Mar 30, 2012 | Pest Control
Disclaimer: The following are general guidelines to follow and do not constitute medical advice
Ticks like to “hang out” in low lying shrubs, bushes or plants waiting for animals to come by to supply them with the blood meal that will help them complete their life cycle. Ticks then climb on the animal or human and attach themselves to obtain the blood from their victims. In the process they inject saliva and suck blood from the host, much like mosquitoes.
In general, most tick bites do not transmit disease. More commonly they are associated with infection around the site of the bite, local irritation, allergic reaction, or the cause of retained mouth parts when the tick is removed. The sooner you can remove the tick, the less likely they are to transmit diseases, so get them off quickly!
How to remove a tick
Most of the time, a pair of tweezers and slow, gentle, upward pressure will get rid of the tick. Burning the tick off may not work and may cause a burn to the patient. For a nice diagram and instructions please see the CDC website about how to remove a tick:
http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/removing_a_tick.html
If there are retained parts, please see your doctor so they can recommend options for getting the head out or letting it come out on its own.
Tick Borne Diseases
There are some serious diseases associated with tick bites. Usually they are associated with fever, feeling ill, and a rash. A few of the more common illnesses are: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme Disease, Erlichiosis, and Tularemia. Please contact your doctor immediately if you develop a rash, fever, or are feeling sick after a tick bite.
To avoid ticks, know where to expect them and use a bug repellant. Ticks live in areas that are grassy or near woods. They are often found in bushes and shrubs and can become a big problem when grass is too high. A bug repellant, such as DEET, can protect you for several hours.
If you find ticks on you, someone in your household, or a household pet, call Northwest Exterminating to speak to someone about a way to get rid of ticks.
Thanks,
Dr. Goo
Mar 28, 2012 | Pest Control
It is Spring Break time here in Atlanta and the surrounding areas. It’s a time that parents and kids both look forward to. A lot of people will be going out of town this spring break and staying in hotels. I’m sure you’ve seen media reports of bed bug outbreaks across the US. Hotels are being hit pretty hard with bed bug infestations and it is something that travelers need to be aware of. The truth is that you are more than likely not going to experience bed bugs in your hotel room or home but it is always best to be educated and aware!
Many wonder why the number of outbreaks has risen in recent years, it is suspected that increase in travel, less effective household pesticides, resistance to pesticides and lack of awareness are among the main reasons. The key to avoiding bed bugs is early detection. Make sure you are checking mattresses and other upholstery items when traveling. Know that bed bugs are not a sign of a sanitation issue with the hotel; they are often brought in by other guests.
Bed Bugs on a mattress cover
What to Look For:
- Brown or chestnut in color
- Size of a pencil eraser
- Eggs are several millimeters and clear to whitish in appearance
- Droppings and dead skin of bed bugs
How to Search Hotel Rooms for Bed Bugs:
- Simply call the hotel. They may not always be forthcoming in their answer but it’s worth a shot. A lot of hotels will be honest and tell you if they have or haven’t had experiences with bed bugs.
- Check The Bedbug Registry. This free data base is a place where bed bug sightings are reported.
- Pack clothes and shoes in air tight bags in your suitcase. Keep your items packed away in Ziploc bags inside of your suitcase to protect them from bed bugs.
- Inspect the bed. Pull back the sheets and check the mattress, concentrating heavily on the mattress seams, for droppings or skin that has been shed. Also check the headboard, footboard, sheets, comforter, and pillows for signs of bed bugs.
- Use the luggage rack. Do not put your luggage on the bed or on the floor. Hotels usually provide a luggage rack, if not; place the luggage on a tile floor where it is easier to see bed bugs moving if they are present.
- Bites on body. Bed bug bites are not dangerous but do cause allergic reaction. Bed bugs often bite in a straight line on the body. You can tell the difference between mosquito and other common pest bites and bed bug bites by the area on your body you have been bitten. Mosquitoes mainly bite on the arms, legs or other body parts that are left uncovered. Bed bug bites can be found throughout the body.
