Christopher Dacanay NEW ARRIVAL — Wintersville officials welcomed the owner and staff of Go Go Pest Control LLC, a new business offering insect extermination and wildlife removal, at a ribbon cutting ceremony. On hand for the special occasion were from left, Lisa Neely, human resources director; Village Administrator Jesse Kosegi, Councilman Randy Spence; Maria Tipton, receivables and collections clerk; Becky Cunningham, vice president of accounting; Chrissie Yohman, general manager; Tiffany Luckino, owner; Cindy Cozza, director of operations; Erica Johnson, marketing and media; and Mayor Mike Petrella.

WINTERSVILLE — Summer is a time when many area residents receive guests into their home, but a local business wants to help them remove those visitors who aren’t welcome.

And by that, they mean ants, cockroaches and other insects and rats and other vermin that have entered homes uninvited.

Go Go Pest Control LLC, a new business offering insect extermination and wildlife removal, has opened in the Cedar Commons building at 143 Canton Road.

Cindy Cozza, director of operations for it and Cedar Realty, said owner Tiffany Luckino was aware of the monthly inspections performed for the realty firm’s various rental properties and realized such services would benefit many commercial and residential property owners.

“She saw there was a need and that’s why we’re opening up. She also thought it was a wonderful opportunity to have a woman-run business in this community,” said Cozza.

A registered nurse for 27 years, Luckino was well aware of the health risks posed by the presence of insects and vermin to household members, while Chrissy Yohman, the business’ general manager and the mother of two, shares the same concerns.

Yohman has earned certification from the Ohio Department of Agriculture required for several commercial insect control applications, including termite inspections and control, and is licensed by the Ohio Division of Wildlife for animal trapping, allowing her to properly remove rats, mice and other vermin from homes and businesses.

While traces of animal droppings are a telltale sign of a four-legged intruder, other signs of a vermin or insect invasion can be less obvious.

Yohman encourages anyone who makes other unusual observations, from thin trails of dirt to unusual sounds or scents, to contact Go Go Pest Control for a free evaluation by calling (740) 996-3200.

She said that she and other technicians with Go Go Pest Control will explain to each customer what needs to be done.

“Communication is important — helping them understand what we’re doing and why we’re doing it,” said Yohman.

Cozza agreed, saying, “We want people in the community to feel comfortable working with us.”

In addition to addressing creatures that have found their way into homes or businesses, Go Go Pest Control offers supplementary pest prevention products that target entry points, such as moisture barriers for crawl spaces and weather stripping for garage and other entry doors, to establish a layer of protection against future infiltration, providing property owners peace of mind while also often improving a structure’s energy efficiency.

For businesses, Go Go Pest Control also offers bird control and vegetation management.

Other information about the business and its services can be found on its Facebook page or website at gogopestcontrol.com.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)