger than other species.  Adults average about ¾ of an inch in length.  These wasps also have three white stripes at the end of their bodies.  They are generally found in forested areas as well as in vegetation in urban areas.

Make no mistake about it…the bald faced hornet is NOT to be trifled with!  If the above description fits what you have seen on your property, please call the wasp solution professionals…A Complete Pest Solution serving the needs of Chicagoland pest control for many years.  That phone number is (630) 464-1542.

Bristol Renaissance Faire, Aug 3 - Sept 2

Bristol Renaissance Faire, Aug 3 - Sept 2

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"Fill the medieval void in your life with a trip to the Bristol Renaissance Faire, which recreates a 16th-century port city (call it King's Landing, if you like). You'll find knights in shining armor, jousting archery, Cornish pasties and dubious English accents throughout the grounds."

The A B C’s of Bees.

Bees have been collected at 24 sites chosen to represent the diversity of urban and natural habitats in the Chicago metropolitan area.  It was discovered that areas of preserved natural habitat yielded 44 species, in 20 genres, and 6 families.  Twenty species were common to both urban areas and areas of preserved natural habitat.

Areas of preserved natural habitat (which indicates Chicagoland’s vast suburban area) harbored a higher richness of species, and the species most often collected in these areas were native to North America.  Over time, a progressively larger fraction of the world’s biological communities experience some degree of urbanization.

That’s a lot of bee-speak for this spot!  Suffice to say that when you experience a problem with bees on your Chicagoland property you should immediately call the bee removal experts at A Complete Pest Solution.  For bee, wasp, hornet, and other pest control this summer and beyond call A Complete Pest Solution at (630) 464-1542.

Welcome to Chicagoland.

We are a melting pot for people who come here from all points around the globe be it to live here or just to visit this summer.  One visitor we can live without is the wasp.  It is okay to dislike them because wasps are not domesticated; humans typically don’t work with wasps like they do honeybees and other stingless bees.

Wasps can be more hot-tempered than bees, they are to be treated with caution.  If you’re trying to eliminate nuisance wasps who have attached themselves to your home or near an entryway, it is best done at sunset or very early in the morning.  Wasps found inside the house may indicate a nest is living in the chimney or attic.

Wasps are unwelcome guests…especially on YOUR property!  A Complete Pest Solution wants to help you with your wasp problem in Chicagoland.  For more information about the types of bees and wasps that they will eliminate from your property. Visit waspsolutions.net on the web then call (630) 464-1542.

A Real Paper Tiger.

What is a paper wasp and how does it affect Chicagoland?  Paper wasps get their commonly known name from the paper-like material out of which they make their nests.  They are sometimes called umbrella wasps, after the shape of their distinctive nests.  Whatever you call them you probably need to eliminate them from your environment.

Paper wasps are a group of several species of the vespid wasp.  They are stinging insects and are semi-social creatures, as they typically live in small colonies.  Some of the groups related to paper wasps include yellow jackets and hornets, potter and mason wasps, spider wasps and long-waisted paper wasps.

A wasp by any other name is NOT something with which you wish to share your property this summer.  Eliminate wasps from your living area completely and safely by calling Chicagoland exterminator A Complete Pest Solution.  Please visit their bee and wasp website at waspsolutions.net then call (630) 464-1542.

The Impact of Seasons on Pest Patterns.

Don’t worry…we’re not going to make you sit through a course on pest management 101!  We just wanted you to know what may be happening around your Chicagoland home as spring gives way to summer.  Since the hot, muggy summer season is about to embark, let’s look at the insect patterns you are likely to face.

Typically, this is the time of year that insects will stay mostly outdoors…just like us.  You should not have to be reminded (unless you just moved here) that mosquitoes are on their way.  Although mosquitoes won't try to invade your home, their bites and general presence are a nuisance when trying to enjoy your yard in the summer months.

Between ticks and mosquitoes, bees and wasps it can be a jungle out there.  Let A Complete Pest Solution be the solution to your bug problems this summer.  This is the season of picnics, sitting on the porch and other outside activities.  Call A Complete Pest Solution for a relatively bug-free summer in Chicagoland at (630) 464-1542.    

Summer’s coming and so are the bees.

Know this, Chicagoland has become a veritable sanctuary for bees.  While human “worker bees” buzz about in offices below, the rooftops of some Chicago commercial buildings are becoming hubs of activity in their own right.  The word is…bees have been dying off in unusually high numbers over the past decade.  We’ve all heard it.

One word…anaphylaxis!  Bee poisoning refers to a serious body reaction to the venom from a bee sting.  We don’t mean to be alarmist.  Most bee stings don’t cause a serious reaction. However, if you’re allergic to bee stings you may experience a severe reaction such as poisoning.  Bee poisoning requires immediate medical attention.

All of this is to say that by now you probably know what a bee sting could mean to you or your loved ones.  To prevent or remove bees on your Chicagoland residential or commercial property there is one best place to turn.  That is Chicagoland bee removal expert A Complete Pest Solution.  Give Kurt and his crew a call at (630) 464-1542.   

If I Could Live a Million Years.

How about 300 million years?  Wait, who’s been around that long?  Cockroaches…that’s who!  Long before there were cavemen there were cockroaches.  You would think that by now we would be rid of them.  Cockroaches even rubbed elbows (if that were possible) with the ancient dinosaurs.

Cockroaches are disgusting, dirty and can make even the toughest among us squeamish. These pests live in your walls, your cupboards, and your pantries, and they reproduce like crazy.  It is often said cockroaches are so robust that they can even survive a nuclear war and the resulting “nuclear winter”.

All of that may be true, but they cannot survive the cockroach extermination methods of A Complete Pest Solution.  If you live in Chicagoland and are besieged by cockroaches call one of the leading pest control companies…A Complete Pest Solution.  To eliminate any and all unwanted pests from your property just call (630) 464-1542.