The thought of bed bugs and their bites are unnerving to say the least. However, you may find comfort in knowing that bed bug bites are not dangerous because they do not carry human diseases. All of that being said, you want to be sure that you do not carry these pests home with you from vacation. Bed bugs are not only difficult to treat but can be an expensive treatment.
Tips for returning home:
- Keep luggage in the garage or outside until you can unload your suitcase fully.
- Wash and dry everything on the hot cycle immediately. The hot temperatures will kill any bed bugs that may have made the trip with you.
- Vacuum out suitcase once emptied.
- Take precautionary measures with your own furniture. Get a bed bug proof mattress case for your mattress and add traps on the legs of your bed.
- Inspect frequently.
At the end of the day, we want you to have the best time on your spring break or other vacation. We just want to make sure that you are not bringing home anything that wasn’t supposed to come home with you. As we said earlier, the key is to be educated and aware.
If you have more questions on bed bugs or think that your home may have bed bugs, call Northwest Exterminating. We have a dedicated team of experts that specialize in bed bug treatment.
Other Additional Links:
https://www.callnorthwest.com/pest-control/bed-bug-control/
Dorm Rooms and Bed Bugs
https://www.callnorthwest.com/learning-center/identify-your-pest/bed-bugs/
NPMA Releases Bed Bug Best Management Practices for Pest Professionals
Mar 27, 2012 | Pest Control, Wildlife
Although you may be seeing bees buzzing around your home it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have an active bee hive in your area. There is a good possibility that you are seeing scout bees. The survival of a bee hive oftentimes depends on the scouting bee. Bees need a constant supply of nectar and have to find a new place to go once their source is low. This is where the scout bee comes in. Scouting bees are sent out to look for a new home for their hive and if you do not take action, your home could be their new home.
To most people, scout bees look just like other active bees but once you get a closer look, you are able to notice small differences in their behavior. Scout bees usually scout an area for about 3 days before moving in or moving on. If you see bees for 5 days or longer, there is a good chance that it is an active hive and not just a scout bee. Scout bees tend to hover around an area rather than a steady stream of bees that are coming and going from the same area; that is typically an active hive. Scout bees are not as aggressive as other bees since they are not protecting their hive.
It is better to treat for scouting bees rather than taking a chance of getting an active hive. Bees can cause structural damage to your property as well as pose a safety risk. It is always best to call a professional exterminating company for bee removal. If you live in the Atlanta, Columbus, or Nashville area and are seeing bees, call Northwest Exterminating and we will come take a look to see if you are seeing scouting bees or an active hive.
Have you seen scouting bees near your home?
Mar 23, 2012 | Pest Control, Wildlife
Carpenter bee
Last week it was the stink bug, this week it’s the carpenter bee! We told you that the weird temperatures were going to bring out these pests…and here they are!
It’s officially spring which means that carpenter bees are out in Atlanta and other southeastern areas. There is a good chance that you are seeing these large black bees along with the large black tunnels that they create in wood around your home. Those are carpenter bees that have been living in those holes and tunnels throughout the winter and are emerging in the spring time to find places for new nests, which can mean new holes and tunnels in your wood. Carpenter bees are often confused with bumble bees but differ slightly in appearance. The upper surface of the carpenter bee’s abdomen is bare and a shiny black color; while bumble bees have a hairy abdomen and yellow markings.
Carpenter bees drill through wood to build nests where they stay all winter and throughout the spring until they find a new nest or emerge to mate. Although male bees tend to be aggressive, often hovering around people who are near their nests, they are mostly harmless since they do not have stingers. On the other hand, females can inflict a painful sting but rarely do unless they are being handled.
Carpenter bee tunnel
You may find piles of wood underneath the hole where the bee has drilled their nest. Carpenter bees prefer to make their nests in bare, untreated or weathered wood. Wood that is painted or pressure-treated is much less susceptible to a carpenter bees nesting. Common areas for nesting include window trim, facia board, siding, wooden shakes, decks and outdoor furniture.
The best control for carpenter bees is to treat or paint all exposed wood surfaces. If you are using a spray, it is best to spray at night, while wearing protective clothing, when bees are less active to reduce your risk of being stung. Each hole should be treated individually if the bees are inside the holes. If they are not in the hole, seal or paint the hole so the bees cannot return.
As with most infestations, it is best to call a professional exterminator to ensure that the issue is taken care of quickly and thoroughly. Call Northwest Exterminating if you are seeing carpenter bees or other pests around your home.
Mar 21, 2012 | Dr. Goo's Corner
Disclaimer: These tips are general medical information and do not constitute medical advice. Please contact your physician for information about yourself or your family member.
Spring has arrived and brought pollen with it. Yesterday’s pollen count is the highest ever recorded in Atlanta for that date. According to Atlanta Allergy and Asthma Clinic, the record number was 9369 per cubic meter.
If you have springtime allergies you are probably having a tough time right now due to the extremely high pollen counts. Even people who do not normally have allergies can be having some difficulties with the pollen.
Symptoms include:
- Eyes: Itchy, runny, swollen eyes
- Nose: Stuffy or congested nose, clear or colored nasal discharge, sneezing or itchy nose, post nasal drainage
- Throat: Sore or itchy throat
- Lungs: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath
- Skin: Increased itching, scratching of the skin and a possible flare of eczema, atopic dermatitis or other skin conditions.
Tips To Avoid Pollen:
- Stay indoors and avoid outdoor activity, especially in the yard.
- Run your air conditioner in your home and change your air filter regularly.
- Keep your windows closed for now.
- Vacuum at least twice a week. Empty the bag and change the filters regularly.
- Dust or clean any visible pollen from your house.
- Wash your hands, hair, body, and clothes when you come in from the outside.
- Remove your shoes and jackets at the door.
- Wash off pets if they have been running and playing in the yard.
- Keep your car windows and sunroof closed and run the air conditioner on re-circulate to avoid bringing in air from the outside.
- Consider an air purifier if you have very bad symptoms. Put it in the room where you sleep and shut the door to keep pollen from entering.
- Remove any unnecessary carpets or objects that collect pollen and dust from your room during this time.
- Avoid outdoor exercise when the pollen count is high because it may be harmful to your system. Even indoor exercise might be a problem if you have respiratory symptoms like wheezing or coughing so contact your physician before you exercise.
Treatment for Hay Fever Symptoms:
If you have a cough, wheezing or difficulty breathing, immediately call your doctor. For serious breathing problems call 911. You may be having a serious problem like an asthma attack. Treatment may include breathing treatments or steroids. You will definitely need to see your doctor if you are concerned about your cough or breathing.
In general, anti-histamines (like diphenhydramine, loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine) are the first thing many people try because they decrease the allergic response. There are multiple over the counter preparations that work pretty well, but oftentimes one works better for one individual than another, and some have less side effects, like sedation, than others. There are prescription medications as well that your doctor can prescribe to you.
Decongestants help by relieving the inflammation and congestion that comes with the allergic response. Medications like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are available over the counter but can have serious side effects, so talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you begin taking them.
Steroids also decrease the inflammation related to allergies so they are used commonly if the anti-histamine or decongestants are not effective. Steroids are always prescribed by a physician or health care provider and cannot be obtained over the counter.
For itchy eyes (Allergic Conjunctivitis) there are many types of over the counter drops that work very well. One product has pheneramine (anti-histamine) and naphazoline (gets the red out). As with any medicine it can have side effects so contact your doctor if you are taking any other medications before you use it. Please discuss the treatment with your physician if you have any concerns.
Sneezing, runny nose, and congestion are symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis. There are many different preparations for this as well starting with decongestants which dry up your nose. Other preparations are steroid nasal sprays and medicines that stabilize the allergic response.
Enjoy Spring, but be careful if you are having allergic symptoms and call your doctor for any medical advice. CorrectMed Pediatrics can answer your questions and treat you if needed.
Thanks,
Dr. Goo
