Why We Fire Customer Who Demand Us to Overapply Chemicals or Break Label Laws
Running a service company means you wear a lot of hats...technician, problem solver, educator, and sometimes… protector. Not just protector of lawns or homes, but of your employees, your license, and your integrity.
That’s why I’ve made a choice that surprises some people: I fire customers who ask us to put out more chemical than necessary or treat areas that aren’t on the product label.
It’s not because we don’t want to help. It’s because we care too much to do the wrong thing.
Labels Are Law
Every product we use is carefully regulated. The label doesn’t just suggest how it should be applied, it legally defines it. Ignoring that puts our company at risk of heavy fines, loss of license, and legal trouble. More importantly, it risks the safety of your family, pets, and the environment.
More Isn’t Better
It’s a common misconception that “if a little works, more will work better.” The truth is, overapplying can burn your lawn, harm pollinators, contaminate water, or create resistance in pests and weeds. Following the label is not cutting corners...it’s delivering the right treatment, the safe way.
My Team Deserves Protection
I have a responsibility to my technicians. They’re out there every day doing the job right. I won’t put them in a situation where they could lose their applicator’s license—or worse—just to satisfy someone demanding something unsafe or illegal.
Integrity Over Income
Yes, it costs us to fire a customer. But keeping one who expects us to ignore the rules would cost far more...our reputation, our company, and our peace of mind. Towne Pest Control has been built on honesty, safety, and trust. That’s worth protecting.
So if you’re looking for someone to drown your yard in chemical or treat off‑label areas, we're not your company. But if you’re looking for a company who will treat your property as if it were their own...safely, responsibly, and with pride—then you’re exactly the kind of customer we want to keep.
Cicadas in Ohio: Why They're Actually Good for Us
- If you've stepped outside lately and heard a loud, buzzing chorus in the trees—you're not alone. Cicadas are back in Ohio, and while their sudden appearance can be startling, these winged wonders actually do more good than harm.
- At Towne Pest Control, we often get questions like:
- “Are cicadas dangerous?”
- “Do I need to get rid of them?”
- Let’s clear the air—cicadas are not pests, and here's why we think you should welcome them.
- 🐛 What Are Cicadas, Exactly?
- Cicadas are large, noisy insects that emerge from the ground in mass numbers, often in 13- or 17-year cycles. In Ohio, we’re seeing both annual cicadas and periodical broods making their dramatic appearance this year.
- Unlike true pests, cicadas don’t bite, sting, infest your home, or spread disease.
- 🌱 How Cicadas Help the Environment
- 1. They Aerate the Soil
- When cicadas emerge from underground, they create small holes in the soil. These natural tunnels improve aeration and drainage in your yard—just like a free core aeration treatment!
- 2. They Feed Wildlife
- Birds, raccoons, squirrels, and even pets benefit from this high-protein buffet. The cicada boom provides a temporary feast, which can help increase local wildlife survival and reduce pressure on other food sources.
- 3. They Enrich the Soil
- Once their short life cycle ends, cicada bodies decompose and return nutrients to the soil—boosting fertility for your trees and gardens.
- 4. They Naturally Prune Trees
- When female cicadas lay eggs in small branches, it causes minor pruning. While it may look like damage, it’s actually a way of helping trees shed weaker growth, which encourages stronger regrowth.
- ⚠️ When to Be Cautious
- Cicadas are harmless, but they can cause issues in very specific situations:
- Newly planted trees may be vulnerable to egg-laying damage
- Their loud call can be overwhelming near homes or patios
- Pets that overeat them may have tummy troubles
There's No Better Time to Landscape Than a Mild Winter Day
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Winter Landscaping
- Typically, winter is the time of year when we spend the least amount of time thinking about our lawns and landscapes...but, this is so wrong! Winter is the perfect time to perform all sorts of landscape projects, such as:
- Landscape Cleanups Dormant Pruning Patio Installations
- Bed Edging
- Mulching
- Ornamental Grass and Ground Cover Cutbacks
Our landscape crew stays busy providing these services year-round. Consistent seasonal maintenance will help keep your yard in pristine condition all year long. Give us a call today, we're here to help!
Benefits of Dormant Pruning in Winter
In addition to causing less stress on a plant or tree, winter is an ideal time for dormant pruning for these reasons:
- During winter, the structure of the plant is more readily visible. Crossed branches and diseased or weak limbs can easily be removed before they become a hazard in spring.
- The spread of disease is greatly reduced in winter since most diseases and insects are also dormant and will not actively infect plants through the open pruning wounds like they might during spring.
- Dormant pruning results in a flush of new growth in spring.
- New foliage has plenty of time to harden off before the harsh temperatures of summer set in.