A method for controlling Pitch and Stickies is disclosed. The method comprises adding hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose (HMHEC) and cationic polymers to a cellulosic fiber slurry (pulp) or to a paper process or to a paper making system and results in a higher degree of inhibiting organic deposition and retention of pitch on paper fiber as compared to the inhibition of the individual ingredients. The combination of HMHEC and cationic polymers surprising results in a synergistic effect.