You Dirty Rat.

With respect to the late, great actor Jimmy Cagney this phrase takes on new meaning when you detect these nasty creatures on your Chicagoland property.  Statistics have shown that more rat species prefer to live in the urban areas than rural areas.  Our area has plenty of both.  Wild rats do have a longer lifespan than urban rats because they consume more natural foods in the wild.

The feeding nature of rats is often very destructive, especially when they live in homes.  The rapid transformation of many rural areas in Chicagoland to urban areas as well as the many human activities have caused the migration of different rat species into urban areas.  Rats that live in rural areas are mostly found among tall grasses and shrubs.

A Complete Pest Solution hates “dirty rats” as much or more than you do and they pledge to help you rid them from your property!  Safe and certain rat and mouse control is an art that should not be trusted to just anyone.  You can always trust A Complete Pest Solution for effective rat control.  Just give them a call at (630) 464-1542.

Hey Guys…It’s Time to Come in from the Cold!

As spring brings the warmer weather we’ve all been craving in Chicagoland after months of frost, bugs also happen to come out of their hiding spots.  This can be a particularly pesky time for pests.  Take the fly…please.  When the snow melts animal waste is uncovered and the common household fly goes on the move.

Spiders have spent the winter in corners of your home.  Now they are moving through your house in a quest to get outdoors.  Did you know that ants also hibernate in the winter?   Once the spring spills out its warmth, their movement will gradually increase and the ants will resume their typical work schedule.

All of this means that pests are ready to become, well…pests again!  They will be crawling through Chicago area homes at a pace you have not seen since autumn.  Do you want to watch the migration or fight back?  A Complete Pest Solution has just that…the solution.  Give them a call to eliminate bugs from your castle at (630) 464-1542.

Chicago St. Patrick’s Day 2019

Chicago St. Patrick’s Day 2019

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"The river, the beer, clothing, scrambled eggs, desserts—it all turns green in Chicago on St. Patrick’s Day. The festivities are everywhere—early morning barcrawls, Irish parades, brunches and more. Whether you choose to join in or avoid it, we’ll give you all the details on how the city will be affected."

Small Bug…Big Treat.

How much do you know about bark beetles?  Have you noticed thinning leaves, tiny holes in the trunks of ash trees and leafy shoots growing from their bases?  There are roughly 131 million ash trees in the State of Illinois.  What a feast for tiny beetles!  Initially, the culprits may look like tiny, innocent grasshoppers.

Despite their innocent appearance, the emerald ash borer, native to Asia, has already destroyed  20 million trees in nearby Midwest states and led to the quarantine of about 15,000 square miles of land since it was first identified in the United States early in this century, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

A Complete Pest Solution does not want you to imagine your property without trees!  That is what could happen if the emerald ash borer and other such tree destroyers are not checked at the curb before they destroy your trees.  A Complete Pest Solution is Chicagoland’s bug prevention and removal expert.  Give them a call at (630) 464-1542.

The Insects of Illinois.

Here at the end of winter (optimistic thinking) it is a good time to revisit some of the “buggies” that will be making their presence known in Chicagoland come Spring.  How many different insects do you think are listed in the database for the state of Illinois?  How about OVER 600?  That’s right, and we know them all!

There are, for example, sphinx moths, sweat bees, the ambush bug, and don’t forget the good old American cockroach and the domestic bumble bee who will be visiting before you know it.  These few examples along with some of the other hundreds could be buzzing around your home or office in the year 2019.

If any of them do, please call us.  We are A Complete Pest Solution.  We have been eliminating insects from Chicagoland homes and offices for many, many years.  They are sure to be here sooner than later, and we want you to know we will be a phone call away if you need us to exterminate them.  Call us at A Complete Pest Solution (630) 464-1542. 

Your Restaurant Should Cater to Two-Legged Patrons.

That’s the idea…isn’t it?  Invite in the humans while keeping out the multi-legged pests.  If you don’t pay attention 365 days a year you could lose customers!  A restaurant owner already has enough on his or her mind with regard to food preparation, keeping the books, supervising employees, etc.

Here are some of the top pests that can terrorize your restaurant –

1.  Mice…mice and rats love restaurants for obvious reasons

2.  Cockroaches.  They will outlive us all…just not in your place

3.  Flies.  Maybe not right now, but they will be around soon enough

4.  Pantry pests.  They demand ongoing pest control

As a restaurant owner you can’t afford to take ANYTHING for granted!  Year-round pest control is no exception.  Let’s get to know A Complete Pest Solution.  Please visit their website at acompletepestsolution.com and discover what they can do for your Chicagoland eating establishment.  Give Kurt a call at (630) 464-1542.

January 2019 events calendar for Chicago

January 2019 events calendar for Chicago

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"Dig into January events in Chicago with our calendar of the best things to do, including picks from theater, art and music."

Hey…You’re a Termite!

What do termites look like?  Most of us never see them.  These ravenous creatures have been munching away on wood for more than 250 million years, long before people started building their homes from trees.  Don’t confuse flying ants with termites because they do have a similar look, but the damage that they do is very different.

What are some signs that your Chicagoland home may have a termite infestation –

1.  Sawdust near windows and door frames

2.  Mud tubes connecting the nest to the base of your house

3.  Wings that have shed

4.  The wood sounds hollow when you tap on it

5.  Wood that looks water damaged, but has not been exposed to liquid

Make no mistake about it…termites look for a warm place to live this time of year and your home is potentially one of them!  When you see any of the signs that termites may have taken nest in your home call the Chicagoland termite control experts A Complete Pest Solution.  For all of your pest control needs this year just call (630) 464-1542